A good handlebar cradle can completely change how you carry gear on your bike. But with so many different designs, mounting systems, and price points, finding the right one isn’t always straightforward. These systems have been around for years, but they’ve evolved tremendously over the last half-decade. So, like in my rear rack-top bag video, I’ll break down the options, what makes each one unique, how much they cost, and which one might work best for you. Check out the full video below, followed by a written version.

It’s always interesting to see the bikepacking world evolve. We get a new product, then something similar launches, and before you know it, four years have passed, and we have a whole slew of options in one particular category. This is exactly what we’ve seen with rear racks over the past decade. Alongside those racks, we’ve seen rear rack bags evolve into lighter, sleeker, smarter, and more refined setups for rough roads, tracks, and trails. These trends matter because they push the market forward, and they’ve even helped people break habits and build better setups.

I believe we’ve seen a similar evolution with front cargo systems. Front racks certainly have their place, but they’re not always the most realistic solution for every rider. Instead, we’ve seen a refinement of soft handlebar bags that emerged as an alternative to traditional front racks, aiming to create something more compact, reliable, and better suited to rough terrain.

Front Cradle History

Carrying gear on handlebars is nothing new. In the late 1800s, the Buffalo Soldiers used burrito-shaped canvas bundles mounted directly to their handlebars. From there, we saw bags and baskets mounted to racks, larger top-loading bags with rack supports, full rack and pannier systems, and eventually the directly mounted soft bags that helped shape modern bikepacking.

These days, that concept has evolved into more refined handlebar- and even steerer-tube-mounted cradles that stay on the bike while letting you easily remove your cargo. Of course, no system is truly foolproof. Riding bikes over rough surfaces for extended periods is hard on gear, stitching, welds, and everything in between. But much of the evolution in these systems has helped prevent, or at least slow, that wear. We all have our own needs and preferences, so I can’t say exactly what might work best for you without knowing how you ride and what you pack. But I can say handlebar cradles have won me over for the last few years.

Why Cradles?

First off, cradles are compatible with just about any dry bag you already own, or whatever gear roll you want to make. They let you pack your gear off the bike instead of balancing it while stuffing gear into a bag at awkward angles. And perhaps most importantly, you can simply remove the dry bag while leaving the cradle mounted to the bike. They can also accommodate additional items outside the dry bag, like tent poles, groundsheets, extra layers in a pinch, or even shoes and sandals. And finally, they often provide a more stable setup than traditional soft handlebar bags.

However, there are some downsides. Many of these newer systems aren’t cheap, and most incorporate additional hardware, usually aluminum, carbon, composites, or some combination of those materials, which can create potential headaches. Because they fit more precisely, they often require shims for different handlebar diameters, and some might not even work with narrower bars. That said, I think the pros outweigh the cons, and with so many options available now, it’s a good time to dive into what’s out there.

DIY Options

If you’re just getting into this style of riding and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a dedicated setup, a few cheap straps and a dry bag mounted directly to the bars will work. Oftentimes, folks realize this is perfectly adequate for their needs and budget. From experience, though, many have told me it’s more of a pain, with constant adjusting and tinkering. Those folks often switch to an alternative system on their next trip.

If you want to experiment with a cradle-style system on a budget, another option is to buy one of those cheap handlebar extenders, which are actually meant for mounting accessories. In theory, you could position the bar lower to support a small load while freeing up handlebar space for lights, a GPS, or other accessories. Just keep in mind that these aren’t designed to support luggage. Other options include creating space between the bag and your handlebars, giving your cables and housing room to breathe. You can do this with PVC pipe or even a pool noodle, running straps through them to create that separation.

Handlebar Cradles

For the ready-to-buy cradle systems, I’ll start in alphabetical order, mostly focusing on the ones I’ve tested, while sharing a few others from the team. I’m not going to cover every option out there, but rather the ones I’d consider using. We have a whole index dedicated to handlebar cradles, and you can find that list below.

Miss Grape ILCOSO

320 grams / $140 at Miss Grape

Now, I think the ILCOSO gets a lot of love because it really was a unique take on this style of cradle when it came out over three years ago, making it one of the older options in this roundup. It took some notes from the original Salsa EXP Anything Cradle and made things more compact, lighter, and modular.

The system is made from PA6 polyamide, a thermoplastic nylon, and includes an accessory bar. You can mount this system with or without the accessory bar, giving you four mounting orientations. This allows you to position the accessory mount or cradle higher or lower to accommodate different cockpit configurations.
It fits 31.8mm handlebars, and the system comes with two webbing straps and buckles that weave through the cradle. Overall, it works great with most dry bags.

My only major concerns are the small hardware and 3mm bolt heads, the cradle being slightly narrower than some others in this category, and the fact that it won’t work with 35mm bars. But in my testing, the system handled some extremely demanding terrain without issue. The dry bag remained stable without loosening, and it was super easy to load and remove. Plus, the accessory mount helps create clearance for lights and GPS units. Overall, the system weighs 320 grams, is made in Italy, and costs $140. I think it’s a great option for someone looking for a lightweight, modular cradle with plenty of adjustability, especially if you’re running 31.8mm handlebars.

Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle

664 grams / 9-11L Capacity / $110-240 at Old Man Mountain

The OMM Manzanita is one of the newer systems on the market and offers a unique take on the category. The cradle almost looks inverted when you mount it, but it’s designed to work this way. The Manzanita is essentially a modernized version of the original Salsa Anything Cradle, as OMM and Salsa worked together on this project. It offers improved adjustability, small accessory mounts for things like a light or GPS, mounting locations for cages on top of the arms, and a really well-thought-out bag system.

It works with both flat and drop bars and comes with either a 9-liter top-loading bag (the one I tested) or an 11-liter dual-opening dry bag. I tested the top-loading bag on both drop and flat bars and found it incredibly stable and easy to use. One particularly helpful feature is the side loops on the cradle that hold the bag in place, so you don’t have to balance it against the cradle while securing the straps.

I found mounting the system with the upside-down screw heads annoying, but the design allows for adequate cable and housing clearance. At 664 grams with the bag and 434 grams for just the cradle, it’s on the heavier side, and the weight sits a little higher and farther forward than I’d prefer. It’s compatible with both 31.8 and 35mm handlebars, and it’s a complete, versatile system that’s easy to live with, both on the bike and at camp. The OMM Manzanita Cradle costs $240 and is made in Taiwan; you can also buy the cradle separately with straps for $150. This is a great option for anyone who wants a complete, stable, versatile front cargo system, especially if you prefer a dedicated bag over sourcing your own dry bag.

Revelate Designs Hammerhead Harness

335 grams / $225 at Revelate Designs

The Hammerhead is one of Revelate’s newest products and the most recent handlebar cradle I’ve tested. The Hammerhead accompanied me on the Colorado Trail this year, along with several shorter adventures, and proved a worthy candidate for the job. Unlike the first two systems I talked about, this one lets you position the handlebar mounts wider or narrower around a stem. While this doesn’t add much versatility, it can help you dial in the available space on your bars.

What sets this system apart is its attention to detail, which creates a great user experience. The hinged clamps and easy-to-remove spacers accommodate both 31.8 and 35mm bars; M6 bolts with O-ring retainers keep them in place, and robust straps and buckles all stand out. I also like the simple mesh panel, which helps reduce noise if you mount something like tent poles against the cradle, while keeping the dry bag snug and preventing slippage. I noticed that the lower portion of the aluminum clamps allows a bit more freedom for cables and housing, while still keeping the load relatively tight to the head tube. Plus, the accessory mount uses a larger diameter bar, which accommodates more accessories and provides a sturdier mounting platform.

It weighs more than many of these systems at 335 grams and costs $225. It’s also made in China, but it feels like one of the most durable options I’ve tested. If durability, thoughtful details, and ease of use are priorities, the Hammerhead is a compelling option, especially for demanding off-road trips where you want a system you can count on.

Rogue Panda Blue Ridge

226 grams / $195 at Rogue Panda

The original Rogue Panda Blue Ridge Cradle was one of my favorite systems up until this year. The only reason I’ve moved on is that the new version’s improved shape and TPU straps are a marked improvement. What I’ve always liked about the Blue Ridge is the simplicity. It’s compatible with 31.8 and 35mm handlebars and features adjustable carbon rods mounted to aluminum rails. Outside of that, it’s a no-nonsense system with the ability to add accessories like an accessory bar, upgraded straps, and even shims to fit 22.2 or 25.4mm bars, which isn’t something many other systems can claim.

The best thing about this cradle is just how well it holds a dry bag. The soft edges help prevent damage to the bag, and the long cradle supports a wide range of bag diameters and widths while still accommodating almost any drop-bar configuration. It’s light at just 266 grams, and I really appreciate the new TPU straps and strap keepers. The system is expensive, however, especially when you start adding accessories. For just the cradle and straps, you’re looking at $195. But if you want a simple, well-thought-out, made-in-the-USA option that’s lightweight and holds your gear securely, the Blue Ridge is hard to overlook.

Rogue Panda Kaibab Cradle

256 grams / $185 at Rogue Panda

The Rogue Panda Kaibab system is a little different. It might be the system on this list that surprised me the most. I wasn’t sure how it would work out, since steerer-tube mounting is a bit more involved than most handlebar cradles. Mounting a bracket or spacer might seem annoying at first, and sure, it takes a little more time and adjustment to tighten everything back together, but I never expected a system like this to feel so good.

The load essentially sits completely below your handlebars, but as close to the head tube as possible, giving the bike a ride feel unlike anything I’ve experienced. While the load still turns with your bars, it makes the front end feel much less cumbersome. Plus, it frees up valuable handlebar space for mounting accessories. Like the Blue Ridge, the cradle uses CNC-machined aluminum arms shaped to hug your dry bag, with two carbon rods threaded through them to support the load. The system mounts to a larger steerer-tube spacer with four bolts and can be removed just as easily when you want to switch back to day-ride mode.

It’s a slick setup that worked extremely well on a trip through the Peaks and Plateaus last year. It won’t work on every bike, so check out their fit finder on their website. It weighs 256 grams with straps and costs $185 without them, plus $20 for straps. This mounting style has me intrigued, and I’m eager to test more systems like it.

Salsa EXP Anything Cradle

420 grams

Originally launched in 2016 and updated in 2020, the Anything Cradle helped create this category. With two aluminum arms attaching to a composite cradle, the system mounts to the handlebars and extends away from them, creating room for cables and housing. Its straps weave through the cradle, similar to the ILCOSO, and help secure a welded dry bag. It’s not a light system, and I always disliked how far those aluminum arms extended the load away from the cockpit, but it was a great starting point for this category.

The 2020 update added modern touches, including compatibility with both 31.8 and 35mm handlebars, a narrower top-loading dry bag for drop bars, and TPU-style rubber straps instead of the original webbing and buckles. It wasn’t light, coming in at 420 grams, but at just $125 for the cradle, it offered great value. While the system is technically discontinued, you can still find it through some retailers and bike shops. Overall, I think it’s a great starting point for someone looking for a relatively affordable, proven cradle system, and it deserves a nod for helping shape the amazing variety of options we have today. Unfortunately, the system is no longer available through Salsa.

Tailfin Bar Cage

234 grams / $155 at Tailfin

All the other cradles I’ve talked about can rotate up and down on the handlebars, creating a single pivot point—and the ILCOSO offers a few different mounting orientations on top of that—but the Tailfin Bar Cage is the only dual-axis system. It allows for that same handlebar rotation, plus nearly infinite adjustment of the cradle itself, independent of the mounts. This is unique because it gives you a lot more flexibility with your front cargo setup. Plus, the arms can move in or out to find the perfect fit around your stem and other handlebar accessories.

Speaking of accessories, the Bar Cage also offers a few add-ons, including three fully welded dry bags. These are unique because they feature what is essentially a third hand, helping hold the dry bag in place on the cradle so you can use both hands to tighten the provided TPU straps. Optional GPS and light mounts are also available if you’re limited on handlebar space but still want to mount those accessories. In use, I found the system incredibly compact yet very robust, keeping the load secure and stable over rough terrain on both drop-bar and mountain bikes. It’s compatible with 35mm bars and comes with shims to fit 31.8mm bars. It has quite a few moving parts, something I’d say is the system’s biggest con. There are small bolts and other pieces of hardware, so make sure everything is properly torqued down.

The system weighs 234 grams without straps, and the cradle alone costs $155. For a complete setup with a dry bag and straps, pricing starts at $215. All told, I think this is a great option for someone who really wants to dial in their front cargo setup. It’s incredibly modular, offers more adjustability than most, and nearly every detail feels well thought out, making your life a little easier.

Others Tested by the Team

While I’ve covered the cradles I’ve spent the most time with, our team has tested a handful of other interesting systems worth mentioning.

Rockgeist BarJam Cradle

Miles recently tested the updated BarJam Cradle on a week-long Arizona Trail trip. The system uses aluminum brackets and cradle arms to position the dry bag away from cables and the head tube. Despite some demanding terrain, Miles was impressed by its stability. It weighs 254 grams and costs $195.

RatKing Cradle

The RatKing Cradle is another steerer-mounted option, but it features an adjustable bracket that lets you fine-tune your load’s position. It’s constructed from chromoly steel with a machined aluminum mount, and Logan was particularly impressed by its stability, even on rough descents. It weighs 256 grams and costs $175.

GoodDay Curiosity Spacer Cradle

Handmade right here in Gunnison, Colorado, the GoodDay Curiosity Spacer Cradle is a simple, welded chromoly steel design that replaces a 20mm steerer spacer. There’s no angle adjustment, but its low-profile design keeps smaller loads stable and close to the head tube. The one we tested weighed 230 grams and costs $180.

Mostly Forever Titanium Bedroll Harness

This might be one of the more interesting designs in the bunch. Handmade in Oregon, the Mostly Forever Ti Bedroll Harness uses welded titanium tubes and hinged handlebar clamps to support a dry bag, with the upper tube doubling as an accessory mount. Priced at $215 and weighing just 210 grams, it’s impressively lightweight, and Logan found it stable while testing on a hardtail.

Drj0n G-Funk Handlebar Strap Deck

Finally, there’s the Drj0n G-Funk, a super-minimalist system made in Scotland from 3D-printed nylon. It uses two small handlebar clamps and a cargo platform to support a lightweight dry bag or tent. Miles tested this one and appreciated its simplicity and low-profile design. At just 61 grams, it’s incredibly light, although its limited load capacity makes it better suited to smaller setups. It costs around $56, but you’ll need to piece together the parts on Wildcat.cc

What about you? Are you running one of these cradle systems, or are you still perfectly happy strapping a dry bag directly to your bars? Let us know in the Conversation below…

Further Reading

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