Beginner and not very handy as may figure from my question.
My bike doesn't have a 3bolts on the fork and I want to have fork bags + saddle bag.
It seems all fork bags require a cage to mount to bike and then strap the bag around this cage.
How would you go set up a cage without 3bolts?
Do I require a cage or strapping the bag directly to the fork is possible?
by bigly87
7 Comments
https://oldmanmountain.com/product/axle-pack-3/
Old man mountain Axle Pack
The forks are not designed for it. Don’t do it.
There are some cage systems which don’t require bolts but use straps and/or the axles instead. And sure you could technically strap a bag directly to the fork with some voile straps, although I would highly advise not to do that. A cage provides a support at the base, so your bag does not slip down in bumpy situations. But more important, it secures your load to no turn around radially. Strapping something directly onto the fork bears a risk that it will turn and end up in the spokes. You will either end up being catapulted over your bar or destroying your front wheel, probably it will be both.
TLDR: If you want fork bags, you would need to thread some bolts in your existing fork (professionally ofc) or exchanging the fork with a bolted one.
I had a similar problem and bought a jack rack. I was strongly advised by several people that if your carbon forks don’t have the rivnuts for carrying things, then don’t
Topeak VersaCages, they come with 3 VersaMounts to attach to the frame and are big enough for 1L Nalgene water bottles or smaller drybags.
There are mounts/bag cages designed to clamp or strap to metal forks that lack mounts, but on carbon that doesn’t have integrated mounts I literally wouldn’t.
You can use heavy duty Voile/Ski straps with some electrical tape underneath to prevent slipping – wrap the tape around the fork first then secure the cage with straps, works great for me and dosent damage the fork.