“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.” – Tailfin
“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.”
“Four volumes provide options for all riders. Whether you are keeping it light and fast on a weekend road tour or planning a multi-month wilderness expedition, there is an option for you. The good news for riders who may be interested in multiple options is that the system is modular, allowing you to swap out different bag sizes to match your current requirements without needing to purchase a whole new system.”
Bar System Need to Know
- Available in drop and flat (MTB) handlebar versions, each with features and sizes specific to its style.
- Two volume/size options for each version:
- Small Drop Bar – 4 → 9.1L & 160mm Diameter
- Large Drop Bar – 6.7 → 12.5L & 180mm Diameter
- Small Flat Bar – 5.8 → 14.7L & 160mm Diameter
- Large Flat Bar – 8.7 → 18.9L & 180mm Diameter
- Drop Bar bags feature unique patented WaveLock closure to maximise capacity and eliminate closure guesswork when fatigued. Plus, there is no impedance to gear or brake control.
- CNC Aluminium alloy handlebar mount system with multiple axis of adjustment for a perfect fit.
- The two-piece design keeps the bag away from the bars, keeping the full range of hand positions associated with drop bars.
- No movement and no headtube rub when set in position.
- Mount is compatible with all standard (round) 31.8 and 35mm handlebars.
- Safe for use on aluminium and compatible carbon handlebars *
* Check with handlebar manufacturer. If the carbon handlebar is compatible with aerobars then our Bar System will be safe to fit.
- Narrow clamp width (11.6mm) takes up minimal space on the handlebar, leaving room for aerobars
- Adjustable clamp size accommodates varying width stems and aero bar setups
- Instantly release the bag from the clamp using our tried and trusted X-Clamp system
- All bags feature multiple expandable pockets to add volume and quickly stash kit. Additional accessible volume:
- Small Drop Bar + 1.6L
- Large Drop Bar +2.7L
- Small Flat Bar +2.7L
- Large Flat Bar +3.5L
- 100% waterproof
- User-replaceable hardware
- Optional accessories designed to place GPS devices, lights, or action cameras in the ideal positions for full functionality.
5kg Weight limit recommendation.
- Price:
- Small Drop Bar | £230 | $300 | €280
- Large Drop Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
- Small Flat Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
- Large Flat Bar | £250 | $325 | €300
- Bags, Mounting kit and Bar Bag hardware (X-Clamp) all available separately
Why
A well-performing handlebar storage system is one of the lynchpins of a modern bikepacking setup. The handlebar provides the perfect real estate to carry light, bulky items and place items that need access whilst on the go. Existing handlebar-mounted bags and systems often suffer from issues that can affect your ride experience:
- They can be unstable and shift under typical riding conditions.
- When positioned close to the bar it can impede hand positions.
- They often rub causing cable, brake hose and frame damage.
- They can sag down low, touch the wheel and cause ‘tyre buzz’ and pack damage.
- Even two-piece harness systems can be time-consuming to attach or release.
- It can be tricky to tighten the bag the same each time.
- Standard closure systems can cause shifting or hand placement issues when used on drop handlebars.
- Many standard dry bag style setups require additional ‘joey’ packs/pouches to add volume and easy access to kit.
- Fitting a bar bag can often restrict the optimum positioning of lights and other handlebar-mounted accessories.
Over the last three years of research and development, we identified that any handlebar-mounted system we design would need to solve four key areas:
- Be completely stable when loaded, regardless of bike style, terrain and speed.
- It should be easy to fit and remove and positioned optimally when attached.
- To feature practical, usable and expandable storage.
- It is to work with and not restrict all components, accessories, and devices usually mounted to a handlebar.
How
Stability & Adjustability are the Key
Stability is critical for the performance of the new Tailfin Bar System, which is why we opted for a two-part mounting approach. This approach consists of a light, discreet, and highly adjustable 6061-T6 aluminium alloy handlebar mount alongside a counterpart bag featuring an integrated internal aluminium frame. The handlebar mount provides a rigid and secure attachment point designed to mount to any standard 31.8 or 35mm round tubed handlebar.
Creating a two-piece system allowed us to create a highly rigid structure that holds a load in complete security. It also benefits from easy bag attachment and release without struggling to maintain ride stability, as is often the case with one-piece setups with a single method of attaching the bag to the handlebar.
Creating a separate handlebar mount also allows us to integrate a wide range of adjustability to ensure the optimum placement of the bag when attached. With dual-axis rotation, it allows adjustment to the pack by articulating around two axis of rotation therefore accommodating a much wider range of bike sizes and styles. This feature is found on no other handlebar luggage storage. Further, the clamp is adjustable in width to work with a multitude of stem widths and to accommodate the use of aero bars.
The dual-axis rotation allows the rider to place the bag as close to the frame and as low as possible to keep handling disruption to a minimum and ensures storage accessibility is best suited to the rider. The ability to vertically raise the pack above the bar thanks to this added articulation is an added bonus for riders of small frames where minimal headtube lengths and an increase in tyre interference can make running a full capacity bag impossible.
To connect the two parts of the system, it comes as no surprise that we opted to develop a variation of our highly regarded X-Clamp attachment solution. Found on all of our pannier bags and our recently launched Fork Packs, the X-Clamp provides ultimate security and eliminates second-guessing when it comes to connecting your luggage.
Bag Options
All four bag options are constructed using Tailfin’s signature welded (no leaky seams here) Hypalon and Ripstop Nylon materials, providing a completely waterproof storage solution for your vital kit. The materials are strategically used to maximise their individual properties; durable Hypalon is used where wear can occur, and the lighter, more flexible Ripstop Nylon is used for the main body.
The new bar system is the first Tailfin product range to incorporate external expandable storage. Finalising the perfect mesh material was one of the most complex parts of the project. The chosen material features the optimum combination of stretch and durability to provide years of consistent performance. Each bag incorporates multiple front-facing pockets, including a zipped security pocket and an expandable cavernous front pocket – an ideal place for storing and drying wet jackets (something removable pockets can’t offer). We also incorporated a TPU strap to allow for adjustment of the volume and additional peace of mind when carrying extra gear. At the rear of each bag, you will also find a kangaroo-style pocket that can provide the perfect place to stow food, rubbish, or tent poles.
One of the key performance features of the bag design is its internal aluminium cage. This provides the mounting points for the X-Clamp attachment mechanism and also adds a level of stability not normally associated with this style of pack. The internal structure and X-Clamp are user-replaceable, and a full range of replacement parts, including bag skins, will be available.
Drop Bar
The drop bar version features the most radical design of the range, incorporating our unique new WaveLock closure system. Designed to eliminate guesswork, make bag symmetry easy, and maximise capacity, all whilst being friendly on the hands when in the hoods and drops, WaveLock is a little stroke of Tailfin genius. Simply roll the bag as per a standard dry bag (two complete folds make it waterproof) and then clip the metal bars into the corresponding wave shape for a solid and secure lock. To keep things symmetrical on the other side, simply repeat and utilise the same positioned wave shape. Positioning of the WaveLock has been deliberately chosen to eliminate any hard edges that could catch on shifters and hands.
Two volumes are available: 9.1 litres and 12.5 litres, measuring 160mm and 180mm in diameter, respectively. Keeping with the Tailfin philosophy of providing an almost universal fit, the smaller volume bag can effectively fit a narrower 36/38cm handlebar width. Further volume is added through the multiple external pockets found on all sizes. The external pockets are sized to allow full entry even when the bag is in its smallest volume setting. When full, the pockets add an additional 1.6 and 2.75 litres of storage.
Flat Bar
Flat/MTB handlebars are less restricted regarding the available usable space, so we opted to create two larger capacity versions to maximise this advantage. Our bags are wider than most due to the extra stability of the system. Since tyre buzz can be such a huge problem, it’s better to have a smaller diameter but wider for additional storage. Available in 14.7 and 18.9-litre volumes with diameters of 150 and 180mm, the flat bar versions can swallow the bulkiest sleep kit. We opted to keep it simple with the double clip closure mechanism, providing a completely waterproof storage solution without limiting available space.
Large-capacity external pockets provide a huge amount of additional storage and enable quick access to your kit.
Optional Accessories
A complete range of optional accessory mounts is available to enable interference-free fitting of typical handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights and GPS devices. All offer independent adjustment and are designed to place accessories in optimum positions and minimise clutter on handlebars.
- GPS device mount* – Independently adjustable and compatible with Garmin and Wahoo devices – also compatible with K-Edge inserts. Price – £12
- Universal mount – 22.2mm diameter (standard handlebar), side fitment, to attach any compatible device. Price – £12
- Go Pro/action cam compatible mount – standard triple prong fitting. Available for central or side positioning. Price: £12 each
- Requires additional Go Pro mount to fit.
Specifications
Colour: Tailfin Black
Volume: 4 sizes, with max volume ranging from 9.1L – 18.9L
Materials: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon/stretch mesh, 6061-T6 aluminium alloy
Weights:
- Small Drop Bar pack* – 732g
- Large Drop Bar pack* – 817g
- Small Flat Bar pack* – 785g
- Large Flat Bar pack* – 859g
* Complete system (handlebar mount, bag and all hardware)
Pricing:
- Bar Systems
- Small Drop Bar | £230 | $300 | €280
- Large Drop Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
- Small Flat Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
- Large Flat Bar | £250 | $325 | €300
- Accessory Mounts
- 22.2mm Bar (side) | £12 | $15 | €15
Learn more at the Tailfin Website