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Revelate Tarsier Cargo Cage Review
Just announced, the all-new Revelate Tarsier Cargo Cage brings a fresh set of features to a familiar platform with grippy, anti-rattle TPU pads, strap guides, and more “effective cage width” than its competition, making it one of the most feature-rich cargo cages we’ve seen to date. We had a chance to test one over the last few months for this launch-day review…
It’s interesting to reflect on how the humble cargo cage has evolved over the years. I remember the ramp-up of anticipation back in the early 2010s when Salsa Cycles announced its Anything Cage. On one hand, it was just a simple oversized bottle cage made out of aluminum tubing, but many people saw it as a new way to add just enough extra carrying capacity using standard bottle mounts. That considered, it was kind of a game-changer. However, the party ended abruptly when there was a recall due to durability issues, and we all had to wait a few years for Salsa to release a viable replacement and for other reliable cargo cage options to come along. Folks are spoiled for choice now; there’s a variety of designs to choose from, and they keep getting better, allowing riders to significantly expand carrying volume on their fork, under the downtube, on three-pack mounts on rack uprights, and elsewhere.
Considering that dozens of “cargo cage” iterations have been introduced since then, it’s a wonder that it took the longstanding bikepacking gear makers at Revelate Designs this long to come up with their own version. However, the brand new Revelate Tarsier Cargo Cage clearly had some significant research and development time behind it, and it’s not just a typical metal cargo cage. Their take on this accessory is made from 6061 aluminum with a standard set of three-pack mounts, but it includes a feature not found on other cages: TPU inserts that double in function to hold the straps in place and provide cushions to prevent noise or abrasion when using something like a Klean Kanteen, titanium BOT/pot, or other metal objects. And that’s not the only trick up the Tarsier’s sleeve; it also has key-slot mounting holes so you don’t have to remove bolts to install the cage and a removable foot/base.
In keeping with convention, Revelate named their cargo cage after a rather interesting animal. Tarsiers are small carnivorous primates found on the islands of the Philippines, Borneo, and Sumatra. Apparently, they’re sensitive little creatures with very thin skulls, but they’re often seen clinging to branches, appearing to hold on for dear life, which explains the analogy.
After spending a few months with the Tarsier, I can confirm that it undoubtedly keeps things secure. I mostly used it on the MICA rack’s three-pack mounts on my Bird Forge while bouncing down steep and rough trails in Oaxaca, Mexico, this winter. It did its job carrying water bottles and an oversized BOT XL, stuffed with my full camp kitchen and fuel. Stability aside, with all the features mentioned above, what sets the Tarsier apart are its integrated, adjustable TPU pads. These fit into the slots on the cage and serve two purposes: securely cradling bottles and canisters while eliminating unwanted rattling and doubling as strap guides, keeping the included 450mm straps neatly in place when not in use. Speaking of straps, Revelate nailed the implementation here. At 17.7″, they seem to be the Goldilocks length—not too long and not too short, and the soft-touch finish and washboard texture at the end make them all the more user-friendly and grippy.
Looking at it next to the competition, the Revelate Tarsier has a somewhat familiar form factor as several other cargo cages I’ve used. It’s made from 6061 aluminum and is 6.25″ tall x 2.75″ wide (15.9 x 7.0 cm) with a foot that extends 0.6” (1.5 cm). However, it also has a few subtle differences. One is that it’s shallower than others. Most of the cages here have a very deep profile, but the Tarsier has a significantly less dramatic curve. This is great for bags like the Revelate Polecat and larger bottles, such as the oversized 32ox Klein Kanteens. It keeps the load inward to the fork or rack, instead of pushing it further outboard. It’s worth noting that this shallow arc also fits standard water bottles perfectly, allowing them to rest all the way at the back of the cage and barely contact with the TPU pads to keep it stable.
Last but not least, Revelate coined a hilarious new term based on the design of the Tarsier Cargo Cage: ECW or effective cage width. To explain, traditional strap slot designs require threading straps through the frame (see side-by-side above), thus using a significant amount of the cage space; in contrast, the integrated rear strap guides on the Tarsier significantly increase the ECW by allowing the straps to wrap around the entire cage, increasing cargo-to-cage contact. It’s actually a fair point as with other cargo cages I’ve often opted to wrap at least one of the straps around the entire fork blade and cage to make a more stable connection.
Before I wrap things up, here’s a overview video on the Tarsier that Revelate Designs put together:
- Model/Size Tested: Revelate Tarsier Cargo Cage
- Actual Weight (with straps): 126 grams
- Actual Weight (no straps): 77 grams
- Place of Manufacture: TBD
- Price: $59
- Manufacturer’s Details: Revelate Designs
Pros
- The key-slot bolt holes make it incredibly easy to remove and attach without unthreading bolts completely
- The TPU pads eliminate scratching and rattling when carrying stainless bottles or titanium pots/BOTs
- The TPU slots keep straps in place when not in use and allow the use of the entire cage platform for better cargo-to-cage contact
- Excellent and logical size and shape for pots, bags, oversized bottles, and other cargo
Cons
- Relatively expensive; $5-10 more than other cargo cages in its class, when factoring in included straps
Wrap Up
For a seemingly simple cargo cage, the Revelate Tarsier packs in a surprising number of new and well-thought-out features. As expected from Revelate Designs, every detail feels meticulously refined—from the precisely measured arc and width to the perfectly sized straps. The adjustable TPU pads are particularly clever, providing a rattle-free grip on bottles, keeping straps secure, and maximizing cargo contact for added stability. Still, my favorite feature is the key-slot mounting holes, which make installation and removal quick and hassle-free whenever extra carrying capacity is needed. It was tough to find a downside to the Tarsier. The only real drawback is the slightly higher price, but given its thoughtful design and functionality, I think it’s well worth the extra few dollars.
Further Reading
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