Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review and neither Max nor gravgrav are sponsored by Tailfin. However we received the bag as a press sample.
Tailfin has introduced their new Bar Bag System, completing their lineup of bikepacking gear. Designed for both drop and flat handlebars, this system offers four options aimed at providing a stable and functional storage solution for extra gear during bike trips.
A review from someone who doesn't like handlebar bags
If you know me and my setups, you know I don't use any bags on my handlebar whenever possible, and in general keep any weight off my front.
Why, you ask? It is probably the biggest influence on the feeling of your bike and will impact agility and characteristics especially at high speed or in technical sections and downhills.
A lot of handlebar bags also block space on your handlebar or you will even be unable to use certain positions on them.
And last but not least, you could argue that they are certainly not aerodynamic. More relevant in a race scenario of course, but still: you are spending a lot of hours on your bike when bikepacking, and those watts of literal drag just add up!
Obviously, I nearly always structure my setups for races and in those cases, less is more. But sometimes, having that added space and easily accessible storage is necessary because of the length or climate a race goes through.
I have known of Tailfin's new Bar Bags for some time and got interested as they are a bit different from others.
The facts: What models are available, how does it work?
The launch of the new Tailfin Bar Bag System finally completes the set, and we can now offer a full Tailfin setup for your bikepacking adventures; as with all Tailfin products, we have taken our time to create the most stable and user-friendly bar-mounted storage system out there. With four options to choose from, specifically designed for either drop or flat handlebars, we have been at pains to create the perfect solution for carrying extra gear on your bars in a design that will enhance your ride experience.
The two-piece system has been chosen to provide incredible stability, adjustable positioning, and rapid attachment, the key performance features that make our approach the best.
That's what Tailfin say about it. The bag is a two-piece system consisting of a mounting system that you will screw on your bar. The bag has an attachment system so you can just "click" it on.
That has three advantages:
- The solid metal construction keeps the bag in place and solidly mounted to your handlebars.
- It is easy to attach and detach by just flipping a leaver.
- You can use the mount and multiple different sized bags or the same bag on different bikes with multiple mounts.
There are two options - one for flatbar and one for dropbar bikes. That's an interesting one, as the WaveLock System should make it easier to pack and close the pack on dropbars.
Here are the options
Tailfin offers the Bar Bag System in four volume options to accommodate different riding styles:
Drop Handlebars:
- Small Drop Bar: 9.1L capacity with a 160mm diameter
- Large Drop Bar: 12.5L capacity with a 180mm diameter
Flat (MTB) Handlebars:
- Small Flat Bar: 14.7L capacity with a 160mm diameter
- Large Flat Bar: 18.9L capacity with a 180mm diameter
These options cater to various types of rides, from shorter tours to longer expeditions, providing flexibility without requiring a new system for each trip.
Key Features
The system is equipped with a number of features designed to enhance its functionality:
- WaveLock Closure: A feature specific to the drop bar bags, the WaveLock closure simplifies sealing the bag and ensures secure closure without impeding access to gear or brake controls.
- CNC Aluminum Alloy Mounts: The handlebar mounts are adjustable, fitting standard round handlebars (31.8mm and 35mm), and designed to allow easy positioning and minimal interference with hand positions.
- X-Clamp System: This mechanism allows for easy attachment and release of the bags while maintaining a stable and secure fit.
- Expandable Pockets: The bags feature multiple expandable pockets, providing additional storage space and easy access to items during rides.
- Waterproof Construction: Made from welded Hypalon and Ripstop Nylon, the bags are designed to be fully waterproof, protecting gear from the elements.
- Optional Accessories: The system includes optional mounts for GPS devices, lights, and action cameras, offering customizable placement options.
Mounting the bag
I ordered a small Dropbar version. One of the key features is the wave lock closing system, dropbars are way more difficult in terms of getting a pleasant setup with handlebar bags and well... what will stop me from putting that on my MTB? 😜
I received my press sample yesterday afternoon. So honestly it's been quite hectic and I made sure I quickly mounted it to my gravel bike and went for a simple spin to get a simple impression.
Quickly mounting... Tailfin does an exceptional job with their instructions and all parts come seperately packed and require minimal tools.
However:
Allow yourself at least an hour upon initial setup to get it right!
Especially getting the position right, no rub, enough clearance, accessories such as lights and GPS in the right position... Yeah first setup takes some time, than it's literally plug and go!
Speaking of tools
One thing I REALLY appreciate about the bag is that all screws (except some small details like GPS Mount plate) use Torx T20. Thank you!
I really wish that more brands would think of small details like this. Apart from the pain of switching in between bits all the time, it just makes your maintenance and road side repair so much easier!
Easy mounting?
I stashed some clothes like puffy jacket etc. inside, filled up the pockets on the outside for the fun of it, and attached the bag to my handlebar.
Wait. No, that doesn't fit well. Readjusting, packing the bag tighter, readjusting again... It took some time to fiddle with it until I got it right.
The problem is simply that I am using narrow 38cm bars with turned in leavers. So even with the small bag, I can only fit it in the smallest closing position of the WaveLock and even then, my thumbs will touch the bags when in the hoods.
I wonder if I am a rare case of running such a setup? Sure, I could turn the leavers straight, or use a wider bar, but I set my bike up like this because it is fast and comfortable for me.
That being said: It works and it snaps in very secure!
As I already said, I managed to do one ride so I will certainly do more testing and see how i can optimize the setup.
I am also not sure if they are actually cleared for Carbon Handlebars, however I am pretty sure it's safe, considering the torque added is reasonable and right at the clamping area.
The X-Clamp System
The system for mounting the bag itself is quite smart: It's a small leaver that presses a bar up, closing the clamp of the mounting plate around the alloy handlebar mount's round tube.
It is pretty firm at the moment, but I'm sure it will loosen up a bit.
The thing that pleases me most about it is the small physical click you feel when opening and closing it. It is a very nice detail!
The bag quality and features
The actual bag itself is very well made. The fabric feels nice, the shape and seams are well done, the design is simple and classy. The pockets are great. Perfectly sized for wallets, gilets or even whole jackets, Silca T-Ratchet Toolset, and I even put a pump in it just to try.
Obviously it sticks out, and I would ususally never do that - but it held up! Didn't rattle out.
The inner space is exactly what you would expect. Like a drybag with alternative closure, and a bit more sturdy, making it easy to give it shape. The valve makes it easier to compress it.
The compression strap is quite smartly done. Not only secures your items on the outer pockets, but also compresses that bag so you make space towards your wheel. You can secure it in two places quite easily and it... feels nice!
The accessory system
One really painful point of handlebar bikepacking bags in general is that you will sacrifice a lot of mounting points for lights etc.
But in this case, you might be gaining a few. You can srew in accessory mounts for GoPro and lights at the sides and the center. A GPS mount is also available. I am not entirely happy with my first setup - but hey, it's clean and works for the moment, so that's a plus. They look and feel solid as well. I wouldn't be worried about something just breaking through vibration.
How does it feel when riding?
I took a short 40km gravel loop. Riding through the city, jumping some curbs, enjoying gravel roads, and even a small flow single trail. On top, I found a nice cobblestone stretch to put its stability to the test.
This is rock solid. No doubt about that. The bag didn't move at all, nothing rattled out. Exactly like it should.
I have to say, the weight on the front is still not something I really enjoy... but that being said, I also only had the bar bag on the bike, and so the weight distribution was off.
The Cons
Up until now, there are few negative words I found on this bag - however, here are a few things:
I already mentioned the narrow handlebars I use and therefore my thumbs touch the bags. It's not terrible, but I don't like it. That is not an exclusive Tailfin problem though, more related to my setup.
The sturdy alloy hardware make it fairly heavy as well. The complete setup as displayed on my bike weighs 732g. The large flat bar pack would weigh 859g. That would be double the weight of an Ortlieb handlebar bag, which is already not the lightest on the market.
On the other side, it is an individual choice and very likely you will always have other drawbacks with an ultralight bag. The stability here is outstanding!
Last but not least, with this level of detail it is pricey! The Small drop bar bag is €280 without accessories. It comes as no surprise though. If you look at the level of details, the development and research that must have gone into this, there is no way you can hold the same price as most of the traditional bags on the market.
My verdict after the first setup and ride
For someone that completely abandoned handlebar bags before, I am quite excited about this bag!
After the initial setup, it is the easiest bag I've ever used. It is quick and easy to attach, and the details like torx screws, X-Clamp system, and the well thought out pouches, make it an amazing piece of kit that is very desirable.
With Tailfin's extended warranty and repair policy, you can also be sure you're getting a pricey but very versatile and high quality item that you'll enjoy for quite a while.
In the end, a product you enjoy for a long time is way better than buying a new one every second year - in terms of cost, sustainability, and overall rider satisfaction!
I think that the bar bag makes a great product and will spark a lot of new handlebar product innovation from its competitors. The bar has been raised (pun intended) - now the competition will need to follow!
Hats off to Tailfin. They managed again to do something completely different. BUT not for the sake of being different. They solve existing problems creatively, and on a very high engineering level. Add the excellent marketing materials they deliver, and you understand how Tailfin managed to manifest their position on the market that quickly.
Pricing and Options
Tailfin’s Bar Bag System is available in the following configurations:
Drop Bar Versions:
• Small Drop Bar: £230 | $300 | €280
• Large Drop Bar: £240 | $315 | €290
Flat Bar Versions:
• Small Flat Bar: £240 | $315 | €290
• Large Flat Bar: £250 | $325 | €300
Components such as bags, mounting kits, and X-Clamp hardware can also be purchased separately, allowing for customization of the system based on individual needs.