Previous Man Mountain has an attention-grabbing new set of convertible FLiP cages that double up as fast launch mounting brackets for brand new mild Hemlock bikepacking luggage or nonetheless work like standard carry-all something cages. Plus, on prime of these new 7L waterproof packs that I strapped to my fork, there’s additionally a similarly-made 9L Atlas dry bag that straps securely to the highest of a rear rack to get the load of your gear decrease than reckless bikepacking luggage.
I’ve been testing out the brand new Flip cages and fork luggage on our snowy winter trails. And so they provide a good way to strap some additional heat garments on the bike simply in case, however don’t get in the way in which while you depart the baggage at house.
Previous Man Mountain FLiP Cages & Hemlock fork luggage
Previous Man Mountain got down to create a brand new modular, light-weight quick-release system for attaching extra gear to your bike. Lighter and lower-profile that their standard rack setups, they got here up with the FLiP system. A comparatively easy cage that “like all OMM merchandise [is] safe, silent, and prepared for any driving situation“.
These new cages are Previous Man Mountain’s first ever cargo cages, however they’re much more than that.
The FLiP of their title reveals their versatility. Quick for Quick Lock in Place, the thick plastic cages do double-duty as each cargo cage AND a mounting bracket for the brand new OMM fast launch Hemlock luggage.
Previous Man Mountain describe them as “the primary fast detach mounts which might be additionally a cargo cage“.
Then, clipped onto the cages, the baggage are additionally an all-new development for Previous Man Mountain. OMM mix powerful hypalon decrease sections for sturdiness and to carry their form, then lighter however nonetheless waterproof higher cloth makes the baggage straightforward to cinch down for smaller masses.
First Driving Evaluate
I bolted a few the brand new Flip cargo cages to the OMM Fork Packs that I already reviewed final yr, for additional winter gear hauling. I largely have been carrying round cumbersome however mild additional clothes – additional insulated jacket, hotter gloves, insulated caps & buffs – and journey snacks. And it has been nice to have the gear pre-packed off the bike, then simply snapped into place to be additional ready for longer, colder rides.
Simply slip the decrease hook on the again of your bag into place within the slot of the FLiP cage, push the highest lug into its keyed slot on the cage, and rotate it 90° to lock securely in place. The entire cage and mount interface is made from outsized injection-molded nylon, which makes it easy to make use of and difficult sufficient to haul as much as 4.5kg (9.9lb) per cage/bag combo.
And since there’s a tiny little bit of stretch in nylon, the twist lock mechanism feels very safe and doesn’t transfer or rattle as you journey over tough terrain. Plus, it’s stood as much as some fairly chilly driving for me too, with out getting stiff or brittle at decrease temperatures.
First Impressions
I’m actually fairly proud of how out-of-the-way the cages are with out the baggage put in, so I don’t even discover them after I depart the baggage at house. It doesn’t make a giant distinction utilizing the non-compulsory foot or to not me. I’ve the foot put in on the driveside the place there’s loads of different stuff hanging off the bike. Then, my suppose was to depart the non-compulsory cargo foot off on the non-driveside the place I’m extra more likely to be pushing the bike via a snow drift anyway.
Considered one of OMM’s largest core values is to create sturdy gear that journey and bikepacking riders can depend on, so they are saying it took fairly some time the get these good. And I’m actually happy with them up to now. I additionally use (and have used) a number of different anything-style cargo cages, and these really really feel a bit extra strong than most, despite the fact that they’re simply made from plastic. However the outsized tube shapes and particular strap slots make me really feel higher about actually cinching down a strap to safe a bottle or stuff sack in place.
Previous Man Mountain additionally acknowledges and appreciates the wide-ranging number of completely different bikepackers’ most well-liked setups. So OMM are additionally providing the FLiP cage & mount {hardware} as much as different bikepacking bag makers, who need to share the brand new fast launch interface. bag makers “massive and small” can discover out extra and get in contact by way of the OMM FLiP {Hardware} Defined product web page, right here.
OMM FLiP Cage tech particulars
injection-molded nylon development
62mm large x 215mm lengthy with out foot, or 240mm lengthy with cargo foot put in
max 4.5kg load capability (per cage)
Flip cages are designed to function fast launch mount for Hemlock luggage
Hemlock may be mounted with or with out the detachable cargo cage foot put in
Flip cargo cages may haul normal gear with the detachable foot put in
2 slots within the cage are sized for traditional Voile gear straps
93g claimed weight with out detachable cargo foot (92g precise)
139g claimed with foot put in (139g precise)
bought individually as a pair or cargo cages, or along with 2 cages & 2 Hemlock luggage
OMM Hemlock bag tech particulars
max 7-liter storage capability (per bag)
max 4.5kg load capability (per bag) with the built-in FLiP mount
traditional roll-top closure
totally waterproof, seam-welded TPU-coated 210-D Ripstop nylon cloth development
abrasion-resistant Hypalon decrease reinforcement
PFAS/PFC-free
333g per bag claimed (341g precise)
bought solely as a pair, together with 2 Flip cages
Previous Man Mountain 9L Atlas Rack Pack
I haven’t actually had as a lot of an opportunity to totally check out the brand new 9L Atlas Rack Pack, with a number of snow on the bottom and no racks on my fats bikes. However I did match it onto a commuter bike rack and stuffed a bit of drugs inside. Plus, OMM caught in on a dropbar Chiru journey bike for some good pictures of what it should appear like in use.
Particularly attention-grabbing to me as I’m utilizing the Hemlock luggage as fork-mounted mini-panniers, that’s not the one approach to make use of them. Because the Previous Man Mountain Elkhorn rear rack additionally has something cage mounts on its vertical legs, OMM mounted a few Flip cages on there too. After which, you would run one other set of Hemlock luggage as rear panniers, too.
OMM Atlas tech specs
9-liter storage capability, not as compressible because the Hemlock luggage
max weight decided by your rack, not the bag
roll-top closure on the again finish, with a plenty-wide opening
totally waterproof, seam-welded TPU-coated development
abrasion-resistant Hypalon base and aspect reinforcements
4 grippy straps with locking buckles safe it to virtually any flat-top rack
exterior bungee zig-zag loop to stow extra easy-access gear on prime
PFAS/PFC-free
275g claimed (270g precise)
bought individually / individually
Previous Man Mountain describes the brand new Atlas Deck Pack as an awesome various for riders that is likely to be fighting among the limitations of… or struggles with giant bikepacking saddlepacks. Hooked up to one in every of OMM’s mild however adaptable rear racks, this 9L bag received’t sway or bounce round as you journey. Plus, it should decrease your heart of mass on the bike, and received’t intervene with using a dropper seatpost!
Previous Man Mountain FLiP, Hemlock & Atlas – Pricing, choices & availability
You possibly can choose up a pair of the brand new Previous Man Mountain Flip cargo cages for $80 (for two cages, together with the detachable cargo foot) if you wish to use them to haul gear like another cargo cage with the longer term risk of including on a fast launch FLiP bag or different accent. However you’ll have to attend a pair weeks till the cages-alone are in inventory. Or for $175 you purchase a pair of 7L Hemlock luggage now, which embody with a pair of Flip cages (2 fast launch packs & 2 cages with the non-compulsory cargo foot.)
Apparently, Previous Man Mountain describes the Hemlock bag as their “first FLIP suitable providing” suggesting you’ll possible get extra issues to mount to your cages sooner or later.
The 9L Atlas Rack Pack is totally a standalone product at $95 and requires a separate rear rack to mount it. However OMM designed it for a unified look if you happen to additionally get Hemlock luggage.
OldManMountain.com
