“Tailfin is a design company that engineers innovative, high-performance products to allow cyclists to create their own incredible adventures. As life-long cyclists, we have a keen understanding of the unique demands and challenges of cycling. As engineers and designers, we have the skills and the knowledge to create solutions to those challenges.” – Tailfin.cc
Tailfin Cycling Carbon Rack Reviews
Since this video was launched, Tailfin has changed some nomenclature regarding their racks. S One becomes “Carbon Rack without Pannier Mounts”, and X One becomes “Carbon Rack with Pannier Mounts”.
Carbon Rack without Pannier Mounts
“The Carbon Rack is designed for aerodynamic advantage and work in tandem with the AeroPack Trunk. The Carbon model is our rack that allows to top mounting only. It’s also quick release and fits any bike.”
There are two mounting options, Axle + Fast Release Dropouts or Frame Mounting. We chose Axle + Fast Release Dropouts for this review.
“Ingenious fast-release dropouts make it simple for you to use one rack for all of your bikes or one bike for everything.”
“The Frame Mount Adaptor set allows you to mount directly to your frame mounts but still keep the Fast Release Dropouts for easy on and off rack mounting.” – This also applies to the X Series rack, below.
Tailfin Axle Mounting System (TAMS)
Replace your axle with a Tailfin axle to mount the Tailfin rack. Most bicycles use a quick-release axle, however, we also support the new Thru Axle standards (e.g. 12×142, 12×148, E-Thru, Syntace X-12, etc). This system also applies to the X Series rack, below. Tailfin has further information available about TAMS, here.
AeroPack Trunk Top Bag
“The accompanying AeroPack Trunk is a 20L roll-top bag that attaches to any S or X Series rack in a matter of seconds.”
“The AeroPack Trunk is constructed of a high-frequency welded, fully-waterproof, high-performance laminate skin.”
“The Trunk SX attaches to the X or S Series rack using a CNC-machined aluminium 6061-T6 alloy, together with stainless steel pins, to create an incredibly strong and rattle-free connection.” – See the review video above for more details.
“Use the twin rear light mounts to be seen and stay safe, while reflective strips provide additional visibility.” Additionally, an optional mount is available to use your seatpost-mount style taillight. This mount is featured in the video review above.
Stash Pocket – “Keep your most-needed items on hand in a zipped outer pocket.”
“One of the challenges with any roll top bag is the speed with which you can enter the main body of the bag. The Direct Access Pocket allows you to get into the main body of the bag without opening the roll top.”
| AeroPack Trunk |
| Price US$225.00 |
| Volume 20 litres |
| Weight 430g* |
| Seam Type High Frequency Welded |
| Fabric Material Nylon & Hypalon Laminate |
| Max Weight 9kg / 20lbs |
| Max Laptop Size 13″ |
| Fitting Time 10 seconds or less |
Carbon Rack with Pannier
“The Carbon Rack with Pannier option is our do-it-all rack designed to work with the AeroPack Trunk and Side Bags. The rigid wishbone-shaped carbon or alloy frame offers exceptional agility, with no sway or rattle.”
“This is our do-it-all rack. It combines the best of both worlds: side and top-mounted bags. It’s also quick release and fits any bike.”
There are two pannier options for this rack, SL22 Super Light Pannier Bag and UD22 Ultra Durable Pannier Bag. The UD22 was featured in the review above.
SL22 Super Light Pannier Bag
“The lightest side bag in the range. The featherlight construction of the Super Light (SL) bag means you can carry your belongings faster than ever before. The SL features a rigid, internal backbone that holds your belongings secure in all conditions.”
Water Proof – “Featuring high frequency welded seams and a roll-top design, the SL offers total protection from the elements without compromising on weight.”
UD22 Ultra Durable Pannier Bag (what we reviewed)
“Constructed from a robust Hypalon rubber laminate, the Ultra Durable (UD) is designed for those adventures where you need absolute faith in your equipment. The UD features a rigid, internal backbone that holds your belongings secure, keeping your ride smooth when the road is rough – or when there is no road at all.”
Water Proof – “Featuring high frequency welded seams and a roll-top design, the UD offers total protection from the elements, however extreme the conditions.”
| 22l Super Light | 22l Ultra Durable | |
| Price US$149.00 | Price US$164.00 | |
| Weight 600g* | Weight 800g* | |
| Maximum Load 9kg | Maximum Load 9kg | |
| Size 22 litres / 1350 cu. inches | Size 22 litres / 1350 cu. inches | |
| Purpose Road | Purpose Road / Gravel | |
| Seam Type High Frequency Welded | Seam Type High Frequency Welded | |
| Material Ripstop Nylon & Hypalon | Material Ripstop Nylon & Hypalon | |
| Dimensions H x W x D 600 x 315 x 160mm / 23.6 x 12.5 x 6.3″ | Dimensions H x W x D 600 x 315 x 160mm / 23.6 x 12.5 x 6.3″ | |
| Rack Connection Over center alloy clamp | Rack Connection Over center alloy clamp | |
| Maximum laptop size 17″ | Maximum laptop size 17″ | |
| Fitting time 5-10 seconds | Fitting time 5-10 seconds |
More information at Tailfin Cycling, including Installation Videos
Links of Interest:
- C & O Tow Path Adventure Part 1, including Amtrak Auto Train
- C & O Tow Path Adventure, Part 2, including Amtrak Return Home
- FSA WE Groupset Unboxing & Weights, Part 1
- FSA WE Groupset / J Guillem Atalaya Frame, Part 2
- FSA WE Groupset / J Guillem Build Video, Part 3
- Xentis Kappa2 650b Quad Spoke Wheelset Review
- Garmin Varia RTL510 Radar Taillight
- KaiVentureBags – https://kaiventurebags.com
- T-Lab All-Terrain X3 Titanium Gravel Bike Review
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I see possiblity for after market vendors to build a basket to fit this rack.To hold a small bag holding a 2 liter water blader- in a small basket- plus outer pockets on the bag ( just thinking out loud ).For us mid-60 year old riders..lol.
That is a good idea!