Today, I’m more than a little excited to introduce to you our new EXP Series Framepacks – built with the same adventure-ready intentionality, functionality, and get-after-it-ability that you’ve come to expect from Salsa. Not gonna lie, I love me some well-built packs; they invite possibility and introduce the potential to transform any ride into so much more.
Our collective bikepacking experiences led to our want list, and helped guide the hands of our engineers Andrew Cottrell, Joe Meiser, and Sean Mailen. The EXP Series checks off all the boxes we were after and then some. The EXP moniker was chosen to link “explore, expedition, and experience” and as you’ll see as we get into the details, every piece is built with those words in mind.
The EXP Series includes: EXP Series Cutthroat Framepack, EXP Series Seatpack, EXP Series Toptube Bag, EXP Series Anything Cradle, EXP Series Dry Bag, EXP Series Anything Cradle Front Pouch, and EXP Series Anything Cradle Front Straps
EXP Series Cutthroat Framepack
The EXP Series Framepack creates storage capacity in the main triangle of your frame, keeping weight centered, and gear out of the way of off-road obstacles. It’s built with extremely durable fabric and zippers, and the result will see you through many miles, and many adventures. Our first framepacks are designed to fit the Cutthroat frame perfectly.
Materials- 500D Nylon with TPU lamination and PU coating, 1000D Polyester with dual sided TPU lamination, #10 weather-resistant YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
Construction Methods- Cut and sewn with welded-in-in zippers
Features
XL - Weight- 360 g, Volume- 6.1L
L - Weight- 320 g, Volume- 5.2L
M - Weight- 300 g, Volume- 4.5L
S - Weight- 260 g, Volume- 3.5L
The EXP Series Toptube Bag provides quick and easy access to essential food and gear needed during quick rides or throughout a bikepacking adventure. Mates perfectly to our frames with two-bolt mounting eyelets on the toptube, or adjusts with hook and loop straps to just about any other.
Materials- 500D Nylon with TPU lamination and PU coating, Duraflex hardware, #5 YKK weather-resistant zipper
Construction Methods- Fully welded-in construction
Features
Weight- 160g, Volume- 1.2L
The Anything Cradle, much like our Anything Cage HD, is built to create carrying capacity where once there was none. The Anything Cradle mounts horizontally in front of your handlebars with super tough 6066 aluminum mounting hardware, and hinges for supremely easy installation and removal. The same amount of thoughtful flexibility in our Anything Cage HD can be found throughout as well with multiple loop options for our Anything Straps. The placement of the Anything Cradle holds your gear about two inches away from bars. This gives ample room for cables without fear of kinking them, but not so far away that handling feels like you’re grabbing the pointy end of a fencing sword. Loaded up, everything feels well distributed and cockpit components can still be adjusted just how you like them.
We also offer the Anything Cradle in two other configurations. 1) Anything Cradle, Straps, and Dry Bag 2) Anything Cradle, Straps, Dry Bag, and Front Pouch. Note that each part can be purchased individually as well.
Materials - Nylon 6/6 composite cradle, 6061 forged aluminum arms
Construction Methods- Injection-molded cradle and forged arms
Features-
Weight- 420g with hardware, Max. Load Weight – 8 lbs (3.7 kgs)
The EXP Series Dry Bag is tailored to fit the Anything Cradle, attached via a pair of our Anything Cradle Straps. Fully welded construction, maximum versatility, and clever hook and loop points for ease of attachment make this supremely useful dry bag a crucial part of your bikepacking set up.
Materials- 420D Nylon with TPU lamination and PU coating
Construction Methods- Fully welded-in construction
Dimensions – Length- 850mm, Diameter-200mm
Features-
Weight- 220g, Volume- 15L
EXP Series Anything Cradle Front Pouch
The Exp Series Anything Cradle Front Pouch adds easy accessibility to the kinds of gear you rely on throughout the day on a bikepacking adventure. Fully welded-in construction for day in, day out abuse, and a buckle attachment design that fully integrates with our EXP Series Anything Cradle and EXP Series Dry Bag.
Materials- 500D Nylon with TPU lamination and PU coating, 1000D Polyester with dual sided TPU lamination, Duraflex hardware, #5 YKK zipper, nylon webbing
Construction Methods- Fully welded-in construction
Dimensions – Length- 250mm, Width- 150mm, Height- 50mm
Features-
Weight- 160g, Volume- 1.7L
EXP Series Anything Cradle Front Straps
Anything Cradle Straps are the perfect width for our Anything Cradle, but can also be used to strap stuff down on racks or wherever the heck you want to strap stuff. They cinch tight but easily release tension with a push of the buckle. Carry a couple with you for your planned or unplanned strapping needs.
Materials- 25mm nylon webbing, Duraflex hardware
EXP Series Seatpack - CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION - STAY TUNED FOR PRODUCT DETAILS
So there you have it. With the EXP Series, you’ve eliminated a big hurdle to get out, and stay out as long as you can with everything you need. We thank you for your continued support of Salsa Cycles.
EXP Series Anything Cradle Kit…complete with Anything Cradle, Straps, Dry Bag, and Front Pouch…
This post filed under topics: Bikepacking Gravel Mark Sirek Mountain Biking New Product Road Tour Divide Ultra Racing
Share this post: Tweet
Mark Sirek
I had to live on both coasts a couple of times to realize that maybe being born in the Midwest wasn’t just arbitrary. I’m drawn to the terrain here, and if you catch me with one of this region’s supreme IPAs in hand, I’ll talk your ear off about my favorite spots. I’ll always take every opportunity though to explore every nook and cranny anywhere I can on a bike, because that’s what makes me feel most alive.
COMMENTS (24)
Jonathan Houck | November 16th, 2016
Any plans for frame specific bags beyond the Cutthroat? Specifically, Horsethief and/or Pony Rustler?
Dave P | November 16th, 2016
It sounds great! I am about to pick up a 2017 Cutty Rival (also have a 2013 Warbird 2 and a 2015 Beargrease Carbon 1. If my dealer does not stock theses bags where can I get them?
Any help greatly appreciated.
A 201 7 Vaya is nest on my wish list - so yea, am eager to get these bags.
Gary W | November 16th, 2016
Can you mount the Anything Cradle on a Salsa carbon bar?
Bradley | November 16th, 2016
How does the framebag fit the Timberjack?
PJC | November 17th, 2016
I am currently using cowbell bars with a comotion rohloff shifter. Will the Anything Cradle mounts leave enough room to use this shifter?
Matt | December 5th, 2016
Is the cradle compatible with carbon bars?
Matt K. | December 30th, 2016
Is it possible to mount the EXP cradle along with aero bars, on the Fargo woodchippers?
Kid Riemer | January 3rd, 2017
Gary W and Matt, they are compatible with Salsa carbon bars but you must follow the instructions, especially the recommended torque specifications. Salsa carbon bars are designed and tested for use with aero bars. If you are using with another brands carbon bars I suggest you make sure they have designed and tested for aero bar use. If not, we do not recommend using the Anything Cradle with those bars.
Matt K - From the product engineer, “Most likely yes, it just depends on the aero bars and having enough real estate for both the Anything cradle arms and aero bar mounts. They need follow all instructions and torque specifications.”
Because there are so many different aero bar systems we are not able to give a blanket yes or no statement.
PJC - I will look into your question and get back to you.
Kid Riemer | January 3rd, 2017
This may help those trying to figure out if the Anything Cradle will work with their aero bar setup:
The Anything Cradle arms are spaced at 84mm wide outside -to-outside. The Woodchipper clamping section is 120mm wide. This leaves 18mm of handlebar clamping section for each aero bar.
Derek Teed | January 10th, 2017
Would you know if the Anything Cradle will work on a Jones Loop bar?
steve | January 13th, 2017
I dont think it would work Derek
Kid Riemer | January 13th, 2017
Derek Teed - You will need to look at those same measurements listed above and see if the Jones Loop bar works with those spacing measurements. Thanks for your interest.
rolling stands | January 19th, 2017
Wondergul article! We are linking to this particularly great post on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
dekornik | January 22nd, 2017
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening.
I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Mason | February 14th, 2017
What diameter will the clamps work with? Will it fit 35?
Violão | March 11th, 2017
Good equipment for those who like.
Doug | March 24th, 2017
Using Jonesbar on Smokewood gx1 works just fine with exp cradle and Salsa dry bag.
Bradley | March 24th, 2017
Is a frame bag for the Timberjack on the horizon any time soon?
Ronaldo | March 31st, 2017
Material de primeira qualidade!!! muito bom!
Kid Riemer | April 27th, 2017
Bradley - Yes, we actually just received final samples of our EXP Mountain Hardtail bags and EXP Fatbike bags. Look for them later this summer! Thanks for your interest.
Bradley | April 27th, 2017
Hey Kid -
Doh! I just got a custom frame bag for my Timberjack. Now if your re-sellers could get their hands on the cradle, I’d be good to go. Looks like I might have to DIY something for Spring trips.
Christian | May 18th, 2017
Any chance there will be a frame bag produced for El Mar’s?
86Renato | August 19th, 2017
I have noticed you don’t monetize your site,
don’t waste your traffic, you can earn extra cash every month
because you’ve got hi quality content. If you want to know how to make extra bucks,
search for: best adsense alternative Wrastain’s tools
Gerome Garcia | November 30th, 2017
is the anything cradle kit compatible with a jones loop bar?