I lile the cage but downside for me is when using a bigger bag,) i have the Woho 5 liter waterproof bag with valve and starp loops) the bottom support should be longer. During rough terrain my bags tend to lose their shape and act like a jello😅. And i guess the cage it self could be a little longer as well. But these are setup issues for me and minor things.. For the money they are great!
Got two of these for my trip last year or maybe 2019. I agree with you on everything. Budget option, not Ultralight, not the 'prettiest' but god-DAMN if these won't survive a Nuclear Holocaust, Mad-Max scenario. I still use the Blackburn straps, but the Voile are calling my name this season. EDITED TO ADD: I also threw them on my Fox Fork on my Karate Monkey using hose clamps and some old tubes to prevent scratching. Held perfectly still and didn't leave a mark. (I have since invested in a proper bikepacking frame and fork. the KM is not my year-round single speed commuter ride)
Value for money piece of kit, I have stretched a piece of off cut inner tube across the base and use a small pc of 3mm around the backs of my 1ltr water bottles to minimise vibration/wear.
I use those and they are amazing and super heavy duty. I took a crash doing 30mph around a bend and my bike flipped repeatedly and there was chunks taken out of the rear rack, seat, crank arms, pedals, bars, shifters brakes and the Blackburn cargo cages (mounted on the front fork) on both sides gouged and only one barely bent! I didn’t even notice until I took them off for normal service. I think they may be the most physically heavy duty cages on the market! Absolutely worth every single penny. They will last forever ❤️
If you own a Surly you will want the latest version of the cage, since it mates with the triple bosses found on so many Surly forks. I second the suggestion someone made to use semi-permanent thread locker (aka Loctite) on all such mounting bolts. On a long adventure, I'd carry a bottle of the stuff, since it weighs next to nothing and would need to be reapplied in the event any bolt has to be loosened and re-tightened. One of my bikes has a front shock (with obviously no mount points) so I used hose clamps to ensure a secure fit with no possibility of movement. There are any number of ways to prevent scratching what you're clamping, including a cut-up inner tube. People looking for trouble would use electrical tape. Product cost is reasonable, especially considering how fine a product this is. I'd be keen to know if anyone has found a cage they think is superior to the Blackburn, regardless of price.
Wish I had the mounting point. Then again I don't really even want 1 gram more of weight. On the other hand it would allow me to shift some weight lower on the bike. My Arizona tour had some major mountains. They were no joke. Only have day 1 video posted so far.
I've seen plenty of people just attach these with plumping clamps and electrical tape (or sometimes just the latter). You could look at Widefoot cages that are much lighter. I LOVE having the weight low on the front forks. SO much better for climbing and stabilizes the descents too
A little while ago, I replaced my front rack with two of these guys with a couple of cylindrical dry bags: your review is spot on, they feel bomb-proof! Still some weight on the front (like that and need that) but no chance of over-packing my front end.
I feel like such a copy cat! I have been getting almost all of the gear you recommend haha! Just got a pair of these to go with my Road Runner Bouy bags!!!!
Fork cages for the win! Love having the weight upfront but still keeps it more minimal (and lighter!) than front panniers on a front rack. Anyone else?
Places to mount things on my trike are few and far between. It comes with one cage mount on the boom. One water bottle was not an option. I bought a mount to put a handle bar bag beside me and got a cage mounted on it. Then I put the Blackburn cage on the boom and put a large water bottle on it. I have my water bottle with the flip cap beside me easy to reach and refill it out of the big bottle as needed. Have run this arrangement for 3 or 4 years now. The stock straps work well, the nonslip coating on them hold the stainless steel bottle I am using solid in the cage. Never comes loose and better yet, never rattles. Of course, my experience and use are nothing like yours, probably only have 5000 km on it, but I sure like it. And the way I am using it, I am sure the cage will last for years. Might just will it to one of my kids.......
I don't use a lot of Blackburn products, but that one seems like it's built sturdy enough to warrant the price tag. If I ever decide to go with those cages instead of panniers or delve into bike packing, I will check those out. Thanks for putting this review/information out for us. You may have already considered swapping out your forks for a 2020 model. I have the 2020 Sutra and it has a ridiculous amount of mounting options.
Yes agreed! I was surprised by how well made it is and how it held up. Definitely good for the price!! Good idea on the fork swap but not sure they sell them.
Have you seen the upcoming mini fork panniers from ortlieb? Just saw them on Path Less Pedaled's Livestream yesterday. They have quick release brackets. Pretty nifty....but they're MSRP'd at $60 each. They do offer mounting straps for forks that don't have bosses.
Even though this rack only has enough holes for a 2 bolt fork, could you mount it on a fork that has 3 bolts (thinking Salsa Journeyman)? or would the 3rd bolt be in the way?
Blackburn states the max carrying weight is 4kgs/8.8lbs. I was carrying about 5 lbs on each fork. It felt good and stable having weight that low. Handling on the Sutra didn't feel much different and on the climbs it felt way better than having weight in the back. Stabilized the climb in a way
I lile the cage but downside for me is when using a bigger bag,) i have the Woho 5 liter waterproof bag with valve and starp loops) the bottom support should be longer. During rough terrain my bags tend to lose their shape and act like a jello😅. And i guess the cage it self could be a little longer as well. But these are setup issues for me and minor things.. For the money they are great!
Got two of these for my trip last year or maybe 2019. I agree with you on everything. Budget option, not Ultralight, not the 'prettiest' but god-DAMN if these won't survive a Nuclear Holocaust, Mad-Max scenario. I still use the Blackburn straps, but the Voile are calling my name this season.
EDITED TO ADD: I also threw them on my Fox Fork on my Karate Monkey using hose clamps and some old tubes to prevent scratching. Held perfectly still and didn't leave a mark. (I have since invested in a proper bikepacking frame and fork. the KM is not my year-round single speed commuter ride)
Value for money piece of kit, I have stretched a piece of off cut inner tube across the base and use a small pc of 3mm around the backs of my 1ltr water bottles to minimise vibration/wear.
I use those and they are amazing and super heavy duty. I took a crash doing 30mph around a bend and my bike flipped repeatedly and there was chunks taken out of the rear rack, seat, crank arms, pedals, bars, shifters brakes and the Blackburn cargo cages (mounted on the front fork) on both sides gouged and only one barely bent! I didn’t even notice until I took them off for normal service. I think they may be the most physically heavy duty cages on the market! Absolutely worth every single penny. They will last forever ❤️
Very helpful. Specifically showing the 5L on the cage. Thanks, Ryan!
Glad it was helpful 👍!
I'm very grateful for your reviews, and I love watching your videos! Keep up the good work!!
John Bratten Cheers John!
Thanks, was looking at buying these instead of front rack and panniers, perfect timing.
If you own a Surly you will want the latest version of the cage, since it mates with the triple bosses found on so many Surly forks.
I second the suggestion someone made to use semi-permanent thread locker (aka Loctite) on all such mounting bolts. On a long adventure, I'd carry a bottle of the stuff, since it weighs next to nothing and would need to be reapplied in the event any bolt has to be loosened and re-tightened.
One of my bikes has a front shock (with obviously no mount points) so I used hose clamps to ensure a secure fit with no possibility of movement. There are any number of ways to prevent scratching what you're clamping, including a cut-up inner tube. People looking for trouble would use electrical tape.
Product cost is reasonable, especially considering how fine a product this is. I'd be keen to know if anyone has found a cage they think is superior to the Blackburn, regardless of price.
Thanks for the review. I'm looking at these cages for my Kona Sutra, so it was nice to see them on your bike before I bought them.
They’re great. Still going strong on my Sutra!
Thanks for the video!! I've never used them before but I decided to use them on my Pacific Coast trip in a month!! 🌎🚴 👍
Thanks for this review. I'm trying to do a bikepacking set up on a budget these racks look good for the price.
Thank you for the review, I've been looking at getting a couple of cages. 10000 miles is good enough for me.
Wish I had the mounting point. Then again I don't really even want 1 gram more of weight. On the other hand it would allow me to shift some weight lower on the bike. My Arizona tour had some major mountains. They were no joke. Only have day 1 video posted so far.
I've seen plenty of people just attach these with plumping clamps and electrical tape (or sometimes just the latter). You could look at Widefoot cages that are much lighter. I LOVE having the weight low on the front forks. SO much better for climbing and stabilizes the descents too
You all really do great reviews. Enjoy your very positive vibes, too! 🌈
Christopher Chase Thanks Christopher! Glad you find them helpful 😃
A little while ago, I replaced my front rack with two of these guys with a couple of cylindrical dry bags: your review is spot on, they feel bomb-proof! Still some weight on the front (like that and need that) but no chance of over-packing my front end.
Harm Heusinkveld Yes exactly! 🤘
I feel like such a copy cat! I have been getting almost all of the gear you recommend haha! Just got a pair of these to go with my Road Runner Bouy bags!!!!
Fork cages for the win! Love having the weight upfront but still keeps it more minimal (and lighter!) than front panniers on a front rack. Anyone else?
Do you miss having easier access to your stuff with your Swift bag? Pros and cons?
Just the right dimensions that would make the bike more stable and aerodynamic in the front end.
Thanks for your advice! I'm trying to choose my cages and you've been a great help.
Places to mount things on my trike are few and far between. It comes with one cage mount on the boom. One water bottle was not an option.
I bought a mount to put a handle bar bag beside me and got a cage mounted on it.
Then I put the Blackburn cage on the boom and put a large water bottle on it.
I have my water bottle with the flip cap beside me easy to reach and refill it out of the big bottle as needed.
Have run this arrangement for 3 or 4 years now.
The stock straps work well, the nonslip coating on them hold the stainless steel bottle I am using solid in the cage. Never comes loose and better yet, never rattles.
Of course, my experience and use are nothing like yours, probably only have 5000 km on it, but I sure like it. And the way I am using it, I am sure the cage will last for years.
Might just will it to one of my kids.......
Haha right?! Seems indestructible! Sounds like you found a great way to put it to use
Love you two. Hope you are well. Missing your contebt!
I don't use a lot of Blackburn products, but that one seems like it's built sturdy enough to warrant the price tag. If I ever decide to go with those cages instead of panniers or delve into bike packing, I will check those out.
Thanks for putting this review/information out for us.
You may have already considered swapping out your forks for a 2020 model. I have the 2020 Sutra and it has a ridiculous amount of mounting options.
Yes agreed! I was surprised by how well made it is and how it held up. Definitely good for the price!! Good idea on the fork swap but not sure they sell them.
Have you seen the upcoming mini fork panniers from ortlieb? Just saw them on Path Less Pedaled's Livestream yesterday. They have quick release brackets. Pretty nifty....but they're MSRP'd at $60 each. They do offer mounting straps for forks that don't have bosses.
kevinjfeeney77 Ya I saw those! Cool piece of kit.
I hope you two are safe and doing ok with all the fires going on in California .
Thank you. When I need I will definitely consider these.
Started watching all your videos...
Nice
Awesome! Welcome!
A drop of loctite blue threadlocker will stop the bottle cages coming loose and rattling.
good call. need to order some of that
That cage is much better than the salsa cages the only thing i change was the straps
Bikepacking Yes, agreed. I think if they sold it with Voile strap they’d get more attention
Good Review! Have you done one on the Seat you used? That's an issue I'm confronting just now!
Kool review
what size are those Voile straps?
I got rid of the straps because the silicone backing started sticking to my bags and bottles.
oh dang, that's no good.
Does anyone know a good option to attach cages like this to forks with only one mounting screw per side?
Screw + heavy duty zip tie - protect frame with some cut up inner tube or something similar first.
Even though this rack only has enough holes for a 2 bolt fork, could you mount it on a fork that has 3 bolts (thinking Salsa Journeyman)? or would the 3rd bolt be in the way?
also wondering, what length are those green Voile straps?
What sort of weight were you carrying on the cage and did you notice any difference in the bikes handling? Apart from being heavier of course.
Blackburn states the max carrying weight is 4kgs/8.8lbs. I was carrying about 5 lbs on each fork. It felt good and stable having weight that low. Handling on the Sutra didn't feel much different and on the climbs it felt way better than having weight in the back. Stabilized the climb in a way
@@radbikeadventure Thanks, that's about the same weight I'm looking at. Happy travels 👍
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