Pannier Rack

Specification

Carbon Rack with pannier mounts

Carbon Rack without pannier mounts

Alloy Rack with pannier mounts

Alloy Rack without pannier mounts

Model
Model Carbon Rack	Model Alloy Rack
Weight (for fast-release mounting) 317g (395g with pannier mounts)	Weight (for fast-release mounting) 542g (643g with pannier mounts)
Weight (for Direct Mount) 257g (335g with pannier mounts)	Weight (for Direct Mount) 487g (591g with pannier mounts)
Top Bag Dimensions (width) 160mm (rear) / 128mm (front)	Top Bag Dimensions (width) 160mm (rear) / 128mm (front)
Top Bag Dimensions (length) 430mm	Top Bag Dimensions (length) 430mm
Top Bag Dimensions (height, unrolled) 420mm (rear) / 380mm (front)	Top Bag Dimensions (height, unrolled) 420mm (rear) / 380mm (front)
Maximum Load 27kg	Maximum Load 27kg
Maximum Capacity 64L	Maximum Capacity 64L
Maximum Top Load (AP18 only) 9kg	Maximum Top Load (AP18 only) 9kg
Maximum Side Load 9kg (each side)	Maximum Side Load 9kg (pannier each side. 4.5kg if using Cargo Cages)
Top Bag Capacity 18L	Top Bag Capacity 18L
Maximum Side Bag Capacity 22L (each side)	Maximum Side Bag Capacity 22L (each side)

* Maximum loads listed for on-road riding. Off-road loads will be lower depending on the severity of the terrain, etc.

Fitting FAQs

Click here for Rack setups or here for AeroPacks

Assembly requires a Torx T25 key (found on most multi-tools)

We’ve designed our products to fit the majority of bikes, from road to full-suspension. You can search our Reviews to see if another customer with the same bike is already using this product too. If you’re still unsure, contact our team for help and advice.

26″ Maximum Tyre Width - 4″ / 100mm

27.5″/650B Maximum Tyre Width - 3.5″ / 90mm

29″/700C Maximum Tyre Width - 2.9″ / 75mm

For help choosing your axle, see this page.

For the AeroPack - For riders with small frames or less than 100mm of exposed seatpost, we recommend using the AeroPack Extended Seat Post Connector. This replaces the standard connector and pushes the AeroPack back a further 50mm.

For Racks - We recommend selecting the ‘Long’ Top Stay when ordering your Rack. It offers the same extension as the AeroPack equivalent. For more information and images, click here.

For additional tips see this blog post

Yes! We genuinely believe “the best bike packing bike is the bike you already own” therefore it was important that all our rack / AeroPack systems could be used with full suspension bikes. For the best experience, we recommend the AeroPack setup for full suspension bikes though. Using a unique articulated design each pivot contains replaceable plain bushings which allow it to adjust position as the suspension compresses. They will also work with road and gravel bike suspension systems such as Trek’s IsoSpeed and Cannondale’s Kingpin Suspension.

See this blog for further tips on fitting Tailfin products to full suspension bikes.

Yes, the quick-release seatpost connector is compatible with all seat posts- including dropper, carbon, and aero. An extra-long seat post strap is included with all shipments for deep-aero seatposts.

All our racks come with 3 choices of mounting option:

Axle + Fast Release Dropouts - we ship you a rear axle to swap out on your bike, the rack then affixes to this axle in seconds, allowing it to be mounted or removed in seconds.
Frame Mounts + Fast-Release Dropouts - we ship you mounts which screw into the frame eyelets on your frame, the rack then affixes to this mount in seconds, allowing it to be mounted or removed in seconds.
Direct Mount - with this option, you screw the rack directly to your frame via the frame eyelets on your bike. This option is not fast-release, and will need to be unscrewed from frame when mounting or removing.

We have a comprehensive guide to the different options here.

Yes, all Tailfin Racks and AeroPacks come with security screws that allow you to lock to your axle, or frame mounts, depending on your chosen mounting option.

Yes, but you will need to add the 3rd party pannier adaptors to your order

Product FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

More questions? See the Complete Product Guide.

Media Reviews

“Beautifully made, fully waterproof, mounts in seconds, more capacity than a seatpack, AERO… it’s a lovely thing that’s a joy to use.”

Read Road.cc's full review

“Tailfin’s AeroPack S is one of the best rear luggage options for serious bikepacking (and commuting) ever tested. It is expensive but its simplicity, ease of use and pleasing design make you forget the price within the first ride.”

Read Cycling Weekly's full review

“It strikes a sweet spot between weight, space, and usability…the Aeropack’s execution is so much better than anything I’ve ever seen.”

Read Bikepacking.com's full review

Additional product photography

Top tip: Try searching for your bike make/model below to find others using this product on your bike.

Bike: Ribble cgr

Riding Style: Commuting

Sleek rack that works well.

Does exactly what I wanted, minimal sleek looking rack really easy to assemble (I’d recommend reading the instructions though as I made one or two mistakes). Secure with third party panniers (and the pannier adaptors).

Bike: Cannondale Topstone 3 Carbon

Riding Style: Bikepacking, Commuting

Good product but requested spare part never arrived

Sorry, i have to be so harsh. But the spare part i humbly asked for for my super expensive alloy rack, that were promised to me, never arrived. So i give this three star review. I know i could have asked once more for the little thumb nut for the fast-release dropouts that got lost and that i was asking for some time ago.
I simply would have expected a better customer service for a product as expensive as your alloy rack.
Apart from the problem described above, I am very satisfied with the product.
Without the thumb nut the bolt and spring can be lost very easily and the alloy rack can no longer be used. It happened to me and i had to search some time before i found the tiny spring and the bolt again.
I ordered some thumb nuts that i hope fit at AliExpress.

Hi Christof, thank you for taking the time to give your feedback. Apologies this replacement part didn't arrive. I have looked into this and sent the replacements from our office. I hope you have now been able to repair your Rack. All the best.

Bike: Canyon Inflight AL

Riding Style: Bikepacking, Commuting

Excellent

In the last month or so I’ve used this for commuting, long rides and overnight camping trips. It’s been a revelation. I like that it is perfectly suitable for carrying only a couple of things (wallet, pump, spare tube). Feed each strap through its neighbour’s excess loop to eliminate flapping. The main limitation for me is that it is not good for groceries and other things that cannot be strapped down (but I knew that).

This is a very well designed and made system, though it is a little tricky to get a grip on the axle release pins, and it would be nice if the bag had soft(er) feet, so you can put it down on tables and floors without risk of scratches.

I’m so glad I chose this over a saddle bag. It feels durable, the various mounting options allow me to attach panniers and other bags as my needs change, and I will be able to convert it for use with thru-axle bikes as needed.

Definitely not cheap, but good value.

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Pannier Rack

Strong, beautiful and light

Rack and Top Bag, the perfect combination

Fit and remove in seconds

Rock solid. All the time.

Easy to use

X Clamp

Access your gear on the go