Old Man Mountain Elkhorn: Testing a bikepacking rack with a pioneering spirit

With over 25 years’ experience, the US brand Old Man Mountain is one of the pioneers of bikepacking. Its robust luggage systems have already explored the most remote corners of the cycling world. Consequently, the load deck of the Elkhorn Rack looks as though it could easily carry a shipping container. It also features sturdy Y-braces and a wide range of mounting options for through-axles, seat stays or threaded eyelets. Front or rear? Hardtail or full-suspension? Gravel bike, trail bike or fat bike? With this rack, anything seems possible. But how does the Elkhorn Rack fare in our test?

Assembly: Patience is essential

The first impression when setting it up: patience is a must. Assembly is clearly one of the system’s weaker points. The instructions seem rather disorganised and lack details in crucial places – which is particularly frustrating with such a modular system. Anyone who has never fitted a universal luggage rack before will need time and a certain level of technical understanding.

In particular, the method of attaching the system to the seat stays using the cable ties supplied is functional, but not particularly elegant. It comes across more as a stopgap solution than a well-thought-out premium feature. A much more elegant option with this system is to attach it to the luggage rack eyelets on the frame.

The connecting strut between the seat stay and the rack also has its weaknesses: whilst it has deliberately been made very long to fit as many frames as possible, in practice it can be too long. On our test hardtail, it could only be fitted properly by bending it slightly. For long-term use, the strut would need to be shortened and deburred – a time-consuming process.

On the other hand, the enormous flexibility in terms of mounting options is a real plus: various axle systems, different frame solutions and the option of front or rear mounting make the Elkhorn a truly versatile bike. Once fitted, it quickly becomes clear that the system is designed more for long-term use. Quick fitting and removal is not its strong point.

Please note: If you wish to fit the Elkhorn via the thru-axle, you must also order the appropriate FitKit Rear Thru Axle. You can easily identify the correct set using the Fit Kit Finder on the website.

Impressions from the practice

Once the Elkhorn is fitted to the bike, it reveals a completely different side to itself: stable and robust. The rack sits firmly in place, shows hardly any flex and inspires confidence – even on rough trails.

The large, flat transport platform is a real highlight. Bags sit securely and stably on it, and the cleverly positioned threading points ensure that the tension straps fit snugly. This significantly reduces movement within the luggage.

Another advantage is the generous tyre clearance. Even wide mountain bike or plus-sized tyres are no problem. What’s more, the system is fully compatible with dropper posts, which is a key selling point, particularly for modern mountain bikes.

What is surprising, however, is the relatively low payload of 11.4 kilograms. Given the bike’s robust build, we would have expected more. Whilst this is, of course, perfectly adequate for traditional bikepacking, anyone wishing to carry a lot of luggage will quickly reach its limits.

Key facts at a glance

• Universal luggage rack for front and rear mounting
• Compatible with many shaft standards and mounting systems
• Can be fitted directly to the frame
• Ground clearance up to approx. 3.25 inches
• Available in two heights to suit different wheel sizes
• Payload: max. 11.4 kg
• Large, sturdy platform for luggage
• Compatible with Dropper Post

​Technical specifications

• Weight (ready to ride): 838 grams
• Maximum payload: 11.4 kilos
• Max. tyre width: 29 x 3.25 inches
• Suitable for hardtail / full-suspension bikes: yes / yes
• Installation options: Threaded eyelets / thru-axle / quick-release skewer
• Special features: large rack deck; 64 mm mounting points on the sides (3 per side); compatible with forks and rear suspension; plenty of tyre clearance
• Price: 159.90 euros / 89.90 euros (FitKit Thru Axle)

Old Man Mountain Elkhorn – Review & Verdict

The Old Man Mountain Elkhorn is an extremely versatile and robust luggage rack that stands out above all for its versatility and stability. If you’re looking for a system that can be adapted to a wide variety of bikes and performs reliably even off-road, this is the one for you.

However, this flexibility comes at the cost of a complex and, in some respects, somewhat unrefined assembly process. Minor design flaws – such as the strut design or the fixings on the seat struts – detract from the otherwise very positive overall impression. The low load capacity of just 11.4 kilos is also a drawback.

All in all, the Elkhorn is a reliable companion for bikepacking adventures, as long as you’re prepared to invest some time in setting it up – and are willing to avoid frequent reconfiguration.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Exceptionally high stability whilst driving
• Extremely versatile (front and rear, many standard options)
• Large, practical loading area
• Generous tyre clearance
• Compatible with Dropper Post
• Built to be robust and durable

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming and fiddly assembly
• Inadequate or unclear instructions
• Attachment to the seat struts is only moderately elegant
• Brace solution not ideal for all frames
• Relatively low payload
• Not suitable for frequent assembly and disassembly

​Comparison with the competition: Old Man Mountain Elkhorn

Compared to the Restrap Switch Rack, Ortlieb Quick-Rack L, Topeak Zi:RAK Essential and Aeroe Spider Rack, the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn stands out as an extremely robust all-purpose rack that scores highly for its stability and compatibility – though it does have some shortcomings when it comes to fitting and handling.