New packs cover all bases with different mounts, lids, sizes and zips

By Nick Clark

Published: Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 12:00 am


Tailfin has announced its Top Tube Pack range, expanding its line-up of bikepacking accessories.

The Top Tube Packs will be the first bags to fit the top tube of your bike from Tailfin, which already manufactures cage, pannier and down tube bags.

The new Top Tube Packs will be available with either a zip or flip-lid opening system with a magnetic closure.

The zip model will be available in 0.8, 1.1 and 1.5-litre sizes, while the flip-lip design will only be available in 1.1 or 1.5-litre versions.

""
The Tailfin Top Tube Pack is available in three sizes.
Tailfin

The 1.1-litre Zip Pack costs £60 / $75 / €70, while the Flip is £65 / $80 / €75.

Tailfin says the packs are available to order now, with the first orders shipping at the end of April.

Multi-mount design

""
Tailfin has made both variants of the pack compatible with strap mounting and bolt mounting.
Tailfin

Tailfin says it uses a unique V-Mount design to eliminate movement and frame rub. The mount features rubber pads that rest on the frame, while TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) straps are used to keep it in place – requiring no steer tube strap.

The Top Tube Packs can also be bolted directly onto bikes that feature cage mounts on the top tube. This is a feature on many of the best gravel bikes, such as the Cannondale Topstone.

""
Tailfin claims the V-Mount rubber grips won’t damage your frame.
Tailfin

There is no need to purchase a specific bolt-mount variant because all Top Tube Packs enable you to thread a bolt through the V-Mount.

Tailfin says it has done extensive research and body mapping to combat knee rub, and decided offering different sizes of the bikepacking bag was the best solution for riders.

The packs feature three-dimensional tapering to prevent interference, and Tailfin claims you would hardly know the bag was there.

Grav-ero

""
The Tailfin Top Tube Packs sit behind the stem and out of the wind.
Tailfin

Tailfin says the Top Tube Packs feature an aerodynamic design, with the teardrop shape sitting neatly behind the stem, similar to the petrol tank of a motorcycle.

The Flip Lid design features a patented Mag-Lock closing system, combining a magnet and a mechanical lock. Tailfin says an integrated Cord-Lock adds stretch and prevents overstuffing, which could interfere with the packs’ closure.

According to the brand, both packs are constructed out of welded ripstop nylon, with the Zip model featuring waterproof zips to keep the elements out.

Tailfin sizes and pricing

Tailfin Top Tube Pack Zip

""
Tailfin says the packs are sturdy enough for mountain biking.
  • 0.8-litre Zip: £52 / $65 / €60
  • 1.1-litre Zip: £55 /$70 / €65
  • 1.5-litre Zip: £60 / $75 / €70

Tailfin Top Tube Pack Flip

""
The Flip model closes using a magnet and a mechanical clasp.
Tailfin
  • 1.1-litre Flip: £60 / $75 / €70
  • 1.5-litre Flip: £65 / $80 / €75