“Rod Steward”
The “rod steward” is a bag support designed around the Ron’s Bikes fab’s chest. The 11” crossbar fits a small chest and the 14” crossbar fits a large. These are made by me in Portland, Oregon from 6061-T6 aluminum (3/8” rod), and weigh approximately 220g including all hardware.
You’ll receive a cnc machined and engraved bent rod, a crossbar, two mounting clips, and all the hardware you need to attach them to your bike and bag. Read on to determine if your bike is compatible.
Please read everything below before purchase.
Tools
You will need at least a 4mm hex wrench and 8mm open-end wrench to complete installation, but you may also want a way to trim the 3/8” rod to suit your bicycle once you’ve determined the optimal height. A hacksaw and a file will do just fine if you work carefully.
Sizing
One size fits most. The width is non-adjustable and is optimized for mid-blade mounts on wide-clearance steel forks, where the braze-on to braze-on distance is right around 5 inches. It may also work on some mid-seatstay braze-ons, but the optimal application is at a 45˚ angle as shown in photos. It is designed for multi-surface riding on rigid bicycle forks.
Custom rod stewards are available for bikes that don’t fit the standard design. Email me if you’re interested in a custom sized Rod Steward: sal@shovelresearch.com
Installation
Please read and follow the recommendations in the installation guide. The PDF will also be linked to in your packaging. Note that applications where the provided nylok nuts are not or cannot be used to secure the mounting clips, such as unreinforced mounting points, or mounting points on carbon forks, are not advised. Always defer to your frame or fork manufacturer for mounting instructions and torque specs, and use appropriate threadlockers.
Options
Accessories are available separately, such as light mounts, extra crossbars or clips, or spacers.
¡Notes!
1) This product cannot be used without a bag. Never ride your bike with the Rod Steward attached and no bag.
2) Not intended for use with carbon forks (see installation notes above)
3) This product is not a rack replacement! It’s designed to triangulate the hanging weight of the bag against your fork or frame in order to reduce movement over rough terrain, not to lift its full weight. If you bag does not have enough room to hang from the bars or saddle loops, then this accessory is not designed to work with it. In such a situation you should support the bag with a traditional rack.
Tools
You will need at least a 4mm hex wrench and 8mm open-end wrench to complete installation, but you may also want a way to trim the 3/8” rod to suit your bicycle once you’ve determined the optimal height. A hacksaw and a file will do just fine if you work carefully.
Sizing
One size fits most. The width is non-adjustable and is optimized for mid-blade mounts on wide-clearance steel forks, where the braze-on to braze-on distance is right around 5 inches. It may also work on some mid-seatstay braze-ons, but the optimal application is at a 45˚ angle as shown in photos. It is designed for multi-surface riding on rigid bicycle forks.
Custom rod stewards are available for bikes that don’t fit the standard design. Email me if you’re interested in a custom sized Rod Steward: sal@shovelresearch.com
dimensions installation guide
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Installation
Please read and follow the recommendations in the installation guide. The PDF will also be linked to in your packaging. Note that applications where the provided nylok nuts are not or cannot be used to secure the mounting clips, such as unreinforced mounting points, or mounting points on carbon forks, are not advised. Always defer to your frame or fork manufacturer for mounting instructions and torque specs, and use appropriate threadlockers.
Options
Accessories are available separately, such as light mounts, extra crossbars or clips, or spacers.
¡Notes!
1) This product cannot be used without a bag. Never ride your bike with the Rod Steward attached and no bag.
2) Not intended for use with carbon forks (see installation notes above)
3) This product is not a rack replacement! It’s designed to triangulate the hanging weight of the bag against your fork or frame in order to reduce movement over rough terrain, not to lift its full weight. If you bag does not have enough room to hang from the bars or saddle loops, then this accessory is not designed to work with it. In such a situation you should support the bag with a traditional rack.