The Old Man Mountain Axle Pack is a clever solution for riders who want to mount gear to their fork legs without relying on traditional eyelets or rivnuts. Designed to work with thru axle forks, it offers a secure, rigid, and lightweight platform for carrying cargo on bikes that may not have built-in mounts—or where those mounts are too weak for serious use. Whether you’re riding a carbon gravel bike, a suspension fork, or an aluminium frame with questionable rivnut strength, the Axle Pack provides a reliable alternative that doesn’t compromise on stability or load capacity.
Design and Construction
The Axle Pack is made from 6061 aluminium, a material known for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. Each side weighs just 73 grams, making it one of the lightest fork-mounting solutions available. Despite its low weight, the Axle Pack is impressively rigid. It doesn’t flex under load, and it doesn’t rotate or slip once installed.
Unlike strap-on cages or bolt-on mounts that rely on the fork’s surface or rivnuts, the Axle Pack attaches directly to a thru axle via Old Man Mountain’s Fit Kit system. This means the load is supported by the axle itself, not the fork legs. The result is a much stronger and more stable connection, especially important when riding rough terrain or carrying heavier loads.
Each side of the Axle Pack includes four mounting points, allowing users to position their gear higher or lower depending on preference. This flexibility is useful for balancing weight, avoiding heel strike, or adjusting for terrain. The mounting points are spaced to fit standard cargo cages, such as the Old Man Mountain FLIP Cage or other three-bolt designs.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the Axle Pack requires a compatible thru axle from Old Man Mountain’s Fit Kit range. These axles are made by The Robert Axle Project and come in a wide variety of lengths and thread pitches to match different forks. Once the correct axle is installed, the Axle Pack bolts directly to the axle studs using the included hardware.
The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools beyond a hex key. The fit is precise, and once tightened, the Axle Pack feels like a factory-integrated part of the bike. There’s no wobble, no slippage, and no need to constantly check bolts after every ride.
Compatibility is broad. The Axle Pack works with carbon forks, suspension forks, and aluminium forks with or without mounts. It’s especially useful on bikes where the factory mounts are rated for low loads—typically around 1.5 kg per eyelet. In contrast, the Axle Pack is rated to carry up to 10 kg per pair, making it suitable for heavier gear like water bottles, cook kits, or compact sleeping systems.
Performance on the Trail
Once installed, the Axle Pack performs flawlessly. It holds gear securely, even over rough terrain, and doesn’t transmit unwanted movement or noise. The rigid connection to the axle means there’s no flex or sway, which improves handling and reduces fatigue on long rides.
The ability to mount gear lower on the fork helps lower the bike’s centre of gravity, improving stability. This is especially noticeable when descending or cornering with a loaded bike. Riders can also choose to mount gear higher for better clearance in technical terrain.
Unlike strap-on cages, which can loosen over time or damage fork paint, the Axle Pack stays put. It doesn’t rely on friction or tension, and it doesn’t require constant adjustment. This makes it ideal for multi-day trips, bikepacking races, or any ride where reliability matters.
Durability and Maintenance
The Axle Pack is built to last. The 6061 aluminium construction resists dents and scratches, and the anodised finish holds up well to weather and abrasion. The mounting hardware is stainless steel, which prevents rust and corrosion even in wet conditions.
Maintenance is minimal. Once installed, the Axle Pack requires little attention beyond occasional cleaning. The bolts stay tight, and the structure doesn’t degrade over time. If you switch bikes or forks, you can easily transfer the Axle Pack by swapping the Fit Kit axle.
For riders who value gear that works season after season, the Axle Pack delivers. It’s not a disposable accessory—it’s a long-term upgrade to your bike’s cargo system.
Use Cases and Versatility
The Axle Pack is ideal for riders who want to carry gear on their fork but don’t trust or don’t have traditional mounts. It’s perfect for:
- Carbon gravel bikes with no eyelets
- Suspension forks where mounts are absent or unreliable
- Aluminium forks with low-rated rivnuts
- Touring setups where extra cargo space is needed
- Bikepacking rigs that need stable, low-mounted gear
It pairs well with cargo cages, dry bags, and bottle mounts. Riders can use it to carry water, food, tools, or shelter systems. The mounting points are spaced to fit most cage designs, and the rigid platform ensures gear stays where it’s supposed to.
The Axle Pack also integrates seamlessly with Old Man Mountain’s rack systems. If you already use the Divide or Elkhorn rack, you can swap between rack and Axle Pack setups using the same Fit Kit axle. This modularity adds value and flexibility to your gear system.
Price and Value
The Axle Pack retails for around $65, which places it in the mid-range for fork-mounting solutions. While it’s more expensive than basic strap-on cages, it offers far superior performance, durability, and load capacity.
When paired with a Fit Kit axle, the total cost increases, but so does the functionality. You’re not just buying a mount—you’re upgrading your bike’s ability to carry gear safely and efficiently. For riders who take gear seriously, the Axle Pack is a smart investment.
Compared to other solutions, the Axle Pack stands out for its strength, simplicity, and reliability. It’s not flashy, but it works better than almost anything else in its category.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Secure axle-mounted design prevents slippage
- Lightweight yet strong (73g per side)
- Rated to 10 kg per pair—far more than standard mounts
- Compatible with carbon, suspension, and aluminium forks
- Easy installation with modular Fit Kit system
- Multiple mounting points for flexible gear placement
- Durable materials and finish
- Integrates with Old Man Mountain racks
Cons:
- Requires a specific thru axle (Fit Kit sold separately)
- Higher cost than basic strap-on cages
- Not compatible with quick-release forks
- Limited colour options (currently only black)
Final Thoughts
The Old Man Mountain Axle Pack is a well-designed, high-performance solution for mounting gear to your fork. It solves a real problem for riders who want to carry cargo but don’t trust traditional mounts. With its axle-based design, lightweight construction, and high load rating, it offers a level of security and stability that other systems can’t match.
Whether you’re riding a carbon gravel bike, a suspension fork, or a touring rig with limited mounts, the Axle Pack gives you the freedom to carry what you need—without compromise. It’s a smart, durable, and modular upgrade that fits seamlessly into modern bikepacking setups.
If you’re serious about gear and want a mounting system that won’t let you down, the Axle Pack is worth every gram and every penny.
