For the booming and increasingly diversifying gravel sector, there are already just as many different bags and rack systems in countless designs. But an "arse rocket" - i.e. the kebab-like saddle bag on a gravel bike - is only suitable for a mountain bike to a very limited extent.
It wobbles back and forth or, in case of doubt, drags on the rear wheel when the suspension dips. Not to mention frame bags, very few MTB frames have enough space for them; often a small water bottle just fits between the top and down tube.
Then two guys from New Zealand come along and want to remedy the situation. In the rough topography of the island in the Tasman Sea, you need "heavy duty stuff", things that can really take a beating. And that's what the Aeroe luggage carrier system, which was specially created for MTBs, does.
The system basically consists of brackets that are lashed to the frame, fork or handlebars with fabric straps, and metal brackets to which things can then be attached. Aeroe also offers so-called spiders and pucks. Spiders are holders for panniers or other bags with two adjustable straps. Pucks are twist locks that are compatible with various Aeroe bags.
We recently invited pretty much the entire New Zealander range to test it on our long-term test bike, the Rockrider E-Feel 900Smounted. It doesn't really make sense to have everything on the bike at the same time, but we did it (and photographed it) for the documentation. In practice, you would probably opt for two bag formats - or switch for different uses.
The Aeroe luggage carrier system during assembly
Even during assembly, it is noticeable that everything is "very": very robustly built, very easy to handle, very simply designed, but very functional. This is also somewhat the Claim of the two founders. All parts are fixed with 4 Allen screws (5 mm) each, which means that you only need a 5 mm Allen key to fit everything.
The brackets can be fitted quickly and without fiddling thanks to a simple mechanism that tightens the fabric straps using a screw. The spider and the puck are quickly screwed on and can be quickly repositioned as required.
The pack sacks and bags are also of the highest quality, neatly glued and fully waterproof to IP65 standard (protected against dust ingress (dustproof); protected against jets of water (nozzle) from any angle), so they can even withstand a garden hose. The metal frames of the supports are made of powder-coated aluminium, the plastic parts are made of glass fibre-reinforced nylon. This should all last quite a long time.
Front carrier not suitable for gravel fork
The only point of criticism here: Although the racks are designed for MTBs with tyres up to 3.8 inches (there are special racks for fat bikes), the mounts do not fit on narrow, older suspension forks such as the Fox 32. They require the fork legs or fork tubes to be about 14.5 cm apart. With the Fox 32 it is just 12.5 cm - with unsprung gravel forks only 10.5 cm.
However, this was no problem on our bike with the Rockshox ZEB. The rear Aero rack should fit most MTB and gravel seat stays, especially as you can turn the feet of the bracket by loosening the bolts to adjust them to the tapered stays. The width can also be adjusted with a little pressure.
Unfortunately, the whole ensemble seems to have been designed to be extremely durable, but even when screwing it all together you get the impression that it is quite heavy. The spiders, the panniers, none of it is lightweight. In the end, we will calculate what a typical set-up would weigh - without luggage, of course. But now to the individual components. All weights are BIKE measurements, except those marked with *.
HintOur test bike has an aluminium frame, so mounting with the fabric tapes and a maximum torque of 4 Nm on the adjustment screws is probably not a problem. For long-term mounting (normal case), it is advisable to apply 1-2 layers of frame protection film or insulating tape to the contact points. The Aeroe carriers are also suitable for carbon frames. However, you should pay close attention to the weight limits and tightening torques in the Aeroe instructions!
Aeroe Spider Front Rack
- Weight: Luggage carrier 590 g (BIKE measurement)
- Load capacity: 16 kg*
- Materials: High-quality stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, glass fibre-reinforced nylon and silicone-coated straps.
- Price: 115,00 Euro >> available here
The front rack from Aeroe is the smaller of the two. If you place it low enough on the fork so that the tyre still has enough space at the top, it creates almost the same feeling as so-called lowrider bags, which are bolted directly to the fork. The centre of gravity is low and the weight gives the tyre even more grip. Only the steering behaviour may be less lively, but in any case it is significantly different. The unsprung mass - i.e. the weight that physically lies in front of the suspension - is increased by the luggage rack. As a result, the suspension no longer responds sensitively.
We had mounted the Pannier Rack - the holder for classic panniers - at the front, because it is a good place for light items of luggage such as sleeping bags. Or small bags with tensioning straps can be transported there for everyday use. With a load capacity of 16 kg, according to the manufacturer, you can fit quite a lot there. However, you can combine all the Aero elements with each other and customise your own set-up.
Aeroe Spider Rear Rack
- Weight: Luggage carrier 644 g
- Capacity: 16 kg*
- Materials: High-quality stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, fibreglass-reinforced nylon and silicone-coated straps
- Price: 135,00 Euro >> available here
The large rear rack - the Aeroe Spider Rear Rack - is just as wide, but has a much longer bracket so that it can also be mounted on very low seat stays and the rear wheel (with mudguards) still has enough space.
Just like the Front Rack, the carrier is super stable and the loaded panniers don't wobble or rattle. The system also makes a secure impression on rough surfaces - whether it would be possible to ride real trails with it probably depends on the load, bike and riding skills. At least we haven't tried it out.
Aeroe Spider Pannier Rack
This is the rear rack, but it is sold together with the "plate" (pannier receiver).
- Weight: Luggage carrier with pannier holder - 1146 g. Holder only 502 g
- Price: 155,00 Euro
Pannier Receiver solo
- Weight: 502 g
- Price: 80,00 Euro
Aeroe Spider Rack Cradle
- Weight: 322 - 350 g (including integrated strap)
- Load capacity: 5 kg*
- Price: 69,00 Euro >> available here
At the heart of the Aeroe system are the cradles for drybags and bags using two tensioning straps. With Aero drybags, the tensioning strap is passed through loops - this keeps the bags absolutely stable in position, regardless of whether they are mounted horizontally or vertically. With drybags from other manufacturers without these loops, you have to tighten the straps quite a bit.
The weighing of the holders was astonishing. They all had a different weight of between 322 and 350 g. On the outside, however, there were no discernible differences, which points to the material itself. Incidentally, all Aeroe products are produced in Taiwan - designed in New Zealand.
Aeroe 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bag Orange
- 100 % waterproof to IP65
- Weight: 222 g
- Volume: 8 litres
- Load capacity: 4 kg* recommended
- Materials: Fully welded TPU
- Price: 49,00 Euro >> available here
Let's move on to the bags in the Aeroe range: the small, orange pack sack with a volume of 8 litres makes such a high-quality impression that the price of just under 50 euros seems almost justified. The bag can probably cope with an entire expedition through the Amazon Delta without it showing. The high quality in terms of material, workmanship and design at least promises that you won't have to get a replacement for many years.
Aeroe 12L Heavy Duty Dry Bag Black
- 100 % waterproof to IP65
- Weight: 309 g
- Volume: 12 litres
- Load capacity: 4 kg* recommended
- Price: 59,00 Euro >> available here
The point about high quality also applies to the large dry bags from Aeroe, although they are made from a different, slightly thinner material. However, this actually makes an even more elegant and only slightly less robust impression. On the other hand, the roll-top fastener is a little easier to roll. The reflective logos not only look chic on the black plastic, but also have their purpose in terms of visibility in the dark.
Aeroe 11L QuickLock Adventure Pod
- Zip opening allows easy access; integrated straps hold equipment
- 100 % waterproof to IP65
- Weight: 783 g (including universal mounting (puck) - connects pod to the Spider rear carrier)
- Load capacity: 7 kg* recommended
- Materials: Fibreglass-reinforced nylon back, hard-wearing TPU HF nylon, fully welded
- Volume: 9, 11, 14 litres
- Dimensions 11-litre pod in the test:
- outside: length 45 cm, width 20 cm, height 16 cm
- inside: length 43 cm, width 19 cm, height 15 cm
- Dimensions Pod 9 litres (not in the test):
- outside: length 40 cm, width 19 cm, height 15 cm
- Dimensions Pod 14 litres (not in the test):
- outside: length 47 cm, width 27 cm, height 17 cm
- Price: all three 135,00 Euro each
The Aeroe Adventure Pod reminds me a lot of a motorbike side bag, except that these have hard shells and the Pod is made of a TPU material that is reminiscent of very thick bicycle inner tubes. The base is actually made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic and holds the puck for the Quicklock mechanism described above.
According to the manufacturer, the bag is 100% waterproof, so the zip is self-sealing. However, at least on our test model, the zip was very stiff at first - but a little baby powder on the outside of the tread helped.
The Aeroe Pod can best be described as a hybrid between a pannier bag and a classic bike bag. The advantage, however, is the all-round zip and the straps inside that keep everything in place. At 135 euros, it's a real purchase, but with two of them you can transport a lot of luggage.
Aeroe QuickLock Urban Backpack
- 100 % waterproof IP 64 (only splash-proof instead of jet water)
- Weight (incl. shoulder strap): 1452 g without puck // 1620 g with puck // 168 g puck only
- Volume: 10 litres*
- Dimensions: Height 44.5 cm, width 31 cm, depth 8.5 cm
- Materials: Robust TPU, fully welded
- Price: 180,00 Euro
Away from adventure and into the city and commuting: The Urban Backpack from Aeroe takes up the idea of using the bike as just one part of the journey: On the way to the suburban railway, the backpack is "pucked" onto the bike, then you click on the shoulder straps and carry it from the suburban railway to work as a backpack. We particularly like the magnetic fasteners. They click into place almost by themselves and you could even wear thick mittens to open it! Very high quality! The straps are also comfortable to wear.
Unfortunately, the rucksack is quite heavy, especially considering its volume of only 10 litres. The similar bags we have already tested from Deuter (Xberg) and Forrider (3in1) were quite similar in weight, but had a capacity of at least 25 litres. On the other hand, the Aeroe Backpack looks very sleek, modern and urban and less like a bike bag.
Aeroe Urban Pannier Bag
- 100 % waterproof to IP 65
- Weight: 844 g
- Volume: 12 - 14 litres*
- Dimensions (not rolled): Height 54 cm, width 28 cm, depth 10.5 cm
- Materials: Heavy-duty TPU fully welded.
- Price: 120.00 Euro (Note: According to the manufacturer, there is currently no stock in the USA, Great Britain or Europe)
The Aeroe Pannier Bag is the traditional bike bag in the programme. Nothing more and nothing less. Simple, well-made, with a stable holding mechanism. The reflective details (logo, lettering) are also practical, but not unnecessarily conspicuous.
Unfortunately, the bag is currently not available according to the manufacturer's website - but models are available in online shops. However, 120 euros as the recommended retail price - or only 90 in shops - for a pannier is a lot. Some of these bags are already available in sets of 2 for this price.
Not in the test: Spider Handlebar Cradle
- Weight: 464 g (including integrated straps)*
- Load capacity: 5 kg*
- Price: 79,00 Euro
Our TOUR summary of the Aeroe bikepacking system
If you opt for Aeroe for your MTB, you are forced to stick with it because the luggage carrier system is only compatible with other manufacturers to a limited extent. Although you can attach other panniers or lash down pannier bags, there is no suitable loop to thread the straps through.
However, as all the products make a very durable impression, they will probably last for years. This also justifies the higher purchase price, which is, however, relativised by the street prices. The disadvantage of the robust and completely waterproof design is the weight. We have calculated a functional full equipment:
| Product | Price | Weight |
| Front rack | 115 Euro | 590 g |
| Back rack | 135 Euro | 644 g |
| Pannier receiver | 80 Euro | 502 g |
| Spider Cradle (4x) | 69 Euro (276 Euro) | 345 g (1380 g) |
| Dry Bag Orange (2x) | 49 Euro (98 Euro) | 222 g (444 g) |
| Dry Back Black (2x) | 59 Euro (118 Euro) | 309 g (618 g) |
| Complete | 822 Euro | 4178 g |
Over 4 kilos for the transport system alone is quite an announcement. If you build the whole set-up on an E-MTB, this is perhaps less crucial - at least for the legs. From our point of view, the Aeroe products are therefore ideal for really long bikepacking tours, expeditions and tough daily commuting - in other words, whenever it's less about lightweight, performance or speed and more about durability, stability and "no worries". The design and function are definitely impressive. It's a shame that there are no racks for older and narrower forks!
Who is behind Aeroe?
Aeroe has been designing, refining (and riding) its products for over 12 years - starting with the quick-mount bike rack (originally The Freeload Rack, now known as Tour Rack, sold by Thule). The New Zealand company's goal is to offer the world's simplest, most functional and - as they say at Aeroe - most beautiful way to transport equipment.
Aeroe is designed to be suitable for every bike and every person. That's why the products are particularly robust - a result of design, testing and proving themselves in New Zealand, where there are probably some of the most exciting and demanding touring conditions even for experienced cyclists.
Marc Strucken
Editor
