Tailfin AeroPack - My Post GDMBR Review

[@andrewjohngaddi5130]

Superb review Mat, I bought the alloy rack and the 10l and 16l panniers for commuting on my mtb and am using them a lot, they are perfect! Will soon organize my first bikepacking weekend!

[@jcmuellner]

Have the same Aeropak and 10L bags, they are fantastic and fit my bike that has no rack mounts. Used the bags on GD and Baja Divide on a Tumbleweed T-Rack and they worked perfectly there as well.

[@matryderreviews]

I love mine. I've been using them more on my gravel bike recently. Awesome rack

[@Robutube1]

This is the best review of the Tailfin system I've seen Mat - thanks for doing this. It is a highly praised product and I'm tempted but, for the price, I wish Tailfin would demystify the ordering process (I can't understand it!) and also that they included, rather than charged extra, for some of the essential extras such as the light mount.

[@Charlie-vw9ur]

Looks very good and your trip proves the quality is right. I can’t justify 500 quid so I’ve just ordered the Ortlieb quick rack and going to strap the 31 litre rack pack to it. I won’t need any more capacity than that so fingers crossed ha ha

[@matryderreviews]

Sounds like a good solution to me. Everyone says Ortlieb stuff is bomb proof. Good luck 👍

[@joshriles84]

I decided on the tailfin from watching your videos, thanks

[@matryderreviews]

That's good. Or bad as they're expensive. I'm 100% happy with mine so I'm sure you will be too. Cheers 👍

[@TheScatman89]

Great review - looks like a good setup! Just don't think about the price of gear and it's alright! I like that you can bring the whole rack into the tent, and not have to worry about clipping panniers on/off. I do like that old mountain front rack that you installed post trip to gdmbr - my bike also has a carbon fork and I got a rack that attaches to the handlebar called "Jack the bike rack" - but I really love the one you have got, looks really good - I'm a bit nervous about loading too much weight on my carbon fork, and the fact that it's through axle mounted looks very neat. Didn't know that rack existed til I saw one of your videos with it. How do you find the weight distribution on it? Love the wald 137 basket with that front bag.. I looked at getting that also but got something from WizardWorks instead, cause it fit my rack better. 👍

[@matryderreviews]

Wise words. I kind of manage to get over the cost of things by making sure I use them. I swap the Tailfin between bikes all the time so that helps too. The Old Man Mountain rack is really nice. I was a bit worried that I'd gone overboard but the thru axle mounts keepy mind at rest. I like the look of that Jack the Bike rack. I need to get some more rides in before I can comment on the weight distribution. I've already discovered that it handles better than when I had the handlebar bag. I think the basket set up will stay. The most important thing is that everything is rock solid now. Cheers 👍👍

[@CycleXplorer]

I've just started to try one for my events, adventures and commutes as it fits my laptop in. That helps bring the perceived cost down. Just 40 commutes will pay for it! My one fear would be something breaking mid ride and not being able to bodge it

[@user-dh6tf6cx4k]

Hi, looks like good fun. What is your opinion of using the Aeropack as direct frame mount (I have Salsa Cutthroat)? Thankd

[@matryderreviews]

It works great on my Kona Sutra. Solid as a roxk

[@TomTom_76]

Hi Mat! I really enjoyed your coverage of GDMBR. I saw that you used a suspension seatpost on the GDMBR. How did it work and was it helpful? You also had a Brooks saddle (I think), which I see you changed now. What was the reason for this? I'm asking because I travel quite a lot, but I have a constant problem with my seat and I'm still looking for a solution that will give me relief. Fingers crossed for your Trans Am. I have a plan for the European Divide, but I need 2 months off and my ass pain-free ;) I'm working on it. Greetings from Poland Tom

[@matryderreviews]

Hi. I used an Eesilk plus suspension seatpost and loves it. It definitely made a big difference. The Brooks saddle was too hard for me, especially once I stopped using padded shorts. The Ergon SMC saddle has a small amount of padding and I'm happy I switched to it. Good look with the European Divide. Cheers 👍

[@TomTom_76]

​@@matryderreviewsThanks Mat. So, I have to start using this suspension. By the way, if you decide to visit Poland, during your european trip, let me know. I can point a few nice trails:)

[@TomTom_76]

​@@matryderreviewsI bought suspension seatpost and yesterday I had first, offroad, longer trip with it. I think it will be gamechanger for my butt. Thanks Mat!

[@juliethrower1185]

Everything you can buy is justifiable, say the price quickly, and it's never painful😊

[@matryderreviews]

Excellent advice. I'll practice talking quicker!!

[@vickaiser]

So why did you opt for the Aeropack vs the Rack with the trunk bag?

[@matryderreviews]

Mainly cost. The Aeropack is cheaper. Also, I had detachable panniers and didn't need to be able to remove the top bag.

[@motomoto898]

When are you reviewing your actual bike though 😅would be nice to see

[@matryderreviews]

Coming soon. I just reviewed the Kona. The Sonder is next.

[@samuraioodon]

Hey mat, do you know if the non panniers version carries more than 9 kg? It says that on their website but I’m confused. I want to use Ortlieb fork packs on the 3 eyelets. Tailfin says 1.5 kg per eye so that 9 kg for all 6 eyelets plus the 9 kg top rack bag? I’m still deciding.

[@matryderreviews]

Sorry but I don't know. I had a quick look around myself but couldn't find anything.

[@samuraioodon]

@@matryderreviews I emailed tailfin and they said it's not including the eyelets so it could carry more weight! I'm probably going to get the pannier version if I do decide though.

[@matryderreviews]

That makes good sense. Then you have the option to go with their own panniers in the future.

[@michaelwolf8781]

I bought one. I think I put my card # in and out three times 😂

[@matryderreviews]

🤣 It was hard for me too. I'm glad I did though. It's had a tonne of use and has held up well. Cheers 👍

[@gayeeckenrode8714]

What is the basket in the front?

[@matryderreviews]

It's a basket bag from Outershell.

[@Foti5]

hi bro .. i have one question this rack short or long ?

[@matryderreviews]

I have the long seat post attachment bar which I guess makes it the long.

[@Mark-pk1fm]

To justify the cost you need to buy another bike…… my kind of logic! 👍🏻