An Outdoor Line Created by a Long-standing Pedal Manufacturer
MKS (Mikashima Manufacturing), the Japanese pedal manufacturer that recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, has launched its outdoor line, Sylvan Works. Knowing this outdoor gear is produced with the technical expertise of a pedal maker alone evokes a sense of toughness and ruggedness.
Among their offerings, the one we are featuring this time is the Sylvan Cargo Cage.
MKS Sylvan Works Sylvan Cargo Cage
Size: 65 x 177 x 19 mm (Bottom plate extension: 42 mm)
Weight: Main body 45 g, Bottom plate 14 g
Price: 6,600 yen – 7,084 yen (tax included)
Beyond its high quality and durability, it can accommodate a wide variety of loads, making it an excellent piece of gear that will undoubtedly excel in outdoor scenarios like bikepacking and touring.
From Small Items to Large Loads, It’s Got You Covered
One of the appeals of the Sylvan Cargo Cage is the versatility of what it can carry.
Because there are both large and small slots for straps, you can choose according to the size of the item. For example, when you want to mount a 16oz (500ml) or 32oz (1000ml) Nalgene bottle, you pass the strap through the smaller slots.
When mounting larger items like tents, passing the strap through the larger slots provides a more robust hold.
Also, by using the included L-shaped bottom plate, bottles and similar items are supported from below, ensuring security against shifting. Conversely, by removing the L-shaped bottom plate, you can mount longer items like large dry bags or fishing rods.
As you can see, it handles a 48oz (1500ml) Nalgene bottle with ease.
Since outdoor gear comes in all sorts of sizes, having this cage significantly broadens the range of equipment you can carry!
Beauty Without Waste
While capable of mounting large items, the Sylvan Cargo Cage looks incredibly stylish. When gear is mounted, the cage itself is mostly hidden, and when empty, it has a sleek, unobtrusive presence.
Even if you only use it for occasional outings, it’s beautiful enough that you won’t mind leaving it on all the time.
Color Lineup
There are three colors in the lineup.
A chic Black, a rugged Unpainted Silver, and a versatile Bronze. Please choose the one that matches your preference and your bike.
I Took It Along on My Rishiri Trip
Last month, I installed the Sylvan Cargo Cage for my trip to Rishiri Island, Hokkaido.
For this trip, I was tarp-camping rather than staying in inns, and with the drastic temperature differences in the region, I had a fair amount of gear. I loaded most of it on the rear rack, but I used the Sylvan Cargo Cage to carry the sleeping bag that didn't fit.
The stability was excellent, and when taking the train (rinko), I was able to store the bike without having to remove the sleeping bag.
Sometimes Bigger Isn't Always Better
Along the way, I also attached a small rinko bag, but because the bag was thin, it couldn't be fixed well using the large holes (it would slip through the gaps).
As mentioned earlier, because the Sylvan Cargo Cage has both small and large strap holes, I was able to use the small holes to fix it securely, allowing for a well-balanced setup.
A Cargo Cage With Limitless Freedom
A cargo cage is designed for "carrying things" in ways a bottle cage cannot. The Sylvan Cargo Cage, in particular, is perfect for people whose equipment changes from time to time, as it can carry items of all shapes and sizes.
One day you might mount a tent, another day a fishing rod. When you have the time, stuff some clothes into a dry bag and head out on a trip!
I hope you use it with absolute freedom, changing your gear to suit your mood or purpose whenever you like.
MKS Sylvan Works Sylvan Cargo Cage
Size: 65 x 177 x 19 mm (Bottom plate extension: 42 mm)
Weight: Main body 45 g, Bottom plate 14 g
Price: 6,600 yen – 7,084 yen (tax included)
