On the Surly Krampus fork there are cage mounts on the back 45° and one mount on the side 90°. However, no mounting points on the front 45°. I want to run a bottle on the back 45° and a small cargo bag on the front 45°. How can I achieve this so it is sturdy and reliable for the long haul? Thanks in advance!
by HeyYahBud
2 Comments
Option 1: Get one of those clamp-on bottle mounts, and then drill it out so that you can put it over the top of one of nut inserts that are already present, but so that your bottle mount faces the direction you want it to.
Option 2: Take your fork to a frame builder and have them install nut inserts where you want them. Optionally, repaint fork– if you’re willing to spend the cash, have it powder coated.
Option 3: Drill and weld nut inserts yourself.
I have some ideas for you:
1. Take inspiration from https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/b-rad-system/products/b-rad-double-bottle-cage-adapter and make a custom mounting plate. A sheet of aluminium can be cut and shaped into a large mounting tab for a bag. Bend the aluminium gently over a tube and drill holes to fit the top rear two bolts on your fork and maybe the side bolt as well. Make it so the aluminium extends forward and cut whatever mounting provisions you need on the front part. This way you don’t need to also buy a cargo cage, the aluminium sheet will provide enough structure to directly tie the bag.
2. Use voile straps to tie the bag to the fork. If you are concerned the bag could rotate toward the spokes, buy two or four rack struts (Tubus sell them but cheaper flat steel ones are also fine). Cut them about three inches long and mount to the inside bolts on the fork, strut facing forward. The idea is just to provide a stop that prevents the bag from hitting the spokes.
3. Buy or make some of these and mount very small bags below your bottles: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/b-rad-system/products/b-rad-bottle-relocation-and-accessory-device
4. Mount larger cargo bags and put disposable water bottles inside when needed. I say disposable because they weigh and cost nothing, you can use them on hot days and squish them to save space on cool days. And they have well sealing tops to avoid leaks inside the bags.