Tailfin launch the Fork Pack System: Less Faff. More Fun.

“Sometimes, the best things in life are simple, so why complicate things? Cargo cages, dry bags and straps go together like strawberries and cream, but as much as we’re a fan of the simplicity and universal nature of that approach, we couldn’t help but feel that attaching your kit in this way can be a bit hit or miss. Threading and tightening straps needs multiple hands and can be time-consuming, sometimes your kit shifts whilst riding, causing you to have to stop and re-tighten and beware if you’re carrying delicate items or food as the straps can damage your load. In summary, too much faff, as we would say in the UK.”

“With time comes progress, and while most riders are familiar with using cargo cages, we felt we could remove the faff. Our brand is synonymous with innovation, and our over-arching philosophy is always that just because something has been done a certain way thus far, doesn’t mean this is necessarily the best approach. Just look at how pedals have developed from clips and straps to the clipless systems most riders use today.”

“The new Tailfin Fork Pack system is designed to take out the guesswork from using the super practical triple boss mounts on the average gravel or bikepacking bike. Think of it as the fork-based luggage-carrying system for the 21st century; finally the perfect use for those bosses.”

Fork Pack Need to Know

• Effectively bringing mini-pannier versatility to triple bosses
• Hard-anodised 7075-T6 aluminium Fork Pack Mount and Pack hardware
• Designed to fit all triple boss forks (can also work with double boss forks*)
• Designed to place loads as low as possible on the fork when compared to the competition.
• Features proven X-Clamp mechanism in miniature form for rapid and reliable connection
• Two volumes available: 5 or 10 litres
• 100% waterproof, welded construction
• All hardware is replaceable and swappable with the latest 5 and 10-litre Tailfin Mini Panniers
• Rated to 4.5 kg of load per side**
• Additional side-compression straps included
• Screws use Torx T25 fixings
• Backed with Tailfin’s standard 5-year Guarantee and Crash Replacement policy

* 3kg limit when used with double boss forks
** 4.5kg weight limit is when attached using triple bosses

Why?

“Making life easier for riders by creating products that increase the positive ride experience is our number one priority; this is no more apparent than with our new Fork Pack System. We’ve removed the guesswork from attaching and carrying additional loads on a fork with triple mounting points.”

“For over four years, we’ve been considering how to add pannier-type storage to the front of a bike. The obvious route for us would have been to do some type of ‘rack’; however, with the emergence of triple bosses, it seemed like a neater solution to utilise these mounting options before heading down the much more complicated rack route.”

Like any Tailfin product, we started with our performance and feature wish list. For the Fork Pack, this was pretty comprehensive! They needed to be/have:

• High stability
• Easy to use
• Fast to mount and release
• Aesthetically pleasing enough to blend in when the bag is not attached
• Impervious to mud
• Rattle-free/silent
• Minimal wear over extended periods
• Stiff and minimise any unwanted movement
• Low profile to allow the pack to sit as close to the steering axis as possible
• The same bag skin as our existing 5L and 10L Mini Panniers to provide simple modularity

How?

“Our initial approach was to bring the versatility of a cage pack system. Before the Fork Pack, we created what we think are the best cargo cages in the industry – low profile, modular, beautiful, and CNC machined from single blocks of 7075-T6 aluminium, then hard anodised to protect from scratches. Our approach to developing the fork packs was to bring the same versatility and quality of this system and couple it with our X-Clamp, the attachment mechanism found on our Mini and full-size pannier bags. The X-Clamp is one of our most proven and innovative technologies and provides the Fork Pack system with the ease of use and reassurance that we really needed to introduce with this new product range.”

“The design and reliability of the X-Clamp has been proven time and again. However, as we found when developing our Mini Pannier range, the existing designs were too large, and testing proved that they pushed the bags out too far. We effectively went back to the drawing board to develop an X-Clamp that utilises a 10mm clamp mechanism (rather than the 16mm version already available), and in turn, we were able to create the new Fork Pack Mount. We feel that this mount is beautiful enough to remain permanently on your bike, even when you aren’t using the Fork Packs.”

What is the Pack System?

“The Fork Pack system consists of the new Fork Pack Mount and corresponding 5 and 10-litre capacity Fork Packs. These will be available to buy as a system or as individual items.”

Fork Pack Mount

“The Fork Pack Mount is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, which is then CNC machined and hard anodised to create a very low-profile mount designed to fit the triple bosses found on many rigid gravel and MTB forks. On the underside of the Fork Pack Mount, we utilise our rubber load pads that help to stabilise the mount on either side of the threaded hole – this helps to improve stability. Where the ‘lower hook’ engages with the Fork Pack Mount, there is a rubber interface, which is again designed to remove any play and minimise rattle or movement. All hardware is included, and the Stainless Steel 304 screws feature Torx T25 heads.”

“The Fork Pack Mount also features two recesses in the back profile to allow riders to run a pair of standard Cargo Straps if they wish. Although this might sound counter-intuitive to the design, this is included to increase the reassurance of being able to field repair a more complex system whilst also allowing more minimalist riders to run the Fork Pack Mount more like a traditional cargo cage if they so wish.”

Fork Packs

“Available in both 5 and 10-litre capacities, the profile should be very familiar to those of you aware of our Mini Pannier range as they use the same bag skin. This design is 100% waterproof and is created from our signature combination of 210D Hypalon in high-wear areas and lighter, more flexible Ripstop Nylon in all other parts. The internal aluminium frame provides stability to the system, allowing heavier loads to be carried safely.”

“The Fork Packs are supplied with additional compression straps that allow you to reduce pack size or add extra storage across the front of the pack. The internal aluminium frame and external X-Clamp hardware are designed to be user-replaceable.”

Specifications

• Colour: Tailfin Black
• Volume: 5 and 10 Litre
• Materials: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon
• Weights (pack, mount, screws and additional straps):5 Litre: 442g, 10 Litre: 524g

Pricing

• 5 Litre system (Pack and Mount): £80/$100/€95
• 10 Litre system (Pack and Mount): £100/$125/€115
• Fork Pack Mount: £30/$40/€35

We have a review sample of the Tailfin Fork Pack System,
Long term review coming later!

Additional Photos

Learn more at the Tailfin Cycling Website