Topeak Versacage Vs Salsa Anything Cage HD (Also Versamounts Vs SKS Anywhere Adapter)

[@mikebikercanada]

THANKS FOR WATCHING AND LEAVING YOUR COMMENTS EVERYONE Hope this video was helpful! If so please LIKE + SUBSCRIBE !

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

This video saved me some money and valuable time in making this determination the same way you did. I went with the Topeak for front fork mounts on my long-range ebike setup. (It's great for the Stanley cookset and my down sleeping bag as the weight/balance on each fork is perfect). The more flush the mount to the fork, the better in both strength, wind resistance, and bike balance. The only real downside to the fork mount is extra wind resistance but when you need that extra bit of gear, it's worth it. Keeping the weight lower on the bike is very important as well as it saves you a small bit of energy in recovery from leaning into curves. Thanks for posting this informative video!

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks so much for the kind note Alan. Glad my video helped you a little in making your decision. I like your choice of gear to pack on your forks. Do your forks have dedicated braze-ons or are you using the Versamounts to attach the cages? Cheers! Mike Biker

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

@@mikebikercanada Mine doesn't have the mounts so I did a slight modification to the cages. I used a bit of an old tube strip under the cage, then used very heavy duty/wide zip ties, with a thin rubber strip under them to keep from marring the fork paint. This allowed me to keep the cage right against the fork so it rides very nicely. It's incredibly solid, and this allows me to fix on the road/trail by just keeping a spare ziptie in my tool bag. The best change I made was rotating the cages back about at a 45 degree angle towards the back of the fork. This solution might not work for everyone but I have a mud guard on the front wheel that has support bars running from the back of the fender to the center of the wheel. This keeps the cage from rotating back into the spokes making it very safe, and far more aerodynamic than the regular mount. The zipties I used are much lower profile, and seem to be much, much stronger than the bands that came with the Versacage, especially at the plastic bolt housing. These are the ties I used.... www.amazon.com/TR-Industrial-Multi-Purpose-50-Piece-Strength/dp/B07NQ1B5B4/ref=pd_bxgy_1/145-5739272-0019139?pd_rd_w=Uy7Wz&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=BQ276YR25FK42HR8Y10Y&pd_rd_r=61462040-9e10-408e-8c01-28cf055c5964&pd_rd_wg=7hVgd&pd_rd_i=B07NQ1B5B4&psc=1 As a side note, I purchased another brand, GORIX Bike Multipurpose Cage + Waterproof Bag Set awhile back for my other bike and I think it's just as good as the Topeak Versacage. The main benefit is the fork bag is the perfect size for the type of gear and riding I do, at about 4L each, and mounts the same way I did the Versacage. (I may switch out the supplied ties with the heavy duty ones though as they are super beefy). Here is a link for the GORIX cage - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GS5LD85/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@mikebikercanada]

@@AlanHowellphotovideo right on! I did the same adjustment to the angle of the cages. Having them angled towards the rear really helped keep a sleeker profile. I was using metal hose clamps to attached the cage along with a piece of rubber tube like you. But the hose clamps were a bit of a hassle to take on and off. I love that you found some heavy duty zip ties. They look solid. Thanks for the link, I really appreciate it, I’m happy to see that the company offers them for sale on Amazon Canada as well! What length of zip tie did you go with that was best for wrapping through the cage and around the front fork? And wow, that’s quite a great deal for the Gorix cage and waterproof bag.

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

@@mikebikercanada I use the 8" for my standard fork bike, and the 11.6" for my suspension fork. I was a bit surprised at how well the zip ties worked as I thought they may slide too much. But they are quite solid. That does seem to be the best deal I can find on the cage. I really like the design although they claim the bag is 'almost' 4L, but it's really 3L on the nose. But I like the taller and more slender bag as it rides very nicely even on rough terrain.

[@ChironKeller]

High quality no-bullshit review. Thx

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it!

[@gerryedwards9738]

SKS with hose clamps. Genius! Didn't even occur to me. That's £30 I've saved (or rather, you've saved me). Cheers from the UK.

[@mikebikercanada]

Hello UK ! Thanks for the nice message Gerry. Love it! Where did you mount your SKS? Feel free to subscribe, that would be awesome, and maybe my next video will interest you as well! Mike Biker

[@gerryedwards9738]

@@mikebikercanada Hi Mike Biker. I'm going to put a pair on each of my front forks. I ride an old early 90s Claud Butler mtb (a faithful old friend; takes me everywhere I want to go). As the forks have no mounts, I'm thinking of teaming them up with some large DrJon DeWidget strap decks and some voile straps, using the brake bosses as a kind of anchor. Should be OK for carrying light, bulky stuff. Have also subbed the channel. Looking forward to more bikey content. Thanks and keep on keeping on.

[@mikebikercanada]

@@gerryedwards9738 oh nice! Love that you’re still rocking an old faithful friend! Are you going to be using the SKS with the Velcro or tie wraps? Thanks so much for the Sub man! Very kind of you. I have a few new gear set ups I’ll be sharing soon!

[@gerryedwards9738]

@@mikebikercanada I'll fix them to the forks with hose clamps (thanks for that solid idea). Attach the strap decks with M5 bolts (I think that's the right size for the SKS? Possibly M4), and run voile straps through, for stashing tents, pads, etc. Nothing too big or heavy. I want to keep the set up easy and cost effective. Think it'll work a treat.

[@eadghe]

I didn't knew about the Topeak one. Thanks for the insight and the great comparison with much detail and tips! Cheers!

[@mikebikercanada]

So glad the video was able to help you Eadghe. I’m using the Topeak cage myself. Thanks so much for taking the time to write me, made my day. Feel free to show support by subscribing. I’d love to have you on board to watch my next diy ! :) Mike

[@steventhompson558]

Thanks for the video and info. I'm not sure why you stated that the salsa has limited strap positions. Unless I'm missing something it seems like you could use any of the 5 strap locations on the Salsa, whereas the Topeak only has three. Seems like the Salsa would be more versatile in that regard.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Just trying the Versacage for the first time - this is a silly little problem, but I'm finding it tricky to manage the excess strap. The elastic bands they supply don't seem sufficient. Thanks for the great review very informative, and professional videography, but the audio level is rather low

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Greg! Sorry about the audio. This was my first attempt at KZbin and I’ve since invested in a wireless mic! I had the same issue as you. I had to get creative and find places to tuck/jam the excess strap behind my fork bags.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Just been on my first serious ride - used the Versacages for 1.5L Nalgene style bottles - they held well over some pretty rough unsealed roads at high speed. A friend had a good idea for strap management - simply tie the upper & lower together in a bow. Re the audio, you can simply amplify it afterwards in the video editor software - the quality is fine - it's just the level. Look up "normalisation"

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Greg. For the strap hack and the audio tip! 👍

[@aysharajan7872]

Very informative video! - provided the information I was looking for and solidified my choice for purchase

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Aysha. So glad. Curious, which one did you decide on?

[@joelwestbrook2889]

Great video. Super thoughtful and helful. Thanks!!!

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Joel! So glad you found it helpful ! That was my first KZbin video ever. Lol

[@joelwestbrook2889]

It absolutely helped me make my decision...o yeah and your specialized in the background is sick! Keep riding brother!

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

Well thought out video. Excellent info. Thank you.

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks for writing Hootyhoo 2018 ! Glad you liked the video. If you feel like subscribing to my channel that would be great! Hopefully one of my next bikepacking videos will interest you as well. All the best! Mike Biker

[@JonAbbott]

Thanks for the detailed video! I really appreciate how you took the time to show the backs of each cage. I have seen reports that the Salsa Anything Cage HD has damaged some people's carbon forks, and your video appears to illustrate why at 11:07. The damage that I saw lines up with the ribs on either side of the screw holes. The Topeak Versacage looks like a safer alternative for carbon forks. I would think that adding unthreaded spacers would be option for safely using the Salsa Anything Cage HD on carbon forks as well.

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Jon!! So glad the video was able to help you. I’m glad you appreciate the detail :) and Thanks so much for taking the time to write me, made my day. Feel free to show support by subscribing. I’d love to have you on board to watch my next video! :) Mike

[@OutdoorNiklas]

Hi, do u use the Topeak Versacage with a carbon fork and does it damaged it so far?

[@JonAbbott]

@@OutdoorNiklas Hi Niklas, I have not yet but perhaps Mike or others have some advice on this.

[@marcosbueno9026]

Great video with the exact information that I was looking for. Thanks mate!

[@mikebikercanada]

So glad to hear Marco. Thanks for reaching out to let me know. Makes my day hearing that my video helped someone else! Please feel free to subscribe to my channel. If you can that would be really cool. Maybe my next video will be of interest to you as well! Cheers! Mike

[@Wayondon]

Both helpful and timely. Thanks, Mike. One question...what size waterproof storage bag would you recommend for the Topeak?

[@mikepare8838]

Great! Glad it helped. Happy riding 😃👍

[@mikebikercanada]

Sorry Alain ... luckily I was browsing through the comments again. Totally missed your question when I replied to you the first time. I’m using the Salsa Anything Bags HD and they fit great. I’ve also synched down a 4 litre compression dry bag to them and that worked great too.

[@Wayondon]

@@mikebikercanada perfect. Thanks!

[@jon.e19]

Hi would that revélate Joey bag, work with either craddle?

[@cliveronald2860]

Wow...great detail video...let's have more please! Thanks

[@cliveronald2860]

Have a look at the Ortlieb Fork Bag mounting kit (sold separately)...could be of interest...

[@markmartello]

Great job for a first video!

[@vermit25]

Maybe I am missing something but the channels at the back of the salsa cage seem to be there to accommodate the straps that hold the contents without interfering with the contact of the fork, but the topeak cage doesnt seem to have any channels at the back so the straps would not allow it to sit flush with the fork?

[@mikepare8838]

Hi Percival! On both cages the straps are designed to run around the rear of the fork. Not between the fork & cage. Hope that helps! Cheers, Mike

[@intothefourth]

Very thorough. Thank you!

[@mikebikercanada]

You’re most welcome! Mike

[@AlbergineTube]

Hi Mike! Greetings from Spain. Thanks for the video. Very clear and useful. Just one question: Have you tried the sks with the original velcro straps to fix the caro cage? If so, how much weight can then handle? Thanks a lot! Al

[@mikebikercanada]

Hello Spain! I have not tried that configuration Al. Were you thinking of mounting cages to your front fork using the SKS with velcro? My initial thoughts would be that the velcro straps would not hold a heavy load very well. Since my video I experimented using metal hose clamps to fasten the cargo cage to the front forks and it worked really well. I would say even better than using the Versamounts, because the hose clamps attached the cage directly to the fork with no spacing making for a very snug and streamlined fit. I will be using the SKS to mount double water bottle cages under my seat. For now my plan is to use zip tie wraps instead of the velcro, but I will experiment with the velcro as well to test the holding strength for you. My bike is currently in the shop for the next couple of weeks getting a new bottom bracket and chainrings installed, but when it's returned to me I will make those videos asap. I wish I was in Spain at the moment! It's -17 Celsius / 1 degree Fahrenheit here in eastern Canada and snow on the ground. No bike packing for me until April :( but at least that gives plenty of time to experiment with new gear set-up 😁👍

[@AlbergineTube]

@@mikebikercanada Hi again! Thanks for the reply! I have a gravel bike I am using 2/3h ride twice a week all year. I am seting it up to start bikepacking in march and I was looking for a system to carry anything cages in my carbon fork with no eyelets. But I am seeking something I can mount and dismount easily... I imagine velcro strap won't bear more than a kilo... so I thing I will go for the Topeak cage with rubber hose and maybe I get a sks fix to set an extra bottle cage under the main tube... I will stay tunned to your channel. Cheers!

[@mikebikercanada]

@@AlbergineTube Hello again Spain! How are things coming along with the Bikepacking set-up? I finally got my bike back from the shop, it took awhile for them to receive the specific bottom bracket I wanted. I will be posting some new videos real soon showing my complete set up and how I've attached everything. I think you might be interested in seeing that! Also buddy, if by chance it wouldn't be a hassle subscribing to my channel that would be just awesome. I'm trying to get 100 subscribers! Plus sneak peak ... I have a bunch of VersaMounts I'll be raffling away to new subscribers. Every time I reach 20 new subscribers on my road to 100 I'll give a pair away. I'll be mentioning that in my next video!

[@AlbergineTube]

@@mikebikercanada I decided to go for the Topeak versacage with the topeak clamps. I didn't tried them yet, though. Regards!

[@rafblum]

Great content Mike, make more video like this one.

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Buddy! Will do 😃👍

[@BrianRPaterson]

Mike. An excellent and very detailed video that covered all the ground. I was leaning towards a Blackburn Outpost Cage, (I like metal), but I am coming around to the idea of a Versa or an Anything. BTW: Can you tell me about that front rack you have on your fork? It looks like the bee's knees. I heard you mention Thule, but my searches just turn up racks for cars. Cheers

[@mikebikercanada]

Hi Brian, and thanks for watching and subscribing! It’s called the Thule Pack-n-Pedal Tour Rack. An excellent rack that can be mounted on either front or back with enough options adjustment options to fit any angle of frame or fork. I’ve been using mine for a good 6 years now with absolutely no complaints. Once the snow starts to melt here I will be taking the bike out and making a few more videos showing my new and improved set up in case it may interest others 👍 Thanks again for watching buddy! And let me know if you have any other questions. All the best Mike

[@BrianRPaterson]

@@mikebikercanada No snow here in Hong Kong. Good for biking. Not so good for skiing😉 Meantime, thanks for the insight. My bike is a full sus, so frame packs or rear panniers aren't really an option. I'll definitely look into the Pack-n-Pedal! BTW: I see you run bar-ends. Me too. I love 'em. I wrapped mine with road bar tape, which thickens them up a wee bit for a solid and comfy grip. You don't need much. I got some previously used stuff off my old road bike when I switched out the drop bar for a flat. Whack on a bit of electrical tape top and bottom to keep everything in place and the job's done. Cheers

[@mikebikercanada]

@@BrianRPaterson wow! Hong Kong. Very cool. What takes you out that way? Yeah rack options for full suspension are limited. I met a fellow at a Thule exhibit a few years back visiting an outdoor show and he said he was bikepacking with his wife on a full suspension. Apparently he was carrying the pack and pedal system on both front and back and loved it. I think I’ve seen another company also make something similar to the pack and pedal that fits on the rear of a full suspension bike as well. And there’s a couple of companies that will make custom frame bags to fit perfectly in the nooks and crannies of a full suspension frame. Not cheap. But definitely an option. One of the companies I can think of is Rogue Panda in the States. They have some cool stuff.

[@BrianRPaterson]

@@mikebikercanada My dad moved our family from Glasgow to Hong Kong in the 1960s to build ships, and I've been here ever since. It's not a big place, but I hate riding with backpacks, hence the rack search. Besides, if we ever get back to travelling, it'd be good to have some options for overseas trips. I think I'll definitely get a couple of cages and see how they go. I'm not sure about frame bags - I had a little top tube bag, but it got in the way of my legs anytime I stood up on the pedals (too wide). On balance, cages and racks seem like a better option. Keep warm and keep pedalling! Cheers

[@mikebikercanada]

@@BrianRPaterson very cool. Family is originally from Scotland as well. My mother moved here when she was young. And Yes I’ve had those same struggles with top tube bags as well. And from your first message I forgot to reply that yes I fully agree with you about bar ends. They’re fantastic. And I will test out putting some bar tape on them. Thanks for the tip ! All the best ! And feel free to reach out anytime ! Mike

[@mark_blake]

Great review...i was looking at both those racks - you made it easy to choose. Thanks ! Did you get the Nalgene bottle rack? Im cautious with aluminum bottle racks...the welds come apart at some pont. Thanks

[@mikebikercanada]

Hi Mark, Thanks! The cages arrived awhile ago and I test fitted them to my rack with hose clamps. Looks like it will be a pretty sweet set up. I was contemplating running a rubber voile strap around the entire cage/bottle in addition to the hose clamps for extra security. Thanks for bringing up that point about the welds. I will use the straps for sure now 👍. As for the cages, in the end I went with the Topeak Versacage strapped to by front fork with metal hose clamps. That was provided the most streamlined and secure setup. My bike is in the shop waiting on some new parts, but I will document the final setup the minute I get it back! Which ones do you think will work best for you? What are your plans with them?

[@mark_blake]

@@mikebikercanada I decided on the Topeak...i have some Topeak racks and hardware thats well over 20yrs old and still running strong. I preferred the direct flush mount over the raised rail on the Salsa. Also the 4 mounting points allows you to move the rack up/down. Thanks again for the great review. Happy cycling!!

[@mikebikercanada]

@@mark_blake Hi again Mark! Just wanted to check-in and see if you ended up getting your hands on the VersaCages and if so, how you attached them and if they're working out for you? I just got my bike back from the shop and have fitted all my gear back on and will be posting a few new videos very soon showing my set up of everything. Hopefully that might be interesting for you to watch. Also, if by chance it wouldn't be a hassle subscribing to my channel that would be just awesome. I'm trying to get 100 subscribers! Plus sneak peak ... I have a bunch of VersaMounts I'll be raffling away to new subscribers. Every time I reach 20 new subscribers on my road to 100 I'll give a pair away. I'll be mentioning that in my next video!

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Great content and well presented!!

[@mikebikercanada]

Glad you liked it!

[@gm6368]

What a great video, content was spot on!

[@mikebikercanada]

gm6368 Thanks man! Hopefully it helped you. I just subscribed to your channel as well. Love your My Dad Ditcher video. Great photos and excellent music choice, very touching!

[@dantolley3973]

Nicely done...thanks!

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Dan!

[@dantolley3973]

Setting up a fatbike for bikepacking ventures. Fork mount cages are my last remaining nut to crack

[@mikebikercanada]

@@dantolley3973 Right On! If it helps, I ended up going with the Topeak Versacage mounted with regular hardware store hose clamps. I found that to be the strongest set up for a bike without dedicated braze on cage mounts. As well, it’s the best option for keeping the cage as close to the frame as possible for a more streamlined setup 😃👍

[@davegavtole]

Sir where did you purchase your bike carrier? Thanks already a subscriber :)

[@mikebikercanada]

Hi Dave. The front and rear rack are Thule Pack’n Pedal. I believe you can find it on Amazon. I bought mine from a local Raxk Attack years ago. I’ve since switched to a different rack for my new bike since the new bike has dedicated mounting holes for a rack. But the Thule rack is great for bikes without mounting holes to bolt on a rack.

[@jhoelpaco3361]

Mike! We cant see your 02/10/2022 live stream! I took a screenshot of the KZbin message. This is the KZbin Message: "If a channel has less than one thousand subscribers, we limit the amount of live viewers." With a "Learn More" link. Next to it. You have more than one thousand subscribers! This is wrong!

[@michaelsnook1130]

Informative video. What size (litres) are the dry bags?

[@mikebikercanada]

The bags are 3.75 L and have a 4.75” diameter. The width will fit a Nalgene nicely with room to spare on top. I use one to store my Thermarest Neo Air mattress rolled up with a couple gadgets thrown on on top. And in the other I shove all my sleepwear, spare under garnets and mini pack towel for swims. Just to give you an example of what can be fit inside. Thanks Michael for taking the time to let me know the video was useful. Makes me happy to hear. Feel free to subscribe, that would be awesome, and hopefully one of my next videos might be of interest to you! Happy Trails!

[@michaelsnook1130]

@@mikebikercanada Thx!

[@hikingnurse8650]

Question: How much does the Anything Cage Bag weigh???? I have searched Salsa website and varies reviews online and youtube and NO ONE has said its weight of JUST the Bag. Please weigh it and be the first for all of us. Thank you

[@mikebikercanada]

Hey Hiking Nurse! Salsa Anything Cage weighs 149 grams and the Topeak VersaCage weighs 128 grams. The VersaCage also has a lower profile and that’s why I decided to go with them. I’ll be posting a video shortly detailing my final set up. Hope that helps! 😃👍 Like & Subscribe. I’ll do the same on your channel. Looks like you’ve got a nice tent review I’ll be checking out !

[@hikingnurse8650]

@@mikebikercanada Thanks for the weight check. My channel is in its infancy and needs some TLC. Looking forward to your new video review.

[@hikingnurse8650]

@@mikebikercanada I qas wondering also if you can weight the drybag by salsa?

[@mikebikercanada]

@@hikingnurse8650 just weighed it at 147 grams. Pretty much the same weight as the cage. Interesting.

[@KAFLAG]

Well done my man!

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks Keith!

[@maxa6731]

how long is the zip ties that come with these holders?

[@mikebikercanada]

Hi Max, The Versamount ties are 8" (20cm) long, but that measurement is misleading because based on their shape and mechanism, they're only suitable to strap to bars from 20mm-60mm in diameter (3/4" to 2-1/4"). Best to tie a string around whatever bar you intend to use these on and then measure it from end-to-end, if it falls between 3/4 & 2-1/4 you're good to go. The velcro SKS Anywhere Adapter can be used on bars as big as 80mm (3-1/4") in diameter, or as mentioned in my video, you can purchase zip ties of any length and run them through the SKS adapter, which will allow it to fit on larger bars. What are you looking to use them for? Thanks for watching my video man. If by chance it wouldn't be a hassle subscribing to my channel that would be just awesome. I'm trying to get 100 subscribers! Plus, sneak peak ... I have a bunch of VersaMounts I'll be raffling away to new subscribers. Every time I reach 20 new subscribers on my road to 100 I'll give a pair away. I will mention that in my next video! Also, I'll soon be posting another video showing my final set-up. I ended up going with hose clamps to secure the VersaCages to my forks as well as the Widefoot bottle cages to the smaller bars. You might be interested in seeing that.

[@maxa6731]

Thank you looking to use the cage to put around frame of my bike to put a big speaker in this was very helpful thank you

[@mikebikercanada]

@@maxa6731 Nice! That sounds pretty cool.

[@pwneruknowit]

Whats the rack over your front tire?

[@mikebikercanada]

Hi Rocky, it’s made by Thule called pack ‘n pedal. It can be mounted on front or rear. Great rack!

[@pwneruknowit]

@@mikebikercanada Thank You!

[@problox3734]

Nice!

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks!

[@gavinpare0625]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻