Blackburn packed for the long haul

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Lots of things for carrying things…

Mountain biking, hobo style.
Mountain biking, hobo style.

Seemingly around since time (or at least mountain biking) began, Blackburn continues to build a durable – if not terribly flashy  – line of road and mountain bike accessories.  (Except for their blinky lights- those are usually quite flashy.)  At Interbike last month, and last week’s Zyro open house, the company had an impressively loaded Santa Cruz on display, showing off the new Outpost line of bikepacking luggage.

Are you ready for adventure?
Are you ready for adventure?

Accessibly-priced and readily available, the collection could provide a reasonable entry into the world of travel by bike.

Dropper post compatible.   OK- probably not in practice.
Dropper post mounting probably not ideal.

The Outpost Seat Pack is “a great alternative to panniers or a backpack.” Capacity isn’t specified, but the removable weather-resistant stuff sack looked to expand quite a lot- and more lightweight stuff could always be lashed to the top.

more mounting options out back
More mounting options out back
Reinforced points of contact
Reinforced points of contact

Anyone expecting weather might want to upgrade to a proper dry bag, Blackburn are expecting users to use their own favourite brands.   $100/£54.99

Mounted on a fatbike- that's how you know it's legit.
Mounted on a fatbike- that’s how you know it’s legit.

The Outback HB Roll is said to happily accommodate sleeping bags, tents, clothing, and the like.  The included stuff bag is again only water-resistant- so a proper dry bag should be factored into the budget.

Velcro stops the dry bag migrating...
Velcro stops the dry bag migrating…
Handlebar mount
Handlebar mount

The slick looking quick release mount works for both 31.8mm and 25.4mm handlebars- though the fine print cautions against using mounting to carbon.  $75/£49.99

Don't forget the flip-flops.
Don’t forget the flip-flops.

Still looking for more stowage?  The Outpost Top Tube Bag provides easy access to this ‘n’ that, triathlete style.  With a zippered cash/ID pocket, key fob, and a mesh mobile/snack pocket, everything should have its own place.  $45/£29.99

Carries almost anything
Carries almost anything

Circling back to one of Blackburn’s longest-running categories, the Outpost Cargo Cage is an outsized cage that will accept oversize water bottles or awkward dry bags- up to 4kg worth.  Depending on the cargo, it could work well on down tube, fork leg, or even BOB trailer bottle cage bosses.  $25/£TBC

Fat bike rack
Fat bike rack

Also on display was this soon to be in production adjustable Fat bike rack, given the various standards that exist at the moment in that world it’s probably the best way forward to accommodate as many frames as possible. Here’s what Blackburn have to say

“The versatile Blackburn Fat Bike Rack fits multiple hub and tires sizes for both front and rear mounting, and maintains a high capacity for transporting heavy loads.  Its rugged design was created to meet the demand for the new breed of the adventure outdoorsman.  

 The growth of the fat bike market has brought challenges when cyclists seek to outfit their bikes with racks due to the majority of manufactures introducing different design specs, which ultimately effects choices,” states product director, Robin Sansom.  “The Fat Bike Rack is the ultimate shape-shifter.  It’s versatile design accommodates every type of fat bike on the market, yet can be adjusted to fit a road bike. This thoughtful and progressive design is what makes Blackburn a category leader.”

QR, bolt thru, any height
QR, bolt thru, any height

The Wayside Tool Roll is a neat way of keeping all those adventure tools neatly to hand and in one place. £14.99

It's a wrap
It’s a wrap

blackburndesign.com

zyro.co.uk


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