How It Works

How it works

Your pack.
Your bike’s load.

Keep the backpack you love. Let your bicycle carry more of its weight. Backbone supports your bag from below while you keep wearing it—then lets you step off and carry on.

See the weight transfer Find your Backbone →
Current Standard V with its padded V Platform and seatpost-mounted support
The current Standard V with padded V Platform.

Watch the demonstration

See what
the scale shows.

Watch the scale reading change as the platform meets the backpack. That is the idea behind Backbone: support from below, instead of leaving all the load on your shoulders.

Your familiar bag. A new way to carry it.No dedicated pannier bag required. Your backpack stays on you for the ride and for everything after it.

This clip demonstrates the principle. How much support you feel depends on your bike, backpack, riding position, and adjustment.

A close look at the weight transfer.
Open the video full screen ↗
Standard V showing the padded top platform, adjustable support, and seatpost connection
Tap a number to explore the hardware.Current Standard V shown.

Small details. A different ride.

Purpose-built.
From pack to bike.

  1. A platform that backs you up.

    Your bag rests on the platform while its straps stay on your shoulders. Standard V and Pro add a broad, padded V top that quick-releases for stowing.

  2. Your posture. Your adjustment.

    Set the height and fore–aft position to meet your bag where you wear it. Quick-release hardware makes adjustment tool-free.

  3. A direct route to the bicycle.

    The seatpost-mounted support transfers the load from the platform to your bike. Step off and your backpack is already with you.

See the adjustment

Set the height.
Set the reach.

The platform moves in two directions so it can meet the bottom of your backpack where you actually wear it.

01 · HeightOpen. Move. Close.

Bring the platform to the bottom of your backpack. Open the cam handle, move the inner tube, then close the handle once the height is set.

02 · Fore–aftRemove. Slide. Reinsert.

Align the support with where your bag rests when seated. Remove the locking pin before sliding the upright, then reinsert it after the position is set.

Standard V shown. Follow the complete setup guide for your model before riding.

Both locks release before movement and secure the chosen position afterward.

Your position sets the height.

An upright commute and a forward-leaning ride place your backpack differently. Adjust the support to meet your bag where you actually wear it.

Open the setup guides & videos →
The work shows. Close-up of Backbone's 6061-T6 aluminum tubing and TIG-welded joints.

Built for the everyday journey

Built with purpose.

6061-T6 aluminum tubing. TIG-welded joints. The construction behind your backpack’s support deserves a closer look.

6061-T6 aluminum construction

TIG-welded joints and an anodized finish bring together the structure and finish of the Backbone support.

Reflective lettering

The decal catches light after dark. It is reflective, not self-illuminating, and does not replace bicycle lights or required reflectors.

A padded top that stows away

Standard V and Pro include the padded V Platform. Its V top quick-releases from the shaft for easier storage. Mini and Standard use a rectangular platform.

Setup & adjustment guide

From your bike to your first ride

Clamp. Adjust.
Find your fit.

Set it up around the way you ride and the backpack you already carry.

01

Mount behind the saddle.

Check seatpost compatibility, then fit the Backbone using its tool-free quick-release clamp. Follow your model’s assembly guide.

02

Bring the platform to your bag.

With your backpack on, adjust the height and fore-aft position until the platform meets the bottom of the bag in your seated riding position.

03

Fine-tune the support.

Adjust the backpack straps and support together. Complete the checks in your setup guide before heading out.

Before you choose a setup

Start with
your seatpost.

Two measurements are the starting point. Check the illustrated fit guide for your bike and chosen model.

See the full fit check →
22–32 mmCylindrical seatpost diameter
2 inchesExposed seatpost space for the clamp

Considering Mini? The distance from the seatpost to the rear of the saddle must be no more than 6.5 inches. Mini has more restrictive fit requirements.

A few practical details

Make it work
for your ride.

Do I need a special backpack?

The Backbone is designed to support the backpack you already wear. The bag’s shape, size, and position affect how it rests on the platform. If you’re unsure, send us a photo of your bike and bag.

Not sure which model fits your bike and bag?

Open the Shop and choose “Help me choose” for the model finder, or send us a photo of your bike and backpack for help before ordering.

Choose your Backbone

One idea.
Four ways to ride.

Choose the platform and support that suit your bag and bicycle.

Compare all models →

Compact setup

Mini

A shorter support and rectangular platform. Start here if compact size matters—and check Mini’s extra saddle-clearance requirement.

Explore Mini →

Everyday versatility

Standard

A rectangular platform with more adjustment than Mini. A straightforward setup for your everyday backpack.

Explore Standard →

Most Popular · Best Value

Standard V

The Standard support with a broad, padded V Platform and a removable V top. Our best-value setup.

Explore Standard V →

The full setup

Pro

The padded V Platform, cable-and-winch reinforcement, and a personalized setup review.

Explore Pro →