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Was looking for a simple and solid handebar mount I could use on both drop and flat/riser bars, which I could also mount a light and GPS. Without either rubbing on my frame/fork or being tight against my bars and cables. After a bit of a search, this one caught my eye.
https://missgrape.net/en/shop/handlebar-bag-support/ilcoso/
https://bikepacking.com/gear/miss-grape-ilcoso-review/
https://www.bikemonger.co.uk/miss-grape-ilcoso-26218-p.asp
Seems expensive for a bit of shaped plastic and alloy tubing but there doesn't seem to be any direct alternative, other than combining several mounts/brackets.
Anyone have experience of using one?
Can't speak for the Miss Grape, but I've got an Aeroe Spider bar rack that might work for you. Holds a dry bag away from the bars. The pics online all have it sitting high up, but I found it best to rotate down so you can see better. If you do this, there is no issue with clearance for lights and GPS, or none for my setup anyway. It's solid in use, easy to strap in a bag. Generally pretty good and can be found online for around £50.
I do think it could be improved in some ways, but it is about the best I've found and doesn't need foam spacers etc.
On a recent bike packing trip with my daughter, I used these to keep bags away from headtubes and cables:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VGQTWNL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This would be fine if it's for just a light and GPS unit.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404571988598
First hit on eBay, so there may be cheaper ones available.
Under 3 quid on AliExpress too.
@Earl_Grey & @citizenlee I've a couple of these and have used them in the past with decent success, but you'd need three of them to be able to get a similar (albeit inferior) set-up to the ILCOSO. I don't have the handlebar room for three brackets', plus they're fiddly to fit.
I'm more into a single bracket/cradle/mount, the closest to the cradle I've found is the Salsa EXP Cradle, but this is similarly priced to the ILCOSO but without the light mount.
https://www.salsacycles.com/gear/exp_series_anything_cradle_35mm
Thanks for the advice though.
This is my bike setup using the above recommended bracket and Alpkit Joey bar bag support. It works, but not perfect and is a faff to fit, adjust and refit the bag.
I’ve had one of these for a few months, if you can live with the cost it very much works…. but needs a couple of things changing.
It’s very easy to install and swap between bikes so long as they’re all 31.8 dia bars. I swapped the supplied screws (M4 with 3mm Allen key heads) for screws with Torx heads (and pop some washers in as well) - the Allen screws will round off too easily over time. I’d like the light bar on the front to be 31.8 dia as well rather than 25mm - light mounts etc need an extra adapter which is a minor pain.
Overall I’m very happy with it, used it for a few trips this year and it’s pretty solid with around 3.5kg load.
Cheers @Pickers for the review and pertinent points. Thankfully all my bikes have 31.8mm bars, and could change the bolts too.