Aeroe Spider Rear Bikepacking Rack Review, Install & Field Test 

I have used Aeroe handlebar cradle on approx 10 rides so far. On the first two ride with only 4.5lbs on the cradle, the cradle kept slipping lower, pressing into my hydraulic brake lines. The Clamping kept loosening. On the next few rides, the cradle slipped almost immediately with approx. 6lbs in the cradle. I then used a handlebar extender to move the cradle out from my handlebars. On the next ride with 7lbs in the cradle the extender held but the cradle clamps loosened and the cradle flopped almost to tire level and pressed against my brake lines. On my last ride I think i have found a solution. I put an additional extender under the first extender so when the cradle clamps loosen. The cradle did flop, but only as far as the second extender not into my brake lines. I now have built up the extender thickness with rubber inner tube and really cranked the cradle clamps down on the tubing. I am testing this latest version and it seems to hold. My complaint about the cradle itself Is that the dry bag (that contains my tent. fly, poles and ground sheet) keeps bouncing and keeps spinning in the cradle. It is like the cradle material is not sturdy enough to even carry a 7 lb load. Neither the company I purchased it from Mountain Equipment Co-op nor Aeroe seem to care about the lack of performance or quality of this product. This product can only be used with a lot of work.

I'd recommend using protective tape where the rack contacts the seat stays to protect from abrasion.

Great review and I'll have to watch your NWT trip to see how they fair under rougher conditions. I did the math for the items you compare and come up with different results using the MEC as the source for these items On the Aeroe side we have the rack at $164 (979gms), two Aeroe 12L Heavy Duty Dry Bags at $89.95 (x2)= $179.90 and wt 308gms (x2)= 616 gms and two Aeroe Spider Rear Cradle at $99.95 (x2)= $199.90 and wt 329gms(x2)= 658gms : Total cost for the Aeroe System is $543.80 at a wt of 2.3 kg (total vol is 24 L). On the Rack and Pannier side you have Filzer PR-4 Rear Pannier Rack at $49.95 (wt 1.08 Kg) and Ortlieb Sport-Roller Classic Pannier at $209.95 (wt 795/bag or 1.6 kg): Total wt is 2.68 kg and cost for the rack and pannier is $259.90 (total 25 L) an almost $300 difference ($283.90 actual difference) and a .38 kg difference in wt. I'm a little concerned about the amount of plastic in this system. It seems that as bikepacking moves towards longer self supported journeys the rig designs start to veer back to the more traditional rack and pannier system. One thing I can't complain about as a biker these days is a lack of options.

Been using it for pass 3 years what the best thing about the spider racks compare to traditional racks ..it won’t break … simple. Improvements would like to see more option where to place the straps loops on the bags .. and would like to see expedition style front roll bag say 25 liter spider bag that way it be perfect for winter setups …also would like to see water bottle holes on the side of all there racks that way you can add water bottles if not using the spider bags..over all there very good and very tough … the pods are great for keeping anything in them that you would take cycle touring as it even has interiors straps to keep the stuff from removing around ……

I saw this as I was also looking at Tail Fin. This looks amazing though!!! Thanks for the unboxing and review!! Super helpful.

I was on the fence about the pod . I ordered the cradle system. I liked this rack for the flexibility to put on my full suspension, gravel bike, Fatbike. Thanks for the great review and installation now to be patient on the Arrival of the package.

So happy to find this rack and your great review! I've been looking for additional, bolt-less cargo solutions and this really seems to fit the bill. Now the question is what size bags to get! ;)

Great review. I was looking for something for my Elliptigo RSUB. There’s no seat post to help attach pannier systems and front pannier rigs worried me with stability. The aero spider setup was suggested by the Elliptigo company, but they were still testing them out. Looks like a a great option.

Too Right theyre expensive. Not many choices around for MTBs with full suspension. (FS) What about using my own 12L packs ? Can anything be stapped on ?

Thanks for the good review - I have just bought some myself and do mostly off road so Ill be interested to see how you go on your trip!

i`d like it fixed more on the screws then on the stripes. in a long trip i prefer maintainability

Thanks for the review, you cleared up a couple of concerns(really minor) I have. Installed the rear rack on my bike, but haven't had the chance to "field test."

Excellent review and I liked the music!

Thanks for the great review... if possible i will get the rack and install on my Trek 1120 and be the support of the Trek 1120 rear rack and mount water bottle or fuel bottle... totally agreed the bags are super expensive.

Considering rear bag system options for gravel bike packing on Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1, all carbon. The Seat stays Are Carbon, and not super beefy. If you had to only pick one, either Revelate Spinelock 16l seat bag, or Aeroe Spider Rear Rack with one top dry bag, which would you choose? Which would give you less tail wag? Would you be scared of the the carbon seat stays supporting the Aeroe Spider Rack off road?

Thanks for detailed information 👍

I was thinking about getting one of these racks for an alloy framed Scott Spark 970, not sure if I would fit it on a carbon frame though. The other alternative is a Tailfin.

Thanks for a great review. I personally have my eye on the Topeak Tetra rack R2 for a far more reasonable $135 at 1.6 pounds. Add the MTX bag and the total is $200 and 4.5 pounds.

Have you found the rack attachment rubs / scratches the paint? I have the rack and wrapped the chain stays with electrical tape (but learned electrical tape gets weird and it was a pain to get off )

You briefly mentioned carrying a laptop. Are the bags big enough to hold a laptop? It’s hard to tell from photos and video. I would specifically be transporting a 15” MacBook Pro during my daily commute.

Heslo, what are the dimensions of the holder. Aeroe Spider Rear Rack Black Thanks

At 4:53 is that right near Lopez island? I recognize that house from the ferry from Anacortes.

Nice in depth install and review mate, great vid. The zip up bag does look a little limiting. ATB

Any way to move it farther toward the seatpost? I feel like it's up far in rear that it will effect handling. Are you still using it and do you notice heavier end with it that far back? Thank you

Can anyone comment how well these would do for bike commuting? I’m considering these vs traditional panniers

Good video, very informative. Instead of a the top pod, would a small backpack be able to be strapped to the top?

I saw these at MEC last week. They look great but I got a bit of sticker shock. Thanks for doing this review. I'll probably get a set at some point because I have a Redshift shockstop seat post. I don't really want to carry extra weight on that so this rack looks like a smart purchase. Having the strap loops on the side of the dry bags gives an added sense of security I'd be okay paying for when using the side cradles. I can't really see it being necessary for the top cradle. What did you carry in the sidebags? I was wondering the best way to carry rigid or fragile items like tent poles, folding camp chair, etc.

Lookt ad this system for my next summer adventure but also to the Tailfin system 23L topback and 2 side paniers of 10L from them, my personal favor is the Tailfin system do, nice review ps. middle of June I ride also ad the artic on the Dalton from north to south, and beginning July I ride the Dempster up and down bevore I head to the GDMBR :)

Great review. Very thorough. I'm very impressed with this system as I'm finding being a shorter rider, I've had issues with my rear Ortlieb bag sagging down and on one occasion rub on the rear wheel. My only concern is the rear mounts on a carbon frame. Do you think with the weight of 2x 12litre bags it would cause any issues with a carbon frame? TIA.

What would you say this has as a benefit over standard bike packing bags that attach to the saddle rails?

hi, what gear you use on the rain? thank you

I ve been reading that you can actualy carry two pods on each side have you tried or heard of it

Nice review. It looks like an interesting system and one I'd definitely consider when my current rack and bags need replacing. If I wanted to carry a laptop would the pod be big enough?

thk u

What's your usual rig now that you've got the spider rack in your arsenal? Have they snuck into your set up or do you still prefer the rig you showed us in your video a some months ago?

From all the rack mounts on the bike, this is the one I fear using the most. It the seatstays fail, I think one can say goodbye to warranty (you cant fool bike companies). Btw, I think this is more suitable for mountian bikes, which have more burlier seatstays.

Interesting but pretty pricey. I don't like too much weight in back (especially when climbing!). I might just go with low-riders in front as I did in my pannier days. Small low-rider bags don't change the handling much. Are you planning to ride the Cassiar? I was thinking of doing that pre-Covid. Maybe NEXT Summer.

I am on the is island Is there I Could order the aero rack.my bike is steel no rack mounts.Look like a good unit.Thanks have a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.😎🚲🍁

interesting, but I think the idea about bikepacking is to go rackless? otherwise go with classic yet proven touring setup?

can you use other dry bags for this system?

informative review music is horrible.