What is the difference between the <strong>Tailfin Racks</strong>, and the AeroPack?

The AeroPack is an integrated seat pack, meaning that the top bag and arch are connected together. With the Carbon and Alloy Racks, the top bag is detachable. For some riders this is an important difference, for others, it is not. The AeroPack is lighter for the weight-conscious rider and has a more simplistic design - which is sometimes preferential on longer trips. For more info, read this.

Which is stronger, the Carbon or Alloy Rack?

Both alloy and carbon racks have been tested to the same standards and are capable of carrying a maximum of 27kg. The Carbon Rack has been designed to be strong, and we have historically seen close-to-zero failures due to impact. The main differences between the Alloy and Carbon versions of the Rack are weight, price, and aesthetics.

Can I mount my rear light to the Rack?

It is possible to mount a seat-post strip light to the Rack, just as you would your regular seat post, but may rub the Rack finish after heavy use. The AP20 top bag has loops made for certain clip-on lights, or we offer Seatpost mounted light mounts , and regular rack mounted light mounts , which affixes to the AP20 to allow you to mount your rear light directly to the pack.

Can I fit a laptop in the AP Rack Top Bag?

Yes, the Top Bag can carry up to a 13" laptop, with the only limiting factor being the amount of available seatpost space. If your saddle is low then you will have less space available to fit the laptop and in this case, it may be best to use a side pannier instead. You can pack it vertically (providing there is space as mentioned), or horizontally. If packing vertically you'll want some items on either side of the laptop to keep it stable over any rough terrain. For the best fit we recommend using the 16L Mini Pannier and Laptop Holster

Should I choose a Rack with pannier mounts?

This depends on the type of riding you’re doing now and your plans for the future. If the majority of your trips are short overnighters then you probably won’t need side panniers, likewise if you're riding mainly singletrack. If you’re planning some big adventures, commute often, or want the option to carry up to 27kg in the future, then we recommend the pannier mounted model as you can attach Tailfin Panniers to increase capacity. With our Pannier Adaptors , you can also carry other brands of panniers.