Product Overview
Tailfin Racks are first chosen by material, either Carbon or Alloy. You can then choose whether you want the option of carrying additional side pannier bags. If you do want to carry pannier bags then chose ‘with pannier mounts’. If you want the simple option of just using the AP20 Trunk Top bag then choose ‘without pannier mounts’.
The AeroPack comprises a bag and rack which are permanently joined together. It’s designed to be a direct replacement to a seat pack. The AP20 Trunk is a stand-alone bag, designed to fit any of our Racks.
We have a useful blog here that outlines the differences between Racks & AeroPacks and reasons why you may choose one over the other.
Simple answer is the material! Carbon Racks have a carbon fibre Arch and Top Stay whilst the Alloy Racks have an aluminium alloy Arch and Top Stay. The difference is therefore between weight and aesthetics:
WEIGHT & MATERIAL DIFFERENCES
Carbon (with pannier mount) – Carbon Arch and carbon top stay (330g*)
Alloy (with pannier mount) – Alloy Arch and alloy top stay (480g*)
Carbon (without pannier mount) – Carbon Arch and carbon top stay (270g*)
Alloy (without pannier mount) – Alloy Arch and alloy top stay (420g*)
AESTHETIC DIFFERENCES (shape)
The Carbon Arches differ to the Alloy Arches, as we are able to create more subtle shapes when working with carbon. The Alloy arch is one of a more rudimentary design.
*weights shown are for frame mounting only, for weights including quick-release dropouts and axles add 60g
Help Me Choose
Answer the questions set out below to find the right Tailfin products for you.
Side panniers allow you to carry more gear without having to install a frame bag or bar bag
You can use our range of Tailfin side panniers or purchase Third-Party Pannier Adaptors to carry other brands of panniers
If yes, the Racks or AeroPacks ‘with Pannier Mounts’ will be the right choice for you.
If no, the Racks or AeroPacks ‘without Pannier Mounts’ will be the right choice for you.
It will be around 20 seconds faster to remove the AP20 Trunk Top Bag from the bike, and it will be easier to carry (good for commuting, quick cafe stops etc).
However, if weight is a priority, the full integrated AeroPack is lighter than the Rack + AP20 Trunk Top Bag equivalent.
We have a useful blog here that outlines the differences between Racks & AeroPacks and reasons why you may choose one over the other
If important to you, then you will need to select the Carbon version of our Racks or AeroPacks
If not important to you, then you can select either one of the Alloy Racks or AeroPacks
Axles
If you’re unsure of the Thru-Axle you require please check out this page. If your bike isn’t listed in the table, or you’re still unsure, just email [email protected] with your bike make, model and year, and we can assist.
If you’re unsure of the axle type of your bike, see our blog post here.
You can add additional axles to your order from here. So if you have one bike with disc brakes and one with rim brakes you can add a separate QR Axle to your shopping cart – enabling you to switch your Rack from bike to bike in seconds.
If your bikes all use the same thread pitch then you can order just one axle (see our guide here for help). If your bikes use different thread pitches you will need to either order separate Thru Axles for each bike or one Universal Thru Axle.
Racks
Every rack is provided with an extra-long aero seat post connector. Please be aware though, that the seat post connector may rub the carbon finish over time, so we suggest placing some soft material in between the two parts if you wish to retain the original finish of your post.
If your rack develops a fault, please email us at [email protected] with as much detail as possible (including photos) of the issue.
Yes, you can. You will need to purchase the Third-Party Pannier Adaptors from our website. Please note this are only compatible with Racks ‘with Pannier Mounts’.
Yes, our racks have a large tyre clearance and so should work with most mudguards. Tyre clearances:
26″ – Up to 4″/100mm
27.5″ – Up to 3.5″/85mm
29″ – Up to 3″ /75mm
All racks with our ‘Fast-Release Dropouts’ come with security screws and a special security wrench, to secure the rack to axle.
Top Bags & Side Panniers
Each 22L bag has a load capacity of 9kg, so all three bags (Top and Side) the rack will carry a total of 27kg. Please note, for off-road riding we recommend lowering the maximum weight – dependent on the severity of the terrain.
The differences between the two side bags are subtle; they are both ultrasonically welded, 100% waterproof, and same 22-litres capacity.
The distinction that can be seen is that the Super Light (SL) bag is one of the lightest panniers on the market weighing in at 650 grams, and is designed for those who want to save grams and travel fast – whether that be commuting or touring.
The Ultra-Durable (UD) is the more robust of the two, constructed with thicker, tougher walls. It’s hypalon construction means it will stand up to more of a rough ride and is suited to those who expect their bags to take a pounding.
Fundamentally, SL is about speed and the UD is about durability.
For more on this, click here to check out of our deep-dive video on our side panniers bags.
Yes. Every pannier comes with spacers that allow it to fit racks with 8, 10 and 12mm diameter tubing.
We don’t recommend using the bag if the clamp is defective. If your clamps become damaged, go to our Returns Page here and fill in our repair form to arrange a spare part, or repair.
If there is a small hole in the bag and you’re on the road, we recommend using a high-quality repair kit or heavy-duty sealing and repair tape (e.g McNett Tenacious). For longer-term, reliable fixes though we always recommend you arrange a repair with us. Contact us at [email protected] for help with this.
If any of your bags develop a fault, please email us at [email protected] with as much detail as possible (including photos) of the issue.
Compatibility
Yes you can, so long as the axle on your other bikes is the same, you can simply swap between using the QR attachment. If it isn’t you’ll need a new axle to make it compatible. It’s a good idea to buy a new axle for each bike anyway, just for ease of changing between them. All of our axles can be found here.
Yes, both the Rack and AeroPack use small plastic bushings at the connection points to pivot and work with your bike’s suspension. For full-sus MTBs we recommend the AeroPack over the Rack – it uses fewer components and has fewer dirt traps.
Yes, but you will need to add the R.A.T. Adaptor, available here.
Yes, all our axles fit both bikes with rim and disc brakes.
Yes! Every Rack and Rigid Seat Pack ships with spacers and screws so you can affix it directly to your frame (rather than to one of our axles). See here for assembly instructions.
We strongly recommend speaking with your frame’s manufacturer before fitting as there may be a weight limit on your bike’s rack mounts (some are only intended for mudguards/fenders).
Ordering, Delivery & Returns
Yes you can, our racks and bags are designed for long-life and ease, so you are able to replace almost every part yourself. Spares are available from here.
For order amendments and cancellations, please ensure you immediately email [email protected] with “EDIT” in the subject title. We will do our best to help. Please note, we cannot guarantee your order will be amended in time as couriers regularly collect from our warehouse.
We offer free shipping on all our packages, worldwide. For all other items, shipping depends on your location and the size of your order, you’ll be notified at the checkout.
We offer free shipping on all our packages, worldwide. For all other items, shipping depends on your location and the size of your order, you’ll be notified at the checkout.
Our estimated shipping times for economy delivery are as follows:
UK (inc. Channel Islands)
1-2 business days
EU – Zone 1*
1-3 business days
EU – Zone 2**
3-5 business days
EU – Zone 3***
5-8 business days
USA, Canada, Australia & NZ
1-3 business days
Asia
5-9 business days
Rest of the world
5-15 business days
*EU – Zone 1: Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania
**EU – Zone 2: Portugal, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Ireland, Spain, Finland, Romania, Slovenia, Monaco, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland
***EU – Zone 3: Greece, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Gibralter, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, San Marino, Turkey
You will be sent tracking information to your registered email address once the package has left our facility.
Click here to see our returns policy.
Follow the steps on our returns page here.