If you've ever tried to strap a bulky dry bag or an oversized water bottle to your bike frame, you've probably realized that a standard bottle holder just won't cut it, which is exactly where the manything cage comes into play. It's one of those niche pieces of gear that doesn't look like much at first—just a few loops of titanium rod—but once you start using it, you kind of wonder how you ever packed for a trip without it. It's the minimalist's answer to the "how do I carry this weird-shaped stuff?" question that plagues every bikepacker.
What Exactly Is This Thing?
At its core, the manything cage is an oversized utility rack designed to mount to the "triple-boss" or "three-pack" mounts you see on a lot of modern gravel and mountain bike forks. It's made by King Cage, a small operation out of Durango, Colorado, known for making some of the best-looking and most durable titanium bottle cages in the cycling world.
The design is incredibly simple. It's a single piece of titanium tubing bent into a shape that supports a load from the bottom and the back. Unlike some of the plastic or heavy aluminum "cargo cages" on the market, it doesn't have high sides or a bulky footprint. This is a huge plus because when you aren't carrying anything, it's practically invisible and doesn't add any significant weight to your rig.
Why Titanium Matters Here
You might be thinking, "Why do I need a titanium cage for a dry bag?" and that's a fair question. Titanium is the gold standard for this kind of application for a few reasons. First, it's incredibly light. Most manything cage units weigh in at around 37 to 40 grams. To put that in perspective, some plastic alternatives weigh three or four times that much. When you're climbing a steep forest service road, every gram counts, especially when those grams are out on your fork legs where they can affect your steering.
Secondly, titanium has a bit of "spring" to it. It's not brittle. If you tip your bike over in a rock garden—and let's be honest, we all do—the titanium is more likely to flex and spring back rather than snap or permanently deform. Plus, it won't rust or corrode, no matter how much mud and road salt you throw at it. It just keeps that dull, classy grey look forever.
How to Mount It Properly
The manything cage is designed to be used with three mounting points. Most modern adventure bikes have these on the fork blades or under the down tube. While you could technically mount it with just two bolts, it's really not recommended. The extra bolt provides the stability needed to keep the cage from pivoting or putting too much stress on the frame's eyelets when you're bouncing down a bumpy trail.
One little pro tip: always use a bit of grease or anti-seize on those bolts. Since the cage is titanium and your frame might be steel or aluminum, you want to make sure those bolts don't seize up over time. It's a two-minute job that saves a massive headache down the road.
The Secret Sauce: Voile Straps
If you buy a manything cage, you absolutely have to pair it with Voile straps (or something similar like a Titan Strap). The cage itself doesn't actually hold your gear; it just provides the platform. The straps do the heavy lifting. The cage has specific notches built into the spine where the straps sit, which prevents them from sliding up or down while you're riding.
Most people find that two 15-inch or 20-inch straps are the sweet spot. You wrap them around the cage, through your dry bag or Nalgene, and cinch them down. Because the straps are made of a grippy polyurethane, they don't slip, even when everything is wet and muddy. It creates a rock-solid connection that won't rattle loose, which is the ultimate goal when you're miles away from the nearest bike shop.
What Can You Actually Carry?
The versatility of the manything cage is where it really shines. It's not just for water. Here are a few things I've seen people (and myself) haul with these:
- Large Water Bottles: A 48oz Nalgene fits perfectly. This is a lifesaver for desert riding where water sources are few and far between.
- Dry Bags: Most people use a 3-liter to 5-liter dry bag. This is the perfect place to put your sleeping pad, a lightweight down quilt, or even your extra layers for the evening.
- Fuel Bottles: If you're using a liquid fuel stove like an MSR WhisperLite, the fuel bottle fits securely in a manything cage, keeping the flammable stuff away from your food and clothes.
- Tent Poles: If you have a short-segment tent, you can strap the pole bag directly to the cage.
- Random Stuff: I've seen people strap a bottle of wine, a bag of firewood, or even a pair of camp shoes to these things.
The beauty is that it's an open system. If you can strap it down, you can carry it.
Manything Cage vs. The Competition
There are other options out there, like the Salsa Anything Cage or the Blackburn Outpost. The Salsa version is a bit more of a "cradle" design, which some people prefer because it feels a bit more secure for larger bags. However, the Salsa cage is usually made of plastic or aluminum and is significantly bulkier.
The manything cage wins on weight and durability. It's also much narrower. If you're riding tight singletrack, having a bulky cage sticking out from your fork can be a liability—it's just one more thing to snag on a branch or a rock. The King Cage version keeps everything tucked in close to the frame, which maintains the bike's handling and keeps the profile slim.
Long-Term Durability
One thing I love about King Cage products is that they are genuinely "buy it for life" items. There are no plastic parts to crack under UV exposure and no welds that are likely to fail under normal use. Ron Andrews (the guy behind the brand) has been doing this for a long time, and the craftsmanship shows.
I've had a set of these on my rig for three years now. They've been through rain, snow, and plenty of crashes. Aside from some minor scuffing where the straps rub, they look brand new. In a world where so much bike gear feels disposable, it's refreshing to have something that's actually built to last.
A Couple of Things to Watch Out For
As much as I love the manything cage, it's not perfect for every single scenario. For one, it's a bit more expensive than the plastic alternatives. You're paying for the titanium and the handmade quality. If you're on a super tight budget, you might look elsewhere, but I'd argue the investment is worth it for the weight savings alone.
Also, because the cage is so minimalist, you really have to be careful about how you pack your bags. If you have a bag with a lot of loose straps or buckles, make sure everything is tucked away so nothing gets caught in your spokes. It's also a good idea to put a small piece of clear frame protection tape on your fork where the bag might rub, just to keep your paint looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the manything cage is one of those simple, effective tools that makes bikepacking just a little bit easier. It doesn't try to do too much, but what it does do, it does perfectly. It gives you the freedom to carry what you need without adding unnecessary bulk or complexity to your bike.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip to a local state park or a multi-month expedition across a continent, having a reliable way to haul gear is essential. If you value lightweight design, handmade quality, and stuff that just works, the manything cage belongs on your short list. It's a classic for a reason, and once you've got one bolted to your bike, you'll probably find yourself reaching for it every time you head out the door.