Tailfin Top Tube Packs Review: A Different Kind of Top Tube Bag

In this video, we take a look at Tailfin’s latest release: a range of five Top Tube Packs, available in three sizes and with two closure systems. As we’ve come to expect from this innovative brand, there’s far more to these bags than initially meets the eye…
Find the in-depth written review of the Tailfin Top Tube Packs here: bikepacking.com/gear/tailfin-...
This video was supported by Salsa Cycles - Learn more about the Salsa Cycles Journeyer here: www.salsacycles.com/bikes/roa...
Mentioned Links:
Aeropack Review- bikepacking.com/news/tailfin-...
Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/join/?...
#bikepacking #pedalfurther #tailfin
-------------
::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam

[@richardelsdon2027]

Top-Tip: to fix a rattling zip, pop a small o-ring over the pull tab and slide down to the zipper body. 👌

[@chooksfreshntasty]

Have the tailfin pack and their gear is top level and really well designed. They also do genuine r and d. Definitely worth trying!

[@pedaltopia-kingcog]

Thanks for another great and informative video. I just bought and installed a Tailfin rear rack and bag system based on your video from last year. Love what you all do for the BikePacking community. The Dude Abides.

[@chooksfreshntasty]

Nice work. I’ve done a few trips with mine and they are great.

[@jonasboy8]

Was not sure whether I should go with the mag lock or the zipper and now I'm 100 percent sure. Thanks for pointing out the issue of the top closing without holding it open! I think this would be veeeery annoying while riding. In my opinion the zipper also looks way cleaner!

[@KNURKonesur]

My fav top tube bag is the custom Baby Legs Bags I got that fits my frame perfectly and has the colours I want. Being only able to get black or white from most popular brands has finally pushed me to go custom and pay a one-person-local-business directly.

[@gnmatsu]

Great review. I really have enjoyed Tailfin's innovation on their products. I have a few of their products. Though pricey, they're well thought out.

[@DeathSc00p]

They missed an opportunity to include an extra magnet on the left side to hold the flap open

[@davet003.5]

Perhaps glue an aftermarket extra strong magnet to the right place? It add grams though :)

[@robertsandiford6223]

Cyclite design looks better here

[@bikepackingraiz]

top product here in Brazil we have very good national brands bikepacking is growing here inspired by top channels like your hug

[@decentdiversions]

I got the Louis Garneau Groad top tube bag (and half-frame bag) on sale over the winter. No direct mount option but welded seams with structural fabric. I’m looking forward to using them this year. Tailfin’s bag looks nice too!

[@grazza-cm8oj]

Look great to me. I’ve got an old Diverge with futureshock on the steerer tube. One of these bags will be ideal because of top tube straps only.

[@baranoezsipahi727]

missed opportunity on some mesh pockets. New Restrap Race Top Tube Pack has those and its the bomb

[@rrrseajay]

Consumers.. “make more colors”. Also Consumers… “I will take the black one”

[@2002mitchell]

Nice review, thanks! I have the Green Guru top tube bag and like it. However, I didn't think it's as spacious as these Tailfin options.

[@evetsiksatu]

Love the bag. Can you guys do video on how to fill it? As in, best bets for gas station fueling stops. Max calories, variety, nutrition, etc.

[@boostenmkiv]

My favorite top tube bag is the revelate mag tank, this magnet version does look interesting though.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for another great review. I ordered the 1.5 liter pack today. Just the right size and will bolt on to my Priority 600X. I have been using a Topeak top tube pack that has a nice water resistant hole for a charging cable. Nice pack but not water resistant on long wet days of touring. Tailfin makes good product and look forward to receiving my new pack once it ships April 25.

[@KelsoBradshaw]

How was the 1.5 bolted in? Was there any issue with it bouncing around? Thanks.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@KelsoBradshawHi Kelso and thank you for the question. My bike has two screw holes built into the top tube. These holes are designed to connect top tube bags of this design. You can also mount to a traditional top tube with the included straps. The bag does not move around much when screwed to the top tube. However, I can't speak about how secure the bag may be mounting with only straps.

[@KelsoBradshaw]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thank you. I have bolt holes too, so I will so same now that you said it is secure. Thank you!

[@macvos]

​@@steveretiredandcyclingI can confirm it won't move with the straps either.

[@joshlarue2838]

Looks like a great little bag-agree though wish it came in a different color way.

[@larspetersen2688]

Always look forward to your weekly youtube input, I like your down to earth way of conveying. I think Tailfin's products are very overrated, especially their carbon rack for pannier mounts. Don´t think that you will be able to measure a reduction in wind resistance, and you can only save around 100 grams, it is for a price that is 10 times higher than others. The Toptube pack is also unreasonably expensive, it's a completely normal pack. Having said that, I think you are super good at keeping us informed on everything that is happening on the cycling front. Also appreciate the way you tell about your cycling adventures. So can't wait for your next input.

[@barryleybovich1697]

Agree on the racks, but disagree on the pack! Tailfin's is $70, which is similar to other packs like Apidura Race ($68), Salsa EXP ($68), Lead Out Racelite ($75), etc. It's pretty average in the 'premium' category of direct mount, and actually waterproof bags.

[@levonbullard]

I'll probably end up with one of these. Really hoping for some other color options, at least white like some of the prototypes

[@Hubertalcala]

I like it. I’m still rolling with my Apidura top tube bag. The thing is that Apidura are pricey and they never go on sale 😐

[@Chunt1A]

As my bikepacking bike is a Moots Mooto-X with the top tube cable routing, I'm always looking for better designs in these tank style bags. The latest solution was to put rigid plastic cable housing over the cables so I can synch down the velcro on my Revelate bag and not have excessive pressure on the exposed cables. It work OK, but wonder if the elevated mounting blocks on these bags might be a better option to route the cables under or around those blocks.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

After two weeks I guess I must give up getting one of these bags in the USA. Unless someone has a suggestion here, I must move on. Thanks again for the video.

[@chiefsilverback]

I might have to treat myself to the FlipMag 1.1 version for this year!

[@STBbrackets]

TELL ME ABOUT THAT SHIRT !!!!!! LOVE IT

[@polthedestroyer]

I love things that are complex but look simple. This belongs in the Cooper Hewitt design museum.

[@hmcps89]

I see you got the sram tool! Nice

[@hardmtnbiker]

Many of use don’t have direct mount top tube mounting points, so it’s nice that they have straps better than Velcro. The only problem with many of the various straps that come with bags, they’re too long it you have a steel or Ti frame with smaller tubing.

[@notkaty]

You could cut 'em? Save 2 grams too.

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@notkaty that’s not the issue it’s the problem that some Velcro straps are too long and the way they are made doesn’t allow them to cinch down.

[@ericpmoss]

I'm always happy to see systems that have structure (or a net to cinch down) and bolt/snap into the frame somehow. Floppy is miserable.

[@Zyzzyx42]

I want to like a front mount TT bag, but riding a small frame with already limited standover, the bag is always right in my business when I dismount. So instead I've gone with a rear mount TT bag. Picked up one from Rogue Panda. Only a couple rides on it so far, but its gonna do well. My legs don't rub on it, but I usually ride in knickers, and I am getting used to the sound of the knicker fabric rubbing on the bag. Ah well..

[@averagegravelgrinder471]

I like it, but not enough to replace my revelate designs mag tank

[@dummkompf]

My timberjack has bottle cage mounts on the bottom of the downtube. Are there any bags that are designed to be direct mounted there? I think most top tube bags would work but the zipper would be in a bad location when it's mounted upside down. I need one that has a side zipper

[@matthewsweat]

would love some color options as well with all their products. Navy, tan, brown, green, I was even diggin the white/offwhite prototype bags.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I have a couple of RockBros top tube bags, super cheap, but above everything else - super sturdy. The more you pay doesn't necessary lead to a better product, however I love the flip-over version but can see that behaviour you talk about being somewhat distracting or annoying. Expensive end vs budget end - they both share the same common enemy - the zipper. The number of times I have broken a zipper is beyond silly - someone really needs to invent an alternative, and I guess thats what the flip-over version seeks to achieve. There's always a compromise somewhere.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

The zipper version is very similar to the Rockbros top tube bag which goes for $15 at AE. Only difference seem to be Rockbros uses velcro instead of Voile-type TPU straps. But for $65 dollars less, velcro for the win!

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I use RockBros ones myself and yes hell of a lot cheaper, I still haven't found a plausible use for the cargo net thingy on one side. I tried a banana once - naturally it fell out!

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

@@BikepackingAdventures The one with the mesh pocket on the side is the newer version. I have both the original (w/o mesh pocket) 1.0lt and the 1.6lt versions for almost two years of intensive use. The TPU material is still brand new and the welds are flawless. Probably manufactured in the same chinese factory that makes the Tailfin models. And regarding use for the mesh pocket? the sticky wrappers in which bars and gels are packed in.

[@Xhadp]

One complaint I have is lack of colors. The white test kits were a neat thing to see but then only to revert back to bland black is just ugh. This Top Tube pack can actually exist on a regular normal road bike to carry pieces of your kit. I have one that does this but would love to get some colors that matches my bike rather than seeing black from Tailfin as far as the eyes see.

[@RabidMortal1]

What size is the flip top bag in your review?

[@petersledz67]

I'm thinking of using a top tube bag on my enduro bike so I can get rid of my back or hip pack. I don't have bolt on my top tube. Because of my coil shock I can't use a frame bag under my top tube. Would this bag be stable enough to use on rough trails?

[@TailfinCycling]

Hi! These packs are very much rated for MTB use!

[@backcountryFLcyclist]

I like the jpaks farvapak snackpak

[@ryanthompson1442]

Like the look of it, but the top tube on my full suspension bike (YT Izzo) is super flat on top, would be nice to have these with a flat rubber piece. The rubber and the shape of my top tube would make this super well without having a head tube strap.

[@macvos]

I'd still try it. The straps also provide a secure fit, and I've seen several reviews where they mounted it on an MTB with flat top tube and praised the pack.

[@bironbrunelle5186]

my top tube is tapered and seems like this mounting config. would let the bag slide backward: you think? On the other hand, I have next to no headset height so the no-front tie-in would serve well.

[@TailfinCycling]

A tapered top tube is not an issue for the V- Mount system! 🙂

[@macvos]

Can confirm. Mounts solid like it's glued on.

[@AdamOHalloran]

So, what is, in your opinion, the best top tube bag?

[@Elchderdritte]

First one... Thanks for the review.. I guess a really nice alternative...

[@nickgoogle4525]

Be aware, after 4 weeks and several emails (not all were answered by tailfin) I still have not received my complete order. A real drama and still not solved. 1.1 l Bag is ok but still gets in the way, customer support is lacking!

[@51249ca]

What shirt/brand are you wearing Neil?

[@macvos]

Would the 0.8L small size be large enough for an S23 Ultra fairly large smartphone?

[@Fujisan1998]

No. I have the 1.1 zip and my s24 ultra with a super thin case fits but gets in the way of the zipper when opening and closing. I suspect it would be worse with the 0.8.

[@macvos]

​@@Fujisan1998you're right. I just received the 1.1L and the S23 Ultra with a fairly thick protective case just fits in the main compartment.

[@michaelpearce6982]

What's your favorite?

[@wazzup105]

Looks like I would miss a way of securing it against my steerer tube.

[@macvos]

That's the beauty of this design: you don't need to secure it to your steerer tube in order to keep it stable. The two top tube straps or bolts are enough.

[@billmaidment5623]

What’s your favorite US made bag?

[@michaelpearce6982]

If this is not your favorite, what is?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Andrew the Maker bolt on, but this is more versatile.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

www.andrewthemaker.com/shop/toptubebag

[@gerard7829]

Don’t see a big difference to my revelate with mag lock🤷‍♂️

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

The zippers are going to fail. Better to have the flappy lid.

[@EckmanJones]

So not as pricey as Arkel bags, a little more than Ortlieb.

[@hnelke]

Tailfin Bags are good, but to expensive.... 😢

[@malHHkenny]

I just clip $80 in ones to my top-tube and bribe other riders (or even people walking by), a few bucks on a ride, to hand me snacks.

[@dfrolovXIII]

sorry, but design looks like Apidura racing top tube bag ripoff. But two ways of mounting the bag is pretty slick. with Apidura you have to choose: bolt version or straps

[@davet003.5]

Perhaps the flip lock is more secure - I would like to see a test. I have had the mag closure on the Apidura Racing bag pop open on a bumpy gravel ride and I lost a wallet.