Old Man Mountain Racks: A Pack Rat Rider’s Honest Review

After years of riding rugged trails, packing up for multi-day bikepacking trips, and searching for the perfect rack system, I’ve come to realize that not all racks are built the same. Some struggle under heavy loads, others wobble unpredictably on rough terrain, and too many don’t fit modern bikes, especially full-suspension and adventure rigs. How many times have you just wanted to shed the helmet and Gear? You just wanted to relax a bit, but you don’t have anywhere to store it.

Enter Old Man Mountain (OMM)—a brand that’s been making some of the most versatile, rock-solid cargo racks for over 25 years. I’d heard about them in the bikepacking and adventure cycling world, but I wanted to see for myself if they lived up to the hype.

What I Love:

✅ Incredibly strong & stable – Even when fully loaded on rugged trails
✅ Versatile fit – Works on almost any bike, including full suspension and fat bikes
✅ Easy axle-mounted installation – No need for built-in rack mounts
✅ Minimal movement & noise – No annoying rattling on rough terrain

A Few Considerations:

⚠ Price – Not the cheapest option, but you’re paying for top-tier quality
⚠ Installation takes some time – The Fit Kits make it easier, but it’s worth taking your time to get it right
⚠ Added weight – Like any rack, adding extra gear changes the ride feel

With that in mind, let’s dive into the specific racks and how they perform in real-world conditions.

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The Divide Rack: The Ultimate Workhorse

The Divide Rack is OMM’s flagship model, and after mounting it on both my hardtail and full-suspension bike, I can confidently say it’s built to handle anything. What stands out is its modular design, which means you can fit it on almost any bike—even if your frame lacks rack mounts. Whether you’re running 29-inch tires, plus-size, or even a fat bike, this rack adapts.

OMM offers Fit Kits, which make installation easy by attaching the rack directly to the thru-axle. That means no more worrying about sketchy seatstay clamps or frame stress. The rack holds up to 70 lbs, which is more than enough for bikepacking gear, a tent, and extra supplies for long rides.

Riding with the Divide fully loaded on rocky, uneven trails, I expected some rattling or flex—but it didn’t budge. Stability is where this rack shines. If you’re the kind of rider who likes to carry extra gear deep into the backcountry, this rack is a beast.

The Elkhorn Rack: For the Minimalist Adventurer

For lighter trips where I don’t need a full-size rack, the Elkhorn Rack has been my go-to. It’s more compact than the Divide, but still ridiculously strong and versatile. The best part? It’s dropper post-friendly—something most racks fail at.

I mounted it to the front of my bike to balance weight distribution, and it worked flawlessly. It’s perfect for carrying a dry bag, sleeping gear, or a small cargo load without overcomplicating things. If you’re a minimalist bikepacker looking for a lightweight, front-or-rear rack setup, this one is a winner.

The Axle Pack: Expanding Fork-Mounted Cargo

Fork-mounted racks are usually hit or miss, but the Axle Pack surprised me. Since not all bikes come with fork mounts, OMM designed this system to attach to the thru-axle and upper fork using heavy-duty pucks and zip ties. I was skeptical at first, but once installed, it felt rock solid.

The four different mounting positions on each side give plenty of flexibility in how you pack your gear. If you need extra storage without throwing off your bike’s balance, this is a smart solution. Just keep in mind that, depending on your setup, the added weight up front can slightly affect steering.

The Pizza Rack: Load It Up and Ride

For those who prefer a larger platform-style rack, the Pizza Rack is a solid choice. The first time I used it was on a multi-day ride where I needed to carry bulkier items like a bear canister and extra food, and it handled the load without issue. It keeps everything secure and stable, even on rough singletrack and long gravel roads.

If you need a sturdy front or rear platform rack, this is one of the best I’ve used. Just be mindful of weight distribution to keep your ride balanced.

The Divide Fat: Built for Big Tires

If you’re running a fat bike, the Divide Fat Rack is your best bet. It retains all the durability and features of the standard Divide but is designed to fit extra-wide tires. I tested it on a snow-packed trail ride with fully loaded panniers, and it performed flawlessly—no rubbing, no wobbling, just pure reliability.

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Final Verdict: Is Old Man Mountain Worth It?

After putting these racks through real-world testing, I can say with confidence that Old Man Mountain racks are the best on the market for serious bikepacking and adventure cycling.

If you’re looking for a bombproof rack that can handle everything from daily commutes to hardcore bikepacking expeditions, Old Man Mountain is worth every penny. These racks aren’t just accessories—they’re essential tools for anyone who wants to push their rides further, carry more gear, and explore without limits.

Ride on and pack heavy!