Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You may be fortunate enough to own a few different bikes, or perhaps you’ve recently switched bikes – so what about your Tailfin kit?
Note: This guide references our CargoPack, formerly known as the AeroPack – part of our modular Pannier Rack and Rear Systems range
The good news is that all our Rear Systems are designed to fit 99% of bikes on the market, so switching should not be an issue. In our Fitting Guides, you can see our examples with some popular bike brands on the market. Below are some example scenarios;
I’m switching from a bike with QR axles to one with a Thru Axle
Disc brakes now dominate the bike industry, and any new bike is likely to feature these. The majority of disc brake bikes use a 12mm diameter Thru-Axle, so you will require a new Tailfin Thru-Axle to continue using your alloy Journey Pannier Rack, Carbon Pannier Rack, CargoPack or SpeedPack.
Use our Axle Guide to find out which axle is required for your bike and simply install the new version when it arrives.
I’m switching from one bike with a Thru Axle to another
You may already have a Tailfin Thru Axle from your original order. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee you can continue using the same axle on a different bike. The bike industry does not use a single axle standard, so different bikes may use axles with different thread pitches (put simply, the pitch of a thread is the distance between two threads on an axle). Some manufacturers use the same pitch on all their bikes, some choose different pitches on different models, and some change the pitch on the same bike from one year to the next!
If you screw in the wrong axle on your bike, you risk damaging the axle and/or your bike frame/derailleur hanger too. For this reason, you should check any different bike you’re using with our Axle Finder and order a new axle if required. The Axle Finder will also let you know if your new bike might need additional adapters to make everything work.
If you have several bikes that use a Thru Axle, then our Universal Thru Axle is a great option. It includes the four most common thread pitches used on bikes (1.0mm, 1.5mm, 1.75mm and Speed Release/Double Lead), and with this one axle, you can switch the ends to use it between bikes.
If your bike fits the Universal Derailleur Hangar (UDH) specification, then you’ll also require a SRAM UDH/Transmission Adaptor. If your bike uses a non-SRAM UDH (e.g. Santa Cruz, Sonder, etc.), though, then you’ll need to purchase this official SRAM UDH part, too, to fit your Thru Axle. You can identify if your bike has the genuine SRAM UDH as it will have this written on the part.
The Tailfin UDH Adaptor has a wider opening than its SRAM counterpart to allow the axle to pass through.
See below the correct SRAM Adaptor choice to make for your bike:
I’m switching from rack mounts to a bike without. What should I order?
Many gravel/endurance frames feature rack mounts for carrying luggage, but most road and many MTB frames do not. You may have originally purchased a Tailfin Rear System and fitted it to the frame using the rack mounts (bolting directly to the frame) or Frame Mount Adaptors.
However, if you now have a new/different bike without this mounting option, you can simply purchase a set of Fast Release Dropouts (not required if you already have Frame Mount Adaptors) and a relevant Tailfin Single Thru Axle or Universal Thru Axle.
You can read more on our Thru Axle Complete Guide, too.
I’m switching from Thru Axle mounting to frame mounting. What do I need?
Some bikes do not have the option for axle mounting. This is why we offer frame mounting. You can directly frame-mount the system to your frame, or use Frame Mount Adaptors. The advantage of using these is that when used together with Fast-Release Dropouts, your Rear Systems remain quick-release.
You can purchase the Direct Frame Mounting Kit as a spare.
See our video guides to help with fitting and assembly below:
