Widefoot CargoMount Review: Future-Proof with CargoNoodle

Founded in 2014 by friends Hunter and Marc, Widefoot is a bicycle accessory brand specializing in bottle and cargo cages. All Widefoot hardware is designed and manufactured in the USA, the majority coming from Colorado, and they’re perhaps best known for their Nalgene-friendly LiterCage and multi-functional CargoMount Classic. More recently, they released the StoutCage for cyclists looking for a robust bottle cage with a full stainless steel construction. Widefoot’s products are often spotted on race rigs, earned a spot in our 2019 Gear of the Year Awards, and are regularly used by our editors. They have a reputation for producing durable and functional hardware perfectly suited for the rigors of bikepacking.

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The Widefoot CargoMount Classic was first released in 2019 and hasn’t changed much since, aside from updating the standard adjustable dot-dot-dot mounting points to a combination of dots and slots for further adjustment and compatibility. I can’t remember when I picked up my original CargoMount, but it has seen thousands of bikepacking kilometers, and besides a few scratches and some paint wear, it’s just as functional as it was on day one. When Widefoot reached out this spring with news of an updated CargoMount, they had my attention.

CargoMount Classic vs. the new Widefoot CargoMount

The new CargoMount shares a similar overall size and profile to the original and is still made from anodized 5052 aluminum, but several smaller details have changed. Most notable is the cargo “foot” at the bottom of the cage, which was previously integrated into the cage with a single-piece aluminum construction. The new CargoMount features a unique removable, bolt-on platform they call the CargoNoodle. Widefoot says the CargoNoodle’s macaroni-like shape is stronger than the original version and can also be removed to accommodate a broader range of cargo items and bags. The CargoNoodle is made from hollow aluminum tubing threaded for a standard M5 bolt at both ends. I’ve bent my fair share of cargo cage platforms when smashed against rocks, so I see the benefit of moving away from a one-piece platform.

The comparison photos below show that the redesigned cage has a symmetrical shape, a wider range of dot and slotted attachment points, and a second set of platform mounting holes at the top of the cage. There are wide slots for your favorite cargo straps, and along both edges are narrower slots that work great for stashing the end of the strap. The two smallest slots are 3/4″ tall, which neatly fit most standard webbing and Voile straps.

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The Widefoot CargoMount is now available in three sizes, two of which feature removable bases. All three are just under 3″ wide, the Mega CargoCage is 9.7″ long, the Regular version is 7″ long, and the shortest cage, the MiniMount, is 3.7″ long. The only difference between the two larger cages are their length and the number of mounting points the larger of the two offers, allowing for an even greater range of adjustability and position on the bike. They weigh 95 grams, 74 grams, and 29 grams from largest to smallest, respectively.

Noodling around with the CargoMount

While there is no lack of cargo cage options, they aren’t all created equal. It’s a tricky balance to create a cage that can hold a variety of objects, isn’t heavy, is strong enough to handle the occasional rock bash, and is ideally still relatively low profile. My top picks include the original Widefoot CargoMount and the King Cage Manything Cage. The Manything Cage is wonderfully lightweight at just 40 grams, thanks to its minimal design and titanium construction. Still, the Widefoot has always had a leg-up on strap management thanks to the various slots.

The new CargoMount takes the functionality I liked from the original and subtly improves upon it, and the result is noticeable. Having more (and narrower) slots on the “wings” of the CargoMount is excellent for tucking stray strap ends out of the way, and because they are perfectly sized for Voile straps, there’s no worries about a strap coming loose and flapping against your tire or spokes while riding. The inner slots are also larger, making quickly looping your favorite strap through the cage much easier.

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In my experience, the cargo cage foot/platform’s shape isn’t as crucial to the cage’s overall functionality as the profile of the cage itself. It doesn’t take a big platform to support a large Nalgene or Klean Kanteen, for example, so Widefoot’s CargoNoodle is ingenious. Not only is it stronger than bending the actual cage material, which can eventually weaken over time, but it’s also replaceable in the case of a heavy impact or crash. I’ve had no issues with cargo slipping, and because of how low profile the platform is, I haven’t managed to smack it against anything either. I asked Widefoot if they’ll be offering the platform separately, and while that’s the eventual goal, that’s still a ways out. They are also working on different types of bolt-on platforms to use the CargoMount in different ways, which sounds very interesting. I envision some unique bolt-on bag integrations in Widefoot’s future.

I appreciate Widefoot creating two size options that come with the removable platform. The regular size is perfect for grabbing a cold drink on the way to camp, strapping on extra water bottles, or carrying peanut butter jars (with Nutella added for extra deliciousness) while bikepacking. I found everything I carried in this cage was easily secured in place using one Voile strap. The mega CargoMount is only a few inches taller, but that makes a big difference when carrying oversized bottles and other bulky gear that could benefit from two straps instead of just one.

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Eagle-eyed readers might have noticed that the narrow strap slots are the same size as the mounting holes in the center of the cage. Similar to how the new Wolf Tooth Morse Cargo Cage can be mounted on an angle, the CargoMount can theoretically be mounted on an angle for a flatter profile. I ran this by Widefoot, and it is indeed no coincidence that the slots are the same size as the mounting holes. Although the cages haven’t been thoroughly tested in this configuration yet, they wanted to keep their options open for future use cases. Having uses the cages extensively, I can’t imagine they aren’t durable enough to be mounted this way, although Widefoot can’t officially recommend it until proper testing is complete.

I haven’t seen much cycling hardware that leaves so much room for future variations and evolution. The idea of future use-cases, different platform types, and collaborative bags is exciting. I’m guessing it won’t be long before we see a bag maker work with Widefoot on some type of integrated bag system using the CargoMount as the foundation.

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Popular Cargo Cages Compared

So, how does the new Widefoot CargoMount stack up against the competition? A quick comparison against some of the most popular cages shows all of the CargoMount’s versatility and future-proof features come at a cost, mostly in the form of weight. While it’s not much, the CargoMount is a few grams heavier the the CargoMount Classic, 26 grams heavier than the new Wolf Tooth Morse Cargo Cage, and 35 grams heavier than the titanium King Cage Manything Cage. However, it weighs less than the adjustable Apidura Cargo Cage, Decathlon Riverside Cargo Cage, Topeak Versacage, and the Salsa Anything Cage HD, so it’s far from heavy. Aside from the Tailfin Cargo Cage, it’s one of the only options offered in two sizes, not including the smaller MiniMount.

Widefoot has always priced their gear competitively, and the new CargoMount follows suit. Aside from Wolf Tooth and King Cage, it’s also the only other US-made cargo cage, yet it still manages to stay relatively affordable. Widefoot also stands behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty that applies against any product defects. If a product fails, they will either repair or replace it. If the CargoMount Classic is still more your style, you’ll be glad to know that Widefoot has no plans to eliminate it from their product line.

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Widefoot MiniMount

The Widefoot MiniMount is a pint-sized version of the CargoMount. It has the same adjustable mounting holes, multiple strap slots, and ditches the lower platform. While likely not as useful for bikepackers, more and more trail bikes come equipped with additional bosses under the top tube for mounting bolt-on accessories and mini cages like this, so it’s nice to see a US-made option. While I didn’t have a chance to test the MiniMount nearly as much as the CargoMount cages, I got out for a few rides with a spare tube strapped in place using a Voile Nano Strap, and it didn’t so much as a budge. Like the CargoMount lineup, the MiniMount is available in black, silver, orange, and purple anodized finishes.

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• Material: 5052 Aluminum
• Weight: 74 grams (regular), 95 grams (mega), 29 grams (mini)
• Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
• Price: $48 USD (regular), $56 (mega), $30 (mini)
• Manufacturer’s Details: Widefoot.com

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Further Reading

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