Complete Guide to Bar Bag Systems

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Introduction to the Bar Bag System

Let’s just start by saying that our bar bag range is not like other handlebar bags; it is an entire front storage system. Bold words, we know, but read on to find out what makes it so.

With four options to choose from, specifically designed for either drop or flat handlebars, we have been at pains to create the perfect solution for carrying extra gear on your bars, all in a design that will enhance your ride experience. One of the key features that makes it stand out is we’ve made it a two-piece system, consisting of a handlebar bracket and separate bag, to provide incredible stability, adjustable positioning, and rapid attachment. All fundamental performance features that make our approach the best you can get.

Having four bag sizes (volumes) and in two different styles provide options for all riders. Whether you are keeping it light and fast on a weekend road tour or planning a multi-month wilderness expedition, there is an option for you. The good news for riders who may be interested in multiple options is that the system is modular, allowing you to swap out different bag sizes to match your current requirements without needing to purchase a whole new system.

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What are the key Bar System features I Need to Know?

  • Available in drop and flat (MTB) handlebar versions, each with features and sizes specific to its style.
  • CNC Aluminium alloy handlebar mount system with multiple axes of adjustment for a perfect fit.
  • The two-piece design keeps the bag away from the bars, keeping the full range of hand positions associated with drop bars.
  • No movement and no headtube rub when set in position.
  • Mount is compatible with all standard (round) 31.8 and 35mm handlebars.
  • Safe for use on aluminium and compatible carbon handlebars*
  • Narrow clamp width (11.6mm) takes up minimal space on the handlebar, leaving room for aerobars.
  • Adjustable clamp size accommodates varying width stems and aero bar setups.
  • Instantly release the bag from the clamp using our tried and trusted X-Clamp system.
  • All bags feature multiple expandable pockets to add volume and quickly stash kit.
  • 100% waterproof.
  • User-replaceable hardware – bags, Mounting kit and Bar Bag hardware (X-Clamp) all available separately.
  • Optional accessories available designed to place GPS devices, lights, or action cameras in the ideal positions for full functionality.
  • 8kg Weight limit recommendation (on-road). 4kg off-road.

    *Check with handlebar manufacturer. If the carbon handlebar is compatible with aerobars then our Bar System will typically be safe to fit.

Making the most stable system – why we chose a two-piece design

Stability is critical for the performance of the new Tailfin Bar System, which is why we opted for a two-part mounting approach. This approach consists of a light, discreet, and highly adjustable 6061-T6 aluminium alloy handlebar mount alongside a counterpart bag featuring an integrated internal aluminium frame. The handlebar mount provides a rigid and secure attachment point designed to mount to any standard 31.8 or 35mm round tubed handlebar.

Creating a two-piece system allowed us to create a highly rigid structure that holds a load in complete security. It also benefits from easy bag attachment and release without struggling to maintain ride stability, as is often the case with one-piece setups with a single method of attaching the bag to the handlebar.

A separate handlebar mount also allows us to integrate a wide range of adjustability to ensure the optimum placement of the bag when attached. With dual-axis rotation, it allows adjustment to the pack by articulating around two axes of rotation therefore accommodating a much wider range of bike sizes and styles. Further, the clamp is adjustable in width to work with a multitude of stem widths and to accommodate the use of aero bars.

The dual-axis rotation allows the rider to place the bag as close to the frame and as low as possible to keep handling disruption to a minimum and ensures storage accessibility is best suited to the rider. The ability to vertically raise the pack above the bar thanks to this added articulation is an added bonus for riders of small frames where minimal headtube lengths and an increase in tyre interference can make running a full capacity bag impossible.

To connect the two parts of the system, it comes as no surprise that we opted to develop a variation of our highly regarded X-Clamp attachment solution. Found on all of our pannier bags and our Fork Packs, the X-Clamp provides ultimate security and eliminates second-guessing when it comes to connecting your luggage.

The bag options and features

All four bag options are constructed using Tailfin’s signature welded (no leaky seams here) Hypalon and Ripstop Nylon materials, providing a completely waterproof storage solution for your vital kit. The materials are strategically used to maximise their individual properties; durable Hypalon is used where wear can occur, and the lighter, more flexible Ripstop Nylon is used for the main body.

The bar bag system is the first in the Tailfin product range to incorporate external expandable storage. Finalising the perfect mesh material was one of the most complex parts of the project. The chosen material features the optimum combination of stretch and durability to provide years of consistent performance. Each bag incorporates multiple front-facing pockets, including a zipped security pocket and an expandable cavernous front pocket – an ideal place for storing and drying wet jackets (something removable pockets can’t offer). We also incorporated a TPU strap to allow for adjustment of the volume and additional peace of mind when carrying extra gear. At the rear of each bag, you will also find a kangaroo-style pocket that can provide the perfect place to stow food, rubbish, or tent poles.

One of the key performance features of the bag design is its internal aluminium cage. This provides the mounting points for the X-Clamp attachment mechanism and also adds a level of stability not normally associated with this style of pack. The internal structure and X-Clamp are user-replaceable, and a full range of replacement parts, including bag skins, are available at the Accessories and Spares section of the website.

Drop Bar specific features

Volume/size:
Small Drop Bar – 9.2 Litre/160mm diameter
Large Drop Bar – 12.5 Litre/180mm diameter

The drop bar version features the most radical design of the range, incorporating our unique new WaveLock closure system. WaveLock is designed to eliminate the guesswork, make bag symmetry easy, and maximise capacity, all whilst being friendly on the hands when in the hoods and drops. Simply roll the bag as per a standard dry bag (two complete folds make it waterproof) and then clip the metal bars into the corresponding wave shape for a solid and secure lock. To keep things symmetrical, simply repeat and utilise the wave shape in the corresponding position on the other side of the bag. Positioning of the WaveLock has been deliberately chosen to eliminate any hard edges that could catch on shifters and hands.

Two volumes are available: 9.1 litres and 12.5 litres, measuring 160mm and 180mm in diameter, respectively. Keeping with the Tailfin philosophy of providing an almost universal fit, the smaller volume bag can effectively fit a narrower 36/38cm handlebar width. Further volume is added through the multiple external pockets found on all sizes. The external pockets are sized to allow full entry even when the bag is in its smallest volume setting. When full, the pockets add an additional 1.6 and 2.75 litres of storage.

Flat Bar specific features

Volume/Size:
Small Flat Bar – 14.7 Litre/160mm diameter
Large Flat Bar – 18.9 Litre/180mm diameter

Flat/MTB handlebars are less restricted regarding the available usable space, so we opted to create two larger capacity versions to maximise this advantage. Our bags are wider than most, which has been possible due to the superior stability of the system. Since tyre buzz can be such a huge problem, it’s better to have a smaller diameter but wider for additional storage. Available in 14.7 and 18.9-litre volumes with diameters of 160 and 180mm, the flat bar versions can swallow the bulkiest sleep kit. We opted to keep it simple with the double clip closure mechanism, providing a completely waterproof storage solution without limiting available space.

Large-capacity external pockets provide a huge amount of additional storage and enable quick access to your kit. 

Which accessories can I use with a Tailfin Bar Bag System?

GPS device mount – Independently adjustable and compatible with Garmin and Wahoo devices – also compatible with K-Edge inserts.
Universal Mount – 22.2mm diameter (standard handlebar), side fitment, to attach any compatible device.
Go Pro/action cam compatible mount – standard triple prong fitting. Available for central or side positioning.

A complete range of optional accessory mounts is available to enable interference-free fitting of typical handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights and GPS devices. All offer independent adjustment and are designed to place accessories in optimum positions and minimise clutter on handlebars.

  1. GPS device mount* – Independently adjustable and compatible with Garmin and Wahoo devices – also compatible with K-Edge inserts.
  2. Universal mount – 22.2mm diameter (standard handlebar), side fitment, to attach any compatible device.
  3. Go Pro/action cam compatible mount – standard triple prong fitting. Available for central or side positioning.

*Requires additional Go Pro mount to fit.

All individual parts of the Bar Bag system can be found and purchased in the Accessories and Spares section of the website.

Specifications

Colour: Tailfin Black
Materials: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon/stretch mesh, 6061-T6 aluminium alloy
Weights:

  • Small Drop Bar pack* – 732g
  • Large Drop Bar pack* – 817g
  • Small Flat Bar pack* – 785g
  • Large Flat Bar pack* – 859g

*Complete system (handlebar mount, bag and all hardware)

Bar Bag FAQ’s

My old bike has exposed cables – will it fit?

Yes. The two-piece design moves the bag away from the handlebar and leaves space for cables and brake hoses to move freely between the bar and bag.

Can I fit to a carbon handlebar?

The handlebar mount is rated for use on a compatible carbon handlebar. Please check with the manufacturer of your handlebar for compatibility (typically if it is rated for use with aerobars then it will be compatible).

Is the clamp the same as my pannier/fork pack?

The X-Clamp we use on the Bar System is the same design as found on our other bags, but it has a different diameter and width, so unfortunately, they are not interchangeable.

I have aero handlebars – will it fit?

If your aerobars have at least 20 mm of standard round tubing either side of the stem then yes, you can fit the Bar System. For all other aero handlebars including one-piece bar and stem combinations unfortunately you will not be able to fit the Bar System.

Do you sell spare mounts?

Yes. You can purchase the handlebar mount separately if you want to install it on more than one bike.

What’s the smallest diameter bar I can fit?

The smallest diameter handlebar the handlebar mount will fit is 31.8mm (most modern handlebars use this diameter). 

How much space do I need on my bars for the mount

You need a minimum of 12mm of space either side of the stem to comfortably fit the handlebar mount.

I’m undecided on bag size, how can I check?

The full specifications including diameters and widths can be found above. If you are looking to carry a sleeping bag/quilt or tent then we recommend choosing the bag that will comfortably fit the diameter of these items.

Is it waterproof?

The bag is completely waterproof as long as you ensure to close with at least two rolls of the material for Dropbar (three rolls for Flat bar bags)

How did you measure the volume?

We use calibrated volume measuring balls! We start by weighting the empty bag, fill it completely with these balls and weigh the full bag. Subtract the empty bag weight to find out the weight of the balls in bag. We can then use this weight and compare against the calibrated ball density to find the specific volume of balls in the bag. 

Is there a max weight that can be carried in the packs?

All Bar Systems are rated to carry up to 4 kilograms of load for off-road use and up to 8 kilograms on the road.

I’ve got a few different bikes, which size should I choose?

The good news is all the bags can be used across the full range of bike and handlebar styles, they are just optimised for a specific type. We would suggest that you choose the bag based on the bike you use the most and also what kit you are normally carrying. Remember all the bags can be reduced in volume and adjusted in position to fit a wide range of different bikes.

What should I consider when fitting it to my bike with front suspension/suspension stem?

We recommend a minimum of 20mm clearance between the bottom of the handlebar bag (when fully loaded) and the tyre. If you have a suspension fork or stem you will need more clearance to correspond with the amount of travel your fork or stem provides. I.e. if you have a 100mm travel fork you will need 120mm of clearance. If you have a suspension stem with 20mm of movement you will need 40mm of clearance as a minimum.

Can I fit this to a 36cm handlebar?

The smallest volume dropbar bag has been designed to provide clearance for hands and shifters when used on a 38cm handlebar. If you have a 36cm you will expect some interference but if packed carefully (soft, bulky items) you should retain the ability to shift and brake.

My bike has wide drop handlebars but a short headtube, what size would you recommend?

The adjustable nature of our system will allow you to adjust the position of the bag to provide adequate clearance with a short headtube, even if it means the bag is partially above the handlebar height. With a wider handlebar and short headtube we would recommend the narrower diameter bags.

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