Since time immemorial, there have been virtually endless possibilities to improve bicycles, enhance their appearance, or personalize them according to one's own preferences. Whether road bike, mountain bike, or folding bike - people yearn to imprint their mark on their single-track companion and thus set it apart from the crowd.
Category A or B?
New carbon wheels make a bike lighter, usually faster, and sometimes even better. Saddles, grips, handlebars - these are all points that can legitimately be adapted.
Before we get lost in detail, we classify the components into two areas: for simplicity's sake as 'Cool' and 'Rather Niche'.
Bling Bling Alarm
Which improvement to your bike falls into which category is, of course, a matter of taste and depends on a variety of factors. The new MT7 Pro brake system from Magura: definitely cool. The Galibier leather saddle from Gilles Berthoud? Depends on the bike, but certainly still in the green zone. The H1C fender set from Honjo? Probably means nothing to anyone now, but - perhaps because of that - extremely cool.
Cat's eyes or rearview mirrors for handlebar mounting, on the other hand? With other things, the decision seems to be clear. If you absolutely want it, why not. But a desire for such accessories that triggers an immediate purchase reflex is rather rare.
At least so far. Because ever since the modern Gravelbike has seen the light of day, these natural laws seem to have been suspended. Suddenly, MTB pedals on a road bike are acceptable, fenders are no longer sneered at as "soft", and it's almost good form to leave the house with at least seven panniers.
Every Bike is a GravelCargobike
The latest trend lies in the cargo-fication of existing bikes. Urban cyclists have known this for a long time: The common luggage rack often tips the scales. It transforms your aging Puch Clubman in no time into a highly sought-after vintage sleigh for flat white sippers in the hip scene district.
But not only in city bikes is this trend noticeable, also in the bikepacking segment the luggage rack has gained significantly in momentum and seems to be becoming more and more popular as an alternative to shaky saddle bags. And rightly so, because anyone who has ever traveled with said pannier knows: practical, yes, but really good is different.
However, since many gravel bikes have to do without eyelets for mudguard or luggage rack mounting, the options are sparse, and with full-suspension mountain bikes, the situation is even more difficult.
Old Man Mountain
As is often the case, an inventive American was not willing to accept this fact, and so as early as 1996, work was busily underway in a workshop in California on a rack solution for mountain bikes.
After decades of creation and countless tours where their products were successfully reviewed thoroughly, the company Old Man Mountain now offers rack solutions for both the fork and the rear, regardless of whether they are suspended or not.
The straightforward product range includes three models: the Elkhorn, which is suitable for both front and rear and is a clear recommendation especially for full-suspension bikes with large travel, as it offers generous space during compression. The Pizza Rack, which is specifically designed for the front and is almost identical to the Elkhorn except for the load area. Finally, the Divide, a versatile carrier that can function as both a front and a rear rack.
Divide Rack Luggage Carrier
Rack | For front or rear wheel mounting |
Material | Aluminum 6061, Stainless steel mounting elements |
Tire Size | 26" / 27.5" / 28" (700C) / 29" |
Maximum Tire Width | 3 inches |
Shelf Area | 102 x 267 mm |
Height | 384 - 435 mm (adjustable) |
Pipe Thickness | 13 mm (main frame), 10 mm (pannier level) |
Weight | 790 g (carrier with dropouts), 100 g (14" strut), 40 g (6" strut), 60 g (mounting material) |
Maximum Load Capacity | 32 kg (with axle mounting), 25 kg (with frame mounting using threaded eyelets) |
Scope of Delivery | 1 x OMM Divide basic carrier 2 x Dropouts 2 x Short strut 6 inches 2 x Long strut 14 inches Stainless steel mounting material (screws, nuts, washers, spacers) |
List Price | €139.90 RRP |
Pizza Rack Luggage Carrier
Rack | For front wheel mounting |
Material | 6061 Aluminum, stainless steel mounting hardware |
Tire size | 26" / 27.5" / 28" (700C) |
Hub width | Up to max. 157 mm installation width |
Maximum tire width | 2.8" inches (27.5") or 50 mm (700C) |
Platform dimensions | 326 x 255 mm |
Height | 371 mm from mounting point to underside of deck |
Weight | Approx. 660 g |
Maximum load | 15.8 kg |
Scope of delivery | 1 x Old Man Mountain Pizza Rack 1x Mounting hardware (eyelet mounting) Note: Axle Fit Kits optionally available |
List price | € 149.90 RRP |
Photo gallery including weights
No eyelets? No problem!
I have chosen my Specialized Epic Evo as the test subject. A fully as a pack mule? Why not, anyone who's into hardcore bikepacking can't avoid a fully anyway. And those who then prefer a more comfortable ride won't want to do without a rack.
The appropriate thru-axles are quickly found thanks to Fit Kit Finder, and the assembly is self-explanatory. Anyone who still needs help will find it on the website. A dedicated support section explains the installation of each product in detail and provides clarity in case of problems.
The clever part is that the assembly works easily on both classic touring bikes and all other bicycles. Quick release or thru-axle? There are suitable adapters for both systems! Missing mounting points on stays or fork are simply replaced by cable ties, and off you go.
The carriers themselves are made of aluminum and make a solid impression. No sharp edges or sloppy welds are visible. The only thing to be careful with are the supplied screws, as the hex socket can quickly wear out if not careful. Almost all carriers are made in Taiwan. However, the Divide USA and Divide Fat USA models come from the USA and are only available directly through Old Man Mountain.
The Elkhorn is available in two sizes (Short and Tall Version) for up to 29 inches with a max width of 3.25". The Divide Rack can be adapted for bikes with 26” to 29+ wheels. The Pizza Rack is approved for a maximum of 27.5+ or 700x50mm, but it also fits on my 29” wheel without any problems. Fenders, however, will no longer work.
The Divide has a maximum load of 32 kilograms, while the Pizza Rack can take up to an additional 15 kilograms - significantly more than I am willing to carry, let alone subject my delicate carbon frame to.
Practical detail on the side: If you want to mount a light on the carrier, you can quickly do so with the Headlight Mount.
Ponderosa Panniers and Juniper Trunk
Since a rack system without suitable bags makes about as much sense as a saddle without a horse, I opted for the Ponderosa Pannier Set and the Juniper Trunk for variable storage space.
At first glance, the bags impress with their robust appearance: durable TPU outer material, which, thanks to welded seams and roll-top closure, is even waterproof. In combination with high-quality, adjustable snap buckles, the bags all make a very solid impression.
The loading volume of the two pannier bags, which are only available as a set, is 13 liters each. The Juniper Trunk offers an additional 7 liters. 32 liters of storage space may not be enough for a trip around the world, but for most tours, it is more than sufficient. The great thing about the set is that it fits both the front and rear racks, whether it's a Pizza Rack, Elkhorn, or Divide.
The attachment of the bags to the racks is done using Velcro or respectively, a buckle closure. While this is practical if you only do it once in a blue moon, anyone who wants to regularly take down the panniers, for instance, to bring them into the house, will eventually be either extremely dexterous or emotionally frazzled.
The goal was to be as quiet as possible on bumpy paths, which is why plastic parts were avoided. This actually works excellently, but especially for everyday use, such as commuting to work, it then becomes annoying that removing them is so complicated.
The weight of the Pannier Bags, at just over 1,100 grams, is significantly lower than comparable bags, such as the Sport Roller from Ortlieb. However, these are equipped with the QL system and with a volume of 14.5 liters are also somewhat larger.
The Juniper Bag works excellently as a small additional bag on the luggage rack. The installation via the four straps is significantly easier than with the Ponderosa Panniers, but the bag only holds about half as much.
On the outside of the bag, there is a waterproof compartment with a zip closure. As with the panniers, lights can also be mounted on the back.
The luggage rack bags from Old Man Mountain are actually primarily intended and designed as permanently mounted solutions. On the bike or the racks, they make a sleek impression, however, the somewhat cumbersome installation and the lack of carrying straps make them rather unsuitable for use off the bike.
Summary
Old Man Mountain Divide + Pizza Rack | |
---|---|
Model Year: | 2023 |
Review Duration: | 2 Months |
+ | Fits every bike |
+ | FITS EVERY BIKE |
+ | Lifetime warranty |
+ | Mountable at the front and back |
+ | Thru-axle adapter from Robert Axle Project |
+ | Also combinable with other bags |
o | Very down-to-earth appearance |
- | Somewhat cumbersome mounting of the bags |
BB-Verdict: | Universal, versatile base with smart extras and robust bags |
Old Man Mountain proves that high-quality aluminum can be used to build first-class and especially durable luggage rack solutions.
The Divide is an excellent product. Thanks to its adaptive design, it can be mounted on almost all bikes, regardless of wheel diameter, without complications and still provides excellent service. Whether on bikepacking tours in the backcountry or as a solution for E-MTB, the Divide convinces.
Optionally available accessories such as the Headlight or Rearlight Mount are a worthwhile investment and show that the company has thought about how to underline the versatile usability.
There are probably cheaper carrier systems on the market, but Old Man Mountain stands out through quality and lifetime warranty. A top product.
I personally really like the bags. By nature, I'm a fan of indestructible equipment. The TPU material not only appears reliable, it is. Whether you're planning a detour through the bushes or the bike involuntarily lays down in a curve taken too quickly - the panniers don't care. In addition, all straps on the bag are replaceable, in case the last torn star was maybe too much of a good thing.
In terms of practicality or everyday suitability, they can't keep up with products from, for example, Ortlieb, but still, I find them justified considering the somewhat higher acquisition cost.
If you're not really convinced by the bags: The luggage racks are also compatible with products from Ortlieb's QL 2.1 System and there's absolutely nothing against using them with straps.
If you're looking for a minimalist solution instead of a rather massive front carrier: Old Man Mountain has recently presented a new mounting system named Axle Pack Fork Mount, which enables the carrying of Fork Packs on suspension forks ...
If you're visiting the website, you should also take a look at the blog, where interesting projects and cool bikes are presented.