Here you can see how to install the Manzanita Cradle

The Manzanita Cradle is a bracket mounted, rigid handlebar cradle built for all riding conditions from rugged shredpacking to gravel. The design provides ample, unobstructed mounting options for lights, computers, trackers, and more.

The Manzanita Cradle handle bar bag is either a Top Load (9L) or Side Load (11L) bag. The Manzanita Cradle is fit for all types of bikes with 31.8 or 35mm handlebars.

Tools you will need:

STEP 1: Attach the arms to the cradle

• Use the provided flat head bolts (4) and nut plates (2) to attach the arms to the cradle as shown below. (photo showing the packaged bolts and nut plates).

STEP 2: Attach the cradle to your handlebars

• Clean your handlebars of dirt and debris where the clamps will attach.
• Determine your handlebar size. If 35mm, remove the plastic shims from the cradle arms; if 31.8mm, leave the shims in place.
Pro Tip: Rotating the cradle up can make it easier to start the bolts. Be sure to keep the gaps even on both sides of each of the clamps when tightening.

• If you have carbon fiber handle bars, apply carbon paste to the clamping surface of the cradle arms.
• Using a 4mm allen key, attach the bottom halves of the clamps (2) using the supplied bolts. Be sure to apply grease to the clamp bolts.

STEP 3: Install the straps

• Weave the straps through the 4 slim slots, starting at the top (In – out, then In-out again). The straps should be on the back side of the cradle at the top and bottom.

STEP 4: Attach your bag

• Stuff your bag with your puffy, some towels, or that dirty laundry you have been avoiding. Pack it full, but allow for 3 full rolls of bag before closing the buckles.
• Use the hang loops on the bag to hold the bag on the cradle hooks.
• Feed the straps through the slots on the bottom of the bag pocket and then through the buckle. Do not cover the pocket with the straps.
• Tighten the straps and close the buckles.

STEP 5: Final adjustments

• We have two ways to adjust the placement of the load. One way is rotating the cradle arms on the handlebars. The second is sliding the cradle on the arms. Take some time to play with the different options and see what works with your bike.
• The most critical adjustment is to ensure the front tire has room to clear the bag. Especially important on full compression of suspension forks! Rotating the cradle arms up will provide additional clearance for bikes with short headtubes.
• Take care to position the bag to best clear cables/housings and to ensure there are no kinks or rubbing of the bag.
• Only after you have made sure of the above then many riders will do their best to rotate the arms to be parallel to the ground, or to position the cradle as low as possible.
• Once you have your position set, remove the bag, and torque all 8 bolts to 5NM (Do not exceed any recommended torque of your handlebar manufacturer)

*Warning: Make sure you have a minimum of 2” (5cm) clearance between your bag and front tire. If you have a suspension fork, make sure to cycle your suspension through the full travel to confirm you have the above clearance between the bag and your tire with your suspension fork fully compressed. You will need to remove all the air from your fork in order to know this for certain.

STEP 6: Accessorize

Add your light, computer, and phone mounts (if you have the accessories).

PRE-RIDE CHECK

• Confirm all bolts are torqued to spec.
• Verify the cradle does not rotate or slip under firm hand pressure.
• Check to make sure you have hand clearance for all of your braking and shifting controls.
• To keep your gear dry and secure, make sure to roll the bag closure at least three times before you buckle.

 

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GOOD JOB! YOU'RE NOW RIDE TO RIDE.
We are excited to be a part of your biking adventures.
Thank you for using Old Man Mountain Racks!

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We are always happy to see how the rack looks when mounted on Your bike. So if you feel like it, please send us a picture of the rack and your bike.
This will also help other customers visualize how the rack will work for them on their bikes.