Old Man Mountain Divide & Elkhorn Review: Versatile Bikepacking Racks for Any Adventure
When I started building out my bikepacking setup, one thing became clear: storage and versatility matter. After researching different bikepacking racks, Old Man Mountain quickly stood out—not just for their reputation, but for their versatile, modular designs that work on a wide range of bikes. That flexibility was a huge selling point for me. I wanted something that worked on my current bike, but could transfer to a new rig years down the line if I ever changed bikes. Enter: the Old Man Mountain Divide and Old Man Mountain Elkhorn.
Rear Rack: Old Man Mountain Divide Review
The Divide was the first rack I picked up. It’s a rear bikepacking rack built to handle a serious load—and designed with panniers in mind, which was important to me long-term. While I didn't have panniers yet, I started with a Sea to Summit dry bag and strapped it directly to the Divide using some basic Voilé straps.
Installation was straightforward. My bike has plenty of mounting points, so I didn’t need the thru axle mounting hardware—though that’s an option if your frame doesn’t have eyelets. The Divide mounted directly to the frame and fit perfectly. It felt rock-solid from the start.
One of my first rides with the Divide was to the beach, carrying a 70s-style handmade skateboard, a slackline, and some beers. That ride sealed it for me. The rack instantly transformed my bike from a fun toy to something functional—almost like a car. The Divide rack made it easy to carry weight off my back, which made riding way more enjoyable.
Eventually, I upgraded my rear setup with Old Man Mountain’s Ponderosa Panniers and the Juniper Trunk Bag, and I’ve now ridden it both fully loaded and completely empty. The Divide adds minimal weight when unloaded, but offers incredible versatility when I need it.
Front Rack: Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Review
After some time with the Divide, I decided to complete the setup with the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn up front. This rack is a bit different—it’s lighter and more minimalist, designed more for cargo cages and smaller bags rather than panniers. Since I had no intention of running front panniers, the Elkhorn was the obvious choice.
I liked that it gave me extra cargo space without cluttering the bike. I mounted it up front to carry water bottles, dry bags, or even a small basket (which I ordered but haven’t used yet). The Elkhorn’s vertical mounting points are perfect for cages and bottles, and they keep everything positioned upright and accessible.
It’s also been great for swapping things around—sometimes I throw the Juniper Trunk Bag on the front instead of the back, depending on the ride. The flexibility is unmatched.
Why Old Man Mountain?
Both the Divide and Elkhorn racks offer something many others don’t: universal fitment and future-proof design. Whether you’re building out your first bikepacking setup or looking to expand your carrying capacity for day trips, camping, or even just grocery runs, these racks are worth the investment.
What I love most is how these racks turn any bike into a hauler. It’s wild how freeing it feels to have your gear with you—food, drinks, layers, tools, whatever the day calls for. Suddenly your bike isn’t just a bike. It’s transportation. It’s a camper. It’s a lifeline.
Final Thoughts
If you’re getting into bikepacking or just want to carry more gear on your rides, I can’t recommend the Old Man Mountain Divide and Old Man Mountain Elkhorn enough. Durable, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly versatile—these racks have elevated my entire riding experience.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Old Man Mountain Divide and Elkhorn?
The Divide is a rear rack designed for heavier loads and panniers, while the Elkhorn is a front rack built for lighter gear, water bottles, and dry bags.
Do Old Man Mountain racks fit any bike?
Yes. Both racks are designed to fit a wide range of bikes, including bikes without traditional rack mounts, thanks to optional thru axle mounting kits.
Can I transfer the racks to a new bike later on?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of Old Man Mountain racks is their modular and transferable design, making them a long-term investment.
Are they hard to install?
Not at all. If your bike has mounting points, they’re plug-and-play. If not, you can use thru axle or seat stay mounting kits provided by Old Man Mountain.