Today, Colorado’s Wheels Manufacturing launches a creative new Hootin’ Hauler Starter Kit – just in time for the caked-on mud of Unbound this weekend. The kit is a low-profile modular bolt-on accessory platform that tucks in under a water bottle cage. It mounts to the existing bosses under your water bottle, and can be as an attachment base for tools, storage, or any other trail-side problem-solving that needs to be done.
The Hootin Hauler is being debuted at the 2026 Unbound Gravel race to honor Unbound’s 20th year. At only $15, the starter kit includes the base attachment mount and a Trail Scraper tool. A tool that’s designed for clearing mud and debris from jockey wheels, brake calipers, chainrings, and tires.
Wheels Mfg, Hootin Hauler DIYs trail tools
The Trail Scraper was developed based on real-world experience during muddy gravel races and remote bikepacking routes, where you need improvised cleaning solutions. Not only for the relatively simple but dirty task of tire cleaning, but also for clearing built-up mud out of tighter spaces that grind your bike to a halt – like behind cranks, in between cogs of your cassette, and caked-up derailleur pulleys & cages!
Could come in real handy at Unbound.
Open Source Accessories
What makes the Hootin Hauler different is its open-source approach to bike accessories.
The base serves as a foundation for a library of free, downloadable 3D-printable attachments. This allows riders to customize, modify, or create from scratch – whatever you need.
Cyclists can print exactly what they need for their specific riding style or conditions. Whether that’s carrying gear, mounting tools, or other items used for problems they encounter on the trail?
The platform encourages community involvement, with creators and riders worldwide already developing additional accessories for the system. Since the tool is launching at the 2026 Unbound Gravel, 5000 participants will receive starter kits in their race bags.
Wheels Mfg. is hoping that doing this will help build the initial user base for this community-driven accessory ecosystem. The concept transforms a simple bike mount into an expandable platform that can evolve with riders’ needs and the cycling community’s creativity.
Pretty cool.
“We wanted to create something affordable and genuinely useful, but also something riders could make their own,” said James Flanagan, Marketing Manager at Wheels Manufacturing. “The Trail Scraper solves a real issue riders face in muddy conditions, but the Hootin Hauler platform itself is really about giving the cycling and 3D-print community a base to build from.”
Hootin’ Hauler – Retail & How it Works
Retail: $15 (3D-printer not included)
- Start With The Base
– Attach the Hootin Hauler to your bike beneath most water bottle cages or to an unused set of cage bosses. - Download Free Attachments
– Choose from a growing library of Wheels Mfg & user-generated downloadable accessories. - Print & Ride
– Print only the extra accessories that suit you, to create a setup tailored to your individual ride. And mix-and-match your Hootin setup on the day depending on conditions or type of ride. - Create Something New
– Download Wheels Mfg‘s Accessory Mount Connector model, and get to 3D-designing your own unique attachments. Then, be sure to share them online via Printables or Thingiverse so other cyclists can try your design solutions, too.
Currently Available Free Downloadable Accessories
Already available and ready to 3D-print at home yourself, pick up a:
- Double Tire Lever Holder
- Double CO₂ Holder
- Stash Tube
- Dynaplug Racer (style) + CO₂ Holder
- Dynaplug Racer Pro (style) + CO₂ Holder
- Stan’s DART (style) or Dynaplug DynaPlugger (style) tool + CO₂ Holder
