Kaibab Cradle

The Kaibab is a steerer-tube mounted harness unlike any other! Made from ultralight aluminum and carbon fiber, it mounts to a precision-machined 10mm headset spacer (included). The result is a cradle that is super convenient to use and holds your dry bag as close to your head tube as possible!

Unlike other steerer tube mounted harnesses, you only have to install the Kaibab spacer once. Then it can stay on your bike full-time, and you can install and remove the cradle as needed, with just four bolts and no additional headset adjustments. Extra spacers are available, so the same cradle can swap easily between multiple bikes.

On bikes with long stems (most drop bar bikes), the Kaibab also holds your load significantly closer to the head tube than a handlebar-mounted harness. That means more steering stability. Bonus, it frees up that coveted handlebar mounting space for aero bars or other accessories!

Note: The Kaibab will not work on every bike with front suspension, due to potential interference with the fork arch at full compression. If using a suspension fork with a forward-facing arch, it is mandatory to check clearance before you ride! We recommend using our fit calculator below before purchasing.

Ultralight Strap Options

Just like the Blue Ridge, the Kaibab uses our special TPU bridges to hold straps onto the top carbon rod. These means you can use any straps you like, including TPU straps, without having them slide around or fall off the harness when not in use.

We offer two lightweight strap options:

• 28" TPU Harness Straps, which are 30% lighter than comparable straps
• 31" Austere Mfg Buckle Straps, with super strong USA-machined aluminum buckles.

Need help deciding? The TPU straps are a bit more stable and easier to use. The Austere straps are ridiculously strong, slightly lighter, and their 31 inch length will fit larger diameter dry bags.

Specs

Kaibab vs Blue Ridge

The Kaibab shares a lot of DNA with the Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness, but it's not a replacement as some folks will still prefer or need the Blue Ridge. Here are some thoughts to help you decide:

Kaibab Pros

• Generally handles cable management better than the Blue Ridge
• Easier to install/remove for trips (once the headset spacer is installed)
• Frees your handlebars for aero bars, devices, etc
• Can be easily swapped between bikes (but you'll want a headset spacer for each bike to make this convenient)

Blue Ridge Pros

• Does not require any spacers under your stem
  
• Works on smaller bikes with suspension forks where the Kaibab doesn't have enough clearance
  
• Better for older style to tube bags that use a steerer tube strap
• Cheaper when used on multiple bikes (no need to get extra headset spacers)
• Easier swapping between bikes, if you don't want to put our headset spacer on each one
• On flat bars with older SRAM brakes that point outwards, the Kaibab may not fit due to its dry bag placement so close to the head tube. With the Blue Ridge, you can use our new Blue Ridge Extension Shims to increase the cradle length and clear your brakes.
  

We also recommend checking out our dry bag fit calculator - this will tell you the maximum diameter dry bag you can use with either harness.

Bike setup can be very personal, so if you purchase the Kaibab and decide it won't work for you, we offer free exchanges for a Blue Ridge within 30 days. Returns without an exchange are also accepted, with shipping costs deducted from the return.

Dry Bag Fit Calculator

Machined in Arizona

All of Rogue Panda's aluminum parts, including the Kaibab spacer and cradle arms, are machined by a small, family business right here in Flagstaff, AZ.

In addition to supporting a local business, this helps us ensure quality. The last thing we want is for our work to fail on you in the field. Our machinist stands by his work and we're confident you can take it into the worst of conditions.

What's in a Name?

Rogue Panda is a proud supporter of the Arizona Trail Association. Our workshop is less than a mile from the AZT, and all our bags are named after parts of it.

The Kaibab Plateau is one of the northernmost stretches of the AZT - for northbound riders this is the point where you can *almost* start to celebrate!

Sadly, the Dragon Bravo fire burned much of the trail in the summer of 2025. But fortunately, much of that fire only burned undergrowth so there is still some beautiful forest to ride through. Plus, Jacob Lake has the best cookies on the trail!