Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
A complete guide to the mounting options of your Pannier Rack, CargoPack (formerly AeroPack) and SpeedPack
Note: This guide references our CargoPack, formerly known as the AeroPack – part of our modular Rear Systems
One of the standout features of any Tailfin Pannier Rack (Carbon or Alloy), CargoPack or SpeedPack system is the variety of ways you can mount it to your bike. Unlike traditional racks or seatpacks that rely on a single fixing option, Tailfin systems can be mounted in three distinct ways. This makes it incredibly easy to find a way that works perfectly with your bike.
Introducing choice should be a positive but we are aware that it can make things a little more confusing when it comes to deciding exactly which approach is right for you. To help work out what works best for you we have produced this guide to look at the pros and cons of each approach.
Three Ways to Mount your Pannier Rack, CargoPack or SpeedPack
1. Axle mounting
(Axle + Fast Release Dropouts)
Tailfin Rear Systems are designed to work in symbiosis with your bike, and to do so, each part of the system was designed to work perfectly together. To create the most reliable connection with your bike, we designed the system to work with a specific rear wheel axle. This axle is swapped for your existing axle (Quick Release or Thru Axle versions are available) and provides extended mounting points for your chosen Tailfin system.
This offers the strongest mounting option and works for the majority of bikes – even those without rack mounts. By attaching your Tailfin system to the axle, the stresses on your frame are almost eliminated, making this the safest option for use with light and high-end carbon bikes. It is the mounting approach we recommend above all others.
There are a few considerations when it comes to axle mounting. Firstly, if you are looking to replace a bolt-through axle, you will need to know some details about the axle your bike came with, a task that can be difficult (although our Axle Finder has made this a much easier task). You might also need an adapter to enable a Tailfin Thru Axle to fit your frame. For more information about the Thru Axles, see our intricately machined axle blog, Complete Guide to Axles blog or more specifically, Complete Guide to the Universal Thru Axle.
2. Frame Mounting with Adapters
(Frame Mount Adaptors + Fast Release Dropouts)
The Frame Mount Adapter kit is designed to give the ability to quickly remove a Tailfin Pannier Rack, CargoPack or SpeedPack when using axle mounting isn’t practical or you prefer to mount your rack in a higher position. Frame mount adapters are simple to fit and are relatively unobtrusive, which means you can leave them attached to your bike year-round. The shaping is designed to work specifically with our Fast Release Dropouts and provides a completely secure attachment, as well as giving the ability to fit and remove the rack within seconds. The adapters are an alternative way of benefiting from our unique quick-release system when compared to using a Tailfin axle.
As with direct frame mounting, the one key drawback of using the adapter approach is that your frame needs to have the relevant rack mounting points in order to fit the adapters and be rated to carry racks (not just mudguards/fenders).
You must check with your frame manufacturer whether the mounting points on the frame are rated to carry a load or if they are just intended to be used with mudguards/fenders. If they are only suited to mudguards/fenders, they should not be used for rack mounting.
3. Direct Frame Mounting
(Direct Mount kit)
Tailfin’s Pannier Racks and Rear Systems (besides the Journey Rack) come with a direct frame mounting kit, which allows you to bolt the Tailfin arch directly to your frame.
The semi-permanent mounting that gives this added security could also be seen as being the main downside to direct frame mounting, as you cannot quickly remove the rack when it is no longer required on your bike. It also requires your frame to have mounting points that enable it to fit racks (not just mudguards/fenders). No eyelets, no direct frame mounting, sorry!
As with the Frame Mount Adaptors, the other vitally important aspect to check with your frame manufacturer is whether the mounting points on the frame are rated to carry a load or if they are just intended to be used with mudguards/fenders. If they are only suited to mudguards/fenders, they should not be used for rack mounting.
If you have any other questions, you can contact our Customer Service team.
