By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 21, 2023

Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review – Multi-Rider Rack (Fall 2023)

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By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 21, 2023
Rack Advisor is reader-supported. We earn commission on products purchased via the links on this page. Learn more
What's special about it
  • Foot pedal for easy loading
  • 3-stage folding design
  • Fits various types of bikes.
Highlights
  • Releasing the arm may be a little difficult at times
  • No locks included
  • This is a heavy rack (sort of expected)
Editor's Rating
9,7
out of 10
  • Ease of Assembly
    9.8
  • Versatility
    9.7
  • Security
    9.6
  • Durability
    9.6
  • Overall
    9.7
Users’ Rating
4.4
out of 5
104 Users’ Rating
rating rating rating rating rating
rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.4
out of
5
104 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    49%
  • 4 stars
    46%
  • 3 stars
    4%
  • 2 stars
    1%
  • 1 stars
    0%
Add your rating:

When it comes to hauling full suspension bikes, tray-style hitch racks are clearly the preferred choice for many users. They are more secure than suspension racks. However, the major constraint of this type of bike rack is that they are typically limited to only 2 bikes. While there’s always the possibility of extending the rack to carry four bikes, the setup becomes more precarious. 

3-bike racks like the Kuat Transfer V2 3 bike rack are an ideal alternative that solves all of these issues. As you will discover in this Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review, this is one of the reasons why it is so popular.

Specifications

Mounting system
Universal
Car rack type
Hitch-mounted
Crossbar spread
16-48"
Weight limit
3 bikes, 120 lbs.
Max. bike size
18-29” (wheels), 5” wide (tires)
Dimensions
41” x 28.5” x 6”
Weight
66 lbs.
Warranty
Lifetime limited

Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review

Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review - Multi-Rider Rack (Fall 2023)
The Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Hitch Rack pivots easily into place and secures your prized rides without touching the frames.

Kuat Transfer V2 3 bike rack is a unique rack that is miles ahead of similar and even higher-priced alternatives. This rack is well made and is designed to be easy to use. The fact that it can haul up to three bikes at a go and is compatible with different types of bikes makes it such an impressively versatile product. All of these are at an affordable price point. Here’s our detailed breakdown of the features of this bike rack.

Design

The Kuat Transfer V2 has a 3-bike configuration which is a more practical setup compared to racks with a 4-bike design. The rack itself weighs about 50 pounds, and with this setup, you can conveniently haul 3 bikes with a weight capacity of 40 pounds for each bike. The tray has a “no frame contact” design. This means the rack is attached to your bike via the wheels instead of the frame. Not only is this type of rack easier to load and unload, but it also means your frame is unlikely to get nicked by frame clamps.

Compatibility

Another benefit of the “no frame contact” setup is that the rack is compatible with a wide range of bikes regardless of the shape of their frame. The tray and clamping mechanisms that hold the bike in place are designed to accommodate different wheel sizes. This makes the rack compatible with everything from regular road bikes to mountain bikes Trusted Source The 7 Best Mountain Bikes For 2021: Take to the Trail with Confidence So what kind of mountain bike do you need? There’s cross-country (XC), trail, enduro—but what does it all mean? There’s also budget to consider, as well as what type of riding you plan to use the mountain bike for. www.forbes.com with a size of 3″ plus or more.

Versatility

As mentioned, this rack is designed to fit bikes with a tire size of up to 3.0″.  There’s a dual-sided strap on the rear wheel tray that you can adjust based on the size of the tire you want to fit on it. This perfect mechanism ensures that the rack can be custom-fitted based on the wheelbase of the bikes you want to mount on it.

Durability

With any rack setup, you can expect a slight bounce here and there when you’re in motion, and the Transfer V2 3 is not an exception. Besides this, there isn’t much to worry about as far as durability goes. With a weight of 52lbs, this is a heavyweight rack, and it is well built, so you don’t have to worry a lot about mechanical issues. Users who have bought this rack claim that it lasts for years. Other than tightening a few loose bolts here and there over the years, there aren’t any other major issues. The plastic components of the rack, such as the mounts and ratchet straps, don’t feel flimsy at all and will last for a long time as well.

Security

Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review - Multi-Rider Rack (Fall 2023)
The new Transfer v2 has modular configurations available.

This bike rack features a semi-integrated bicycle cable lock mechanism which helps to keep your bike secure Trusted Source Outdoor Bicycle Racks Popularity over greener modes of transportation increases the need for bike racks. What better place to advertise? www.entrepreneur.com . The cable lock easily doubles up when you’re carrying 2 bikes and can be used to secure all three bikes as well.

Ease of Use

The Kuat Transfer 3 folds up and down via a foot pedal. This makes hand-free loading possible. Placing the bike on the tray is also quite straightforward. You simply rotate the wheel trays for the rear wheel based on the bike’s wheelbase. Then you secure it with the ratchet arm. There’s a subtle click that indicates that the arm is in place. But this click is not very audible. Also, while securing the arm in place is easy, releasing it can be a little challenging.

Ease of Storage

The rack features a 3-position fold-away system when it is not in use. However, you can simply fold it down and haul it around. it can also be detached from the hitch like a boat anchor and stowed away if you need to. You’ll find this quite convenient compared to a 4-bike setup.

Ease of Assembly

Assembling the Kuat Transfer 3 is quite straightforward, although it might take a little bit of time. The manual has detailed instructions, and you should be able to get it done in less than an hour if you follow these instructions. Kuat also included a wrench to facilitate the assembly process.

Value

At a retail price of $398, the Kuat Transfer 3-bike rack is quite affordable. It is well-built and performs better than many similarly priced racks. The only snag with it is that it does not come with a lock. This means you will have to shop for one separately. A standard lock for this rack may cost as high as $49.99, which further increases the price.

Other features

Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Review - Multi-Rider Rack (Fall 2023)
Spring loaded foot pedal at pivot.

Foot pedal

the Kuat Transfer 3 features a spring-loaded foot pedal that aids the process of loading and rolling up the rack on the back of your car. The foot pedal helps to lock the tray down during loading, so there’s no hassle at all.

PROS CONS
Can be used to carry 3 bikes  Arms are a little hard to release 
Durable heavy-duty build  Locks have to be purchased separately 
Affordable bike rack 

 

Kuat Transfer Types

Kuat makes some of the most economical but highly functional tray racks in the market. The Transfer comes in either a two-bike or three-bike version. Each of these can be fitted on either a 1 ¼” receiver hitch or a 2″ receiver hitch. They are both affordable, with the two-bike version only costing about $298.

Kuat Transfer 2

The Kuat Transfer 2 is just as easy to assemble and easy to use as the Transfer 3. It also has a solid build which ensures that it lasts longer and can support your bikes effectively. Coming at a price point of just $298, this is one of the most affordable bike trays you can get.

Kuat Transfer 3

The Kuat Transfer 3 can carry three bikes with a capacity of 40lbs each. This folding bike rack fits bikes with 20-29in tires and up to 4.5inch. It comes at a slightly higher price point of $398 which is still quite affordable compared to other models with similar functionality in the market.

Conclusion

If you’re shopping for a 3-bike rack, the Kuat Transfer 3 is undoubtedly one of the best options you can consider. The ease of use (thanks to the ingenious foot pedal) is a major plus for this rack. But it is also well-built too, and that’s another impressive thing about it. Despite being a budget-friendly option, what you’re getting is a secure rack that is just as functional as many other premium racks out there. Hopefully, this Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike review has shown you how much of a great idea buying this rack will be special if you hope to haul more than one bike at a go.

References

1.
The 7 Best Mountain Bikes For 2021: Take to the Trail with Confidence
So what kind of mountain bike do you need? There’s cross-country (XC), trail, enduro—but what does it all mean? There’s also budget to consider, as well as what type of riding you plan to use the mountain bike for.
2.
Outdoor Bicycle Racks
Popularity over greener modes of transportation increases the need for bike racks. What better place to advertise?
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