Tailfin has finally launched its long-teased handlebar bag system, meaning you can now run a full complement of luggage from the brand on your bike.
While Tailfin might have taken its time developing a handlebar bag, the brand has really sweated the details to combat all the common problems most of its competitors face.
Unlike most bags, which attach to the handlebar via straps, the Tailfin Bar Bag System adopts a modular two-piece approach, using a separate handlebar mount and accompanying bag.
There’s also a novel ‘Wavelock’ closure system, which enables the bag to be closed by the same amount on both sides – one of the pitfalls of a traditional roll-top closure.
There are four bags to choose from – two drop-bar and two flat-bar options.
A modular system
Most handlebar bags attach to the bike’s handlebars and/or head tube via rubber straps. However, these can be unstable and difficult to fit.
Handlebar bags can also abrade the bike’s head tube and are susceptible to tyre buzz, especially when a suspension fork is involved.
Tailfin’s modular approach features a separate mount and bag.
A CNC-machined aluminium handlebar mount attaches to the round section of either a 31.8mm or 35mm-diameter handlebar via two T25 Torx bolts. The clamp takes up 11.6mm either side of the stem, with the brand saying there should still be room for aerobars.
The bag then attaches to the mount, with an adapted X-Clamp closure locking it into place on a hook at the mount’s base. The X-Clamp design is also found on Tailfin’s pannier bags and its Fork Packs.
Tailfin claims the clamp design enables the rider to place the bag as close to the frame and as low as possible to maintain optimal handling.
Tailfin is also offering optional accessories, including a bike computer mount, a 22.2mm Universal Mount to attach a front bike light and a GoPro-style attachment. These all retail for £12 / $15 / €15 each.
In keeping with its other products, Tailfin will be offering the bags separately. That means if you ever want to change the size, you don’t need to buy the whole system.
Perfectly centered
Tailfin has also paid a lot of attention to how the bags close.
While the mountain bike bags use a conventional roll-top closure, the Tailfin Drop Bar Bags close in a unique way.
Tailfin’s novel Wavelock closure system sees metal bars with a corresponding wave shape lock the ends of the bag into place.
Because they are on a scale, this means you can close both sides symmetrically.
With a roll-top closure, you have to carefully make sure you’re closing both sides of the bag evenly.
The Drop Bar Bags also have expandable front pockets, so you can add up to 1.6 or 2.75 litres more volume if you need to stash some extra kit.
Tailfin claims the bags are 100 per cent waterproof.
Are modular handlebar bags the future?
Tailfin isn’t the first brand to experiment with a modular design.
We’ve previously featured Miss Grape’s ILCOSO, a modular mount that attaches to the handlebar, with a cradle underneath that a bag can be strapped to.
Rogue Panda also has its Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness, with two carbon fibre bars for a bag to strap onto.
The key difference between these offerings and the Tailfin Bar Bag System is that Tailfin’s own bag locks in place to the mount – you can use any bag you’d like on the ILCOSO and the Blue Ridge.
More affordable harness designs also exist, such as the Alpkit Kanga and the Blackburn Outpost Elite Handlebar Roll.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see brands continue to move away from traditional straps. Positioning the bag away from the handlebar increases stability and mitigates any potential abrasion damage to the head tube.
Tailfin Bar Bag System pricing
Pricing for the four bags is as follows:
- Small Drop Bar (4-9.1l, 160mm diameter) – £230 / $300 / €280
- Large Drop Bar (6.7-12.5l, 180mm diameter) – £240 / $315 / €290
- Small Flat Bar (5.7-14.7l, 160mm diameter) – £240 / $315 / €290
- Large Flat Bar (8.7-18.9l, 180mm diameter) – £250 / $325 / €300
