Tailfin Bar Bag System Review

In 2018, during the height of the “bikepacking gear boom,” we made an end-of-year prediction that finally seems to be coming true. In short, we anticipated that more hardware-based handlebar systems would come to market, although we might have jumped the gun with that call. Fast forward to 2024, and several options have emerged that align with what we envisioned. Even better, brands and makers are still pushing the envelope with fresh designs, introducing new attachment mechanisms and more robust, user-friendly systems addressing many of the common issues that arise when mounting gear on the bars. One of the latest products aiming to perfect the handlebar bag is the Tailfin Bar Bag System, a thoughtfully designed ensemble that features a two-axis handlebar mount with their clever X-Clamp mechanism. This allows for quick attachment and detachment of four different bags, catering to both flat and drop bars. Several of us have been putting the Bar Bag System to the test for this full review.

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The handlebar is arguably the most versatile and accessible spot for carrying gear on a bike. No matter the style or size of the bike, some form of handlebar storage is always possible. Hell, many of us started by simply strapping a dry bag to the handlebars for a no-purchase-necessary foray into bikepacking. These days, there are a variety of excellent and unique handlebar luggage alternatives on the market, offering a smorgasbord of aesthetic and functional solutions fostered by a diverse array of perspectives and tastes. Many riders are content with the current crop of options, from saddlebag-style top-openers to cradles and from burrito bags to harness systems. Still, we love seeing engineers and creators continue to refine solutions to the inherent challenges that go hand-in-hand with handlebar-mounted gear. These include positioning the load for optimal performance (which varies from bike to bike), ease of attachment and removal for packing and unpacking, and avoiding interference with the front tire, cables, accessories, and even your hands (especially on drop bars). Brands continue to pursue that elusive “perfect” design.

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The trend that we predicted, now long in the making—and one I’ve personally been a cheerleader for—involves bags or systems that use hardware-based attachment mechanisms, clamping onto the bars, stem, or steerer tube. Several solid solutions have emerged, including (roughly in this order) the Rockgeist BarJam, Salsa Anything Cradle, Miss Grape ILCOSO, and innovative designs from smaller makers like the Good Day Curiosity Spacer Cradle, Rat King Cradle, and Rogue Panda Blue Ridge. Each tackles many of those common interference and positioning issues in its unique way.

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The engineering minds at Tailfin took this challenge to another level with their new Bar Bag System, developing the most intricate and comprehensive solution I’ve seen to date. In summary, the system includes a fairly minimal CNC-machined handlebar clamp that works with both 31.8 and 35mm bar-clamp diameters, and four welded waterproof bag options, each with an integrated CNC-machined internal cage and a quick-release clamp that secures it to the mount. The Tailfin Bar Bag System was developed over the course of three years with the first field prototypes used in the 2022 Silk Road Mountain Race and many more to follow, including two different prototypes that I saw in action last year in Oaxaca. During the process, Tailfin’s goal was to address five critical needs by developing a system that 1. is easy to attach and remove for off-bike packing and unpacking; 2. remains stable when loaded, regardless of bike style, terrain, and speed; 3. can be optimally positioned to fit the bike; 4. has practical, usable, and expandable storage; 5. is compatible with all components, accessories, and devices usually mounted to a handlebar. For this review, I’m going to talk about each of these areas and share my thoughts on how it fared.

Positioning

At the heart of the Tailfin Bar Bag System is a new three-piece CNC-machined aluminum alloy handlebar mount designed to provide a broad range of adjustability, the linchpin being the ability to position the bag in an optimal location. The mount has dual-axis rotation, which enables the bag to articulate around two axes, accommodating a variety of bike sizes, setups, and preferences—an innovation unique to this handlebar luggage system. Additionally, the clamp’s adjustable width allows it to work with pretty much any stem and to be compatible with aero bars or other mounted hardware.

For me, the dual-axis rotation is one of the most compelling features of this system. Most handlebar cradles simply rotate at best, so you’re pretty much stuck with the other measurements allotted by the mounting hardware. The Bar Bag System allows you to position the bag as close to the frame and as low as possible, effectively moving the weight out of the counterbalance position toward the bike’s center of gravity by tucking in the load as low and inward as possible while still being able to adjust for tire clearance.

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I used the bag on three completely different bikes: two hardtails with 120mm and 140mm suspension forks and a rigid drop-bar bike. Having the ability to dial in the positioning for each of these applications is pretty revolutionary. It’s also worth noting that Tailfin states this adjustability allows the bag to be raised vertically above the bar, an added benefit for riders with smaller frames, where shorter head tubes and increased tire interference can make using a full-capacity bag challenging.

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Attachment and Removal

If the mount is the system’s heart, the Tailfin X-Clamp cam should probably be considered the soul of the Bar Bag System. First released in 2021, the X-Clamp was a highlight on Tailfin’s approach to classic panniers and the driving reason they were featured in our Gear of the Year Awards in 2022. Using CNC-machined 6061-T6 alloy components with serviceable bushings and pivots, their X-Clamp is particularly well-engineered and has a refined, compact design we’ve put countless miles on with their Mini Panniers, 16-liter Panniers, and Fork Packs. It’s the best and most elegant cam lock system I’ve used, period.

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We were excited to see it integrated into the Bar Bag System too, and it offers the same quick-release functionality as it does on the Mini Panniers. As with other implementations, the cam lever arm built into each Bar Bag requires just the right amount of pressure to engage, providing a secure grip once locked into place on the handlebar mount. Paired with a lower hook built into the handlebar mount that perfectly clasps around a lower bar on the bag, the Bar Bag remains firmly anchored and completely silent, even on rough terrain. The best part is that it’s simple to remove for campsite use and packing. Another great perk is that the top hooks make it effortless to put in place when you’re loading the bike up. It’s kind of like having a third hand when compared to fumbling with straps as you would on a holster system.

Stability

Another unique component and standout feature in the Bar Bag System’s design is its internal structure. Each bag has a uniquely sized, CNC-machined aluminum cage that’s sandwiched within a velcro-accessible sleeve. This not only provides a bolt-on mounting point for the X-Clamp attachment mechanism and lower stabilizer bar, but it also serves the bag’s internal structure. Generally speaking, I found each of the Bar Bags I tried to be incredibly solid and stable once the X-Clamp was locked onto the handlebar mount. There’s not really any movement or shifting that can occur unless the mount were to rotate on the handlebar surface.

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I experienced that only once during my time testing this system. That was the first time I used it, prior to reading any instructional materials or adhering to torque specs. I had clamped it to carbon bars and put a layer of helicopter tape on them for protection. I tightened the bolts gingerly, and once I bounced down the trail, I noticed the tape was bunching up as the mount had rotated. That night at camp, I ditched the tape and installed the clamp back on the bars, tightening the mounting bolts based on hand feel. Once I started pedaling again the next day, I noticed that it rotated a little bit once the trail got rough. When I got back home, I put a dab of carbon paste on the clamping surface and torqued the bolts to about 6nm. There was no movement after that, even on rougher trails.

Tailfin states the load limit of the Bar Bag System is 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) for road use and 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) off-road. On one occasion with the large Flat Bar Pack, I carried a 2.5-kilogram (5.5-pound) sleep system consisting of a three-person tent, a 30°F down quilt, an oversized wide sleeping pad, and an inflatable pillow. No problem, no rotation. I later learned that Tailfin recommends 5nm of torque on the four clamp bolts. I followed that spec for my next outing with it and didn’t notice any movement. For additional feedback, I asked Neil about his experience testing the system, and he reported zero rotation at all during his test rides.

It’s worth noting that for perfect stability, you kind of need to fill out the space within the bag. There are no straps to cinch the load tight like there are on a traditional harness system, so if you put something smaller in diameter into the bag, it might get a little droopy. This is a non-issue for me as I often stuff my quilt into the front bag, filling in unused space.

Storage and Bag Options

The Tailfin Bar Bag System offers four options: two flat-bar bags and two drop-bar-specific bags. All four are made using Tailfin’s signature black fabric combo, which includes welded Hypalon and coated Ripstop Nylon. This makes the bags completely waterproof with no leaky seams. Like their mini panniers and fork pack, Hypalon is placed in high-wear areas, while lighter, more flexible Ripstop Nylon is used for the main body.

I tested three of the four packs: the small and large Flat Bar Packs and the Large Drop Bar Pack. As you can see when laid out next to one another, the flat-bar variations are significantly longer. They’re both perfectly sized, in my opinion. I used the size large with the Specialized Chisel I reviewed yesterday, as a matter of fact. It has 8.7 to 18.9 liters of packing space and is 180mm in diameter. I was able to get it neatly tucked under the slammed stem and still have plenty of tire clearance. Tailfin recommends positioning the pack about 15mm from the head tube and 20mm from the tire, taking into account the travel on the suspension fork when fitting it to a hardtail or full-squish mountain bike. I used the smaller pack with a 140mm travel hardtail and found that to be perfectly sized for that application. It offers 5.8 to 14.7 liters of load volume and is 160mm in diameter. It seems like Tailfin did their homework when planning out these sizes and measurements, and I appreciate that they’re both nice and wide. They both use a standard roll-top closure on each end that buckles to itself to seal things up, and Tailfin also included an air-purge valve on all four bags.

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The drop-bar version is the most unique design in the range, featuring Tailfin’s new WaveLock closure system. This clever design allows the roll-top ends to fold inward, minimizing the width of the bag to eliminate interference with hands on the hoods or in the drops. It’s a pretty slick design, and it’s easy to use, too. You just roll the bag like you would a standard dry bag (two full folds ensure waterproofing, according to Tailfin), then clip the metal bars into the corresponding wave-shaped slots. There’s a rewarding snap when they pop into place. I have no complaints about the WaveLock closure and found it refreshing to see a completely innovative design that works brilliantly.

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There are two Drop Bar Pack volume options: the Small has 4 to 9.1 liters of volume and a 160mm diameter, and the Large offers 6.7 to 12.5 liters of packing space with a 180mm diameter. The smaller bag is compatible with narrower handlebars, down to 36 or 38cm widths, and the Large can be used with bars 42mm and wider. Note that I tested the Large version, as shown in the photos here, on a 54cm Tumbleweed Big Dipper Bar with three folds on each side. You could easily use the Large Flat Bar Pack (which I’ll cover next) with ultra-wide drop bars like these, for what it’s worth.

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Additional storage is offered through several external stretchy mesh pockets, accessible even when the bag is compressed to its smallest volume or packed full. According to Tailfin, these pockets add an extra 1.6 to 2.75 liters of storage capacity, depending on the bag size. It’s a pretty impressive feature for adding things I always toss in at the last minute, such as a flannel shirt, hat, or snacks. I’ve gotten away from using accessory pockets over the last few years, as they just add a bit too much complexity to the handlebar bag; the Tailfin overflow pockets offer some of the same benefits but don’t require extra straps or clips. Ortlieb integrated a similar feature with their Handlebar Pack QR that I really liked, but Tailfin’s implementation is wildly different.

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There are essentially three main pockets at the front of the bag. The two next to the bag are somewhat flat, and the one in the front balloons outward to create more of a pouch situation. There’s also a smaller fourth zippered pocket integrated into the back right pocket that’s good for a phone, device, or wallet. They also added a Voilé-esque strap to cinch the pouch payload down if needed. I think that’s my only complaint with this feature. It’s kind of wish they’d have made the strap go all the way around the bag to connect with the internal plate somehow and add more compressibility to the overall system. That said, it works great when you have a lot of stuff in the overflow pockets. Last but not least, there’s a kind of sheath pocket in the back that’s good for trash or tent poles, even! I never used it, but I could see how it could come in handy.

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So, here’s the elephant in the room. With the clever mounting solution, the X-Clamp, and all the features, the Tailfin Bar Bag System is neither inexpensive or lightweight when compared to most other handlebar bags. Here’s a quick comparison showing some of the bags we’ve tested with prices and weights:

• Tailfin Small Flat Bar Pack + Mount: 785 grams / $305
• Tailfin Large Flat Bar Pack + Mount: 860 grams / $315
• Tailfin Small Drop Bar Pack + Mount: 733 grams / $315
• Tailfin Large Drop Bar Pack + Mount: 817 grams / $330
• Fabio’s Chest, SM Waxed Cordura: 1,152 grams / $285
• Rockgeist Bar Jam System (Complete System with Horton): 586 grams / $340
• Revelate Sweet Roll (lg) + Egress: 752 grams / $174
• Revelate Harness: 425 grams / $95
• Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack + Accessory Pack (15L + 3.5L): 628 grams / $265
• Miss Grape Ilcoso: 320 grams / 128€
• Rogue Panda Blue Ridge Harness: 240 grams / $200

Compatibility

Another interesting feature to consider is the fact that the handlebar mount itself provides a convenient spot for attaching lights and devices in a position that’s generally out of the way from the bag. To capitalize on that, Tailfin released a selection of accessory mounts to work with various lights and GPS devices. That includes a GPS device mount compatible with Garmin and Wahoo devices, a 22.2mm universal mount, which replicates the size of a handlebar to attach any compatible device, and a GoPro/action cam compatible mount with a standard triple prong fitting. Each of these is priced at £12. Admittedly, I haven’t yet tried any of them, but Neil did, and you can see more in his video review of the Tailfin Bar Bag System underneath my wrap-up below.

• Small Drop Bar Pack: 4 to 9.1 liters, 160mm diameter, 552 grams
• Large Drop Bar Pack: 6.7 to 12.5 liters, 180mm diameter, 636 grams
• Small Flat Bar Pack: 5.8 to 14.7 liters, 160mm diameter, 604 grams
• Large Flat Bar Pack: 8.7 to 18.9 liters, 180mm diameter, 679 grams
• Weight (Handlebar Mount): 181 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $305-330
• Manufacturer’s Details: Tailfin

Tailfin Bar Bag System Review Video

Neil also tested the Bar Bag System over the course of a few months. Watch his video review below…

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...