Manzanita Handlebar Cradle Review: Old Man Salsa – Travis Engel

A new product, the Manzanita Handlebar Cradle, has been introduced, stemming from a collaboration between Old Man Mountain and Salsa Cycles. Reviewed by Travis Engel for The Radavist, this accessory aims to carve out its niche in the burgeoning bikepacking and touring gear market. The cradle, a fusion of two established brands, suggests a strategic move to leverage combined expertise in robust load-carrying solutions for adventure cycling.

This collaboration is significant given the sustained boom in bikepacking and adventure cycling, driving demand for innovative and reliable gear. Old Man Mountain has long been a benchmark for durable racks, while Salsa Cycles has cultivated a strong following with its adventure-oriented bikes and components. The Manzanita Cradle thus enters a competitive arena, but with the immediate credibility afforded by its parentage, aiming to simplify load distribution for riders seeking stability and capacity on challenging terrain.

Ultimately, this partnership represents a sensible consolidation of expertise in a crowded market. Whether it truly revolutionizes handlebar carrying or merely refines it, the combined heritage ensures it won't be easily dismissed.