The Sea Otter Classic kicked off this week in Monterey, California, one of the world’s largest cycling festivals and an event I’ve been attending off and on for years. Set on the grounds at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the festival is a haven for cycling enthusiasts of every discipline.

Whether you’re into downhill racing, enduro or cyclocross, a dedicated road cyclist, into vintage builds, or all of the above, the event is a celebration of the cycling world. It’s an incredible platform for brands to launch and showcase all-new products for the 2025 season.

At the event, KUAT Racks unveiled the All-New Piston ION E-Bike Platform Rack, the latest addition to the well-known Piston product family. This dedicated e-bike hauler is built specifically to handle the weight and dimensions of electric bikes with ease.

It comes equipped with an integrated e-bike ramp, eliminating the need to deadlift your heavy bike onto the rack, saving your strength for the ride ahead.

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Following the success of the Piston Pro X, the ION is an upgraded version that has a higher weight capacity per tray. According to Kuat’s website, each tray will have a 100 lb. capacity and have the ability to carry up to two e-bikes on a 2-inch hitch, with zero frame contact helping you avoid unwanted rubbing that could cause damage.

The rack features a dual ratchet arm system, each with its own manual opening lever for secure and easy loading. The tray includes a front wheel stabilizer and a rear wheel strap kit to keep your bike firmly in place during transport. The adjustable FastFit wheel chock is designed to quickly accommodate a variety of wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 29 inches.

The tray can handle tires up to 4.8 inches wide and supports wheelbases up to 57 inches. Most of the rack is constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminum, with an automotive-grade powder coating that adds extra durability and scratch resistance.

Available accessories include a rear-light kit and a license plate mount for added functionality and on-road vehicle compliance.

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The weight capacity of each tray does decrease to 80 pounds per tray for RV applications, with a reduction to 50 pounds per tray for off-road use, something that directly applies to overlanding and outdoor enthusiasts.

For owners of Super73s or similar e-bikes on the heavier side, it is worth keeping this in mind if you are planning on off-road adventures.

For owners of more traditional e-bikes such as the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 or Cannondale Moterra SL 1, which weigh well under 50 pounds, the Piston ION will be a perfect solution if you are in the market for a sleek platform rack from a reputable manufacturer.

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Once the product is fully available this Fall/Winter, I’d assume we’ll have a complete spec sheet to help you dial in the setup based on your specific bike, vehicle requirements, and intended usage. MSRP is not currently available.

 

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