Handlebar cradles are the perfect alternative to a backpack on day trips, keeping your snacks, tools and clothing layers off your back. Or for multi-day trips, they can be used alongside other racks to carry more gear. 

But, not all handlebar cradles are created equal. 

Some handlebar cradles shift around over rough terrain, rub against your head tube and cables, make gear hard to access, or simply become a hassle every time you need to pack up or pack down. 

So with the above in mind, here's what to look for when choosing a handlebar cradle – to ensure you can carry everything you need securely, easily and without damaging your bike. 

1. Stable and secure.

A good handlebar cradle should remain stable, even over rough terrain. The last thing you want is gear shifting mid-ride or flopping around against your handlebars. Look for a cradle with a strong mounting system, and a design that keeps your gear sitting securely in place.

2. Clearance for cables and head tube. 

A poorly designed system can rub on your cables, head tube, or frame – leading to wear, damage, and frustrating cable interference while you ride. A well-designed system will create enough space between your gear and the bike, so nothing rubs and your steering remains smooth and unrestricted.

3. Quick release for easy access. 

Whether you're grabbing a jacket at the top of the climb, reaching for snacks, or unpacking at camp, easy access matters. Look for a handlebar cradle that lets you quickly remove or reattach your dry bag without having to undo your whole setup. The simpler it is to load, unload, and get moving, the more you'll actually use it.

4. Compatibility. 

Your riding plans won’t always look the same – so your setup shouldn’t limit how you carry gear. Choose a handlebar cradle that gives you the freedom to carry different dry bags, tents or other gear depending on the ride ahead. From quick day missions to bigger bikepacking adventures, compatibility means your setup can adapt with you.

Meet the handlebar cradle that ticks all the boxes.

Designed specifically for MTB and eMTB riders, the aeroe Spider Handlebar Cradle is the most stable and user friendly handlebar cradle on the market.

• Attach to your handlebars in seconds with patented quick-release – for a secure and stable ride, no matter the terrain.
• Compatible with aeroe dry bags, any other brand of dry bag, tents, or other gear – the inbuilt straps make it easy to carry exactly what you need.
• The inbuilt straps provide quick, easy access to gear – with no fiddly straps or hassle packing up / down.
• The design keeps the handlebar cradle clear of your cables and head tube, while the inbuilt straps let you cinch your gear down tight – meaning no floppy bags, even on rough terrain.

So whether you're wanting to get the weight off your back on day trips or add capacity for multi-day adventures, you can carry everything you need – securely, easily and without damaging your bike.