Tailfin Alloy Rack, Ultra

The Dura-Ace of bike luggage takes weight off your shoulders – and wallet

This competition is now closed

By Jack Evans

Published: June 9, 2023 at 10:00 am

Tailfin's Alloy Rack, Ultra-Durable Pannier Bags and AP20 Trunk Top bag prove highly effective at carrying things to work and on adventures.

The strong suits of both bikepacking bags and a traditional rack are not matched by their flaws.

You pay a premium price for the near-perfect balance of capacity, practicality and weight. So, you’ll need to capitalise on the Tailfin Alloy Rack, Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag and AP20 Trunk Top Bag's host of features to justify the expenditure.

The Tailfin Alloy Rack should fit to any bike provided it has either QR axles, thru-axles or rack mounts. Endurance road bikes through to trail mountain bikes should be covered.

There are three mounting options: thru-axle and fast-release dropouts; frame mount adaptors and fast-release dropouts; or directly mounted to frame rack eyelets as on a traditional rack.

With the direct-mount fitting option, you screw the rack into frame eyelets, which means you have to unscrew the rack to remove it and have dedicated rack eyelets on your bike (some eyelets are only for mudguards).

But it is £40 cheaper than the frame mounts and fast-release dropouts and costs £60 less than the axle and fast-release dropouts configuration.

Tailfin prefers the axle mounting option because it removes almost all strain from the frame and doesn't require frame eyelets, making it a viable solution for carbon road bikes.

Furthermore, if you own several bikes with thru-axles, the axle mounting option allows you to swap the rack between bikes. You’d only need to order one axle from Tailfin if your bikes’ axles have the same thread pitch.

If the thread pitch differs, you could order either: a different axle for each bike or one Universal Thru Axle. This comes with four interchangeable threaded ends to fit a range of axle pitch standards, including 1mm, 1.5mm and 1.75mm.

A form on Tailfin's website tells you if you’ll need extra adaptors for your bike.

Even if, like me, you interpret DIY to mean ‘Don't Involve Yourself’, you should find the Alloy Rack pain-free to construct.

It doesn't require myriad fiddly bolts and screws, and the patience of Samuel Beckett's Vladimir and Estragon.

After 30 minutes I was done and only required a Torx T25 key that's found on the best multi-tools.

Consult Tailfin's helpful instructions for more details, but here are the steps in brief.

First, screw in the fast-release dropouts to the rack arch. Then, slot the arms of the top stay on to the arch.

To secure the rack to your bike, hook the fast-release dropouts (if using) around the axle or frame mount adaptors.

Whichever mounting options you chose, the last step is to close the seatpost connector around the base of your seatpost. Tailfin says this will fit all types, including D-shaped seatposts on aero road bikes.

I tried to set up my Fairlight Strael 3.0 using the Universal Thru Axle. But the driveside rack arm couldn't fit around the rear light mount of my SON dynamo hub.

Instead, Tailfin reinstalled my original axle and screwed in frame mount adaptors to my frame's eyelets.

A longer frame mount adaptor on the driveside enabled the rack to fit around the light bracket while still benefiting from the fast-release dropouts. The rack's slightly jaunty angle isn't noticeable while riding.

Admittedly, this level of customer service won't be available to international customers. The brand does say it is happy to remotely answer any questions you may have, though.

The Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag is easy to put together.

You need to install a mounting clamp and hook to the pannier in the correct position and direction for the side of the bike it will go on.

Fit the pannier by slotting the mounting clamp onto the pannier mounts and closing the lever. The lower hook must slide inside the pannier arch.

As a result, fitting and removing the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bags takes seconds.

While the brand says it's possible to fit a small laptop into the AP20 Trunk Top Bag, the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag is better for riding to work.

Its 22-litre capacity is cavernous. The main section of the bag swallows several days of office or touring gear, for example changes of clothes, a wash bag, shoes and food.

The padded and elasticated laptop sleeve can carry a 13-inch computer, notebooks and multiple books at once.

It's supported by the pannier bag's rigid backbone, which maintains the structure without protruding through the sleeve and damaging your stuff.

The Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag closes with a roll-top and two side straps. When you’re carrying little, these enable you to tighten the bag right down and tuck the loose ends into pouches at the bottom of the bag. Reflective stripes on the pouches are highly visible in the dark.

For most commuters, one Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag will suffice. But since it's best to evenly distribute weight on the bike, consider opting for two bags if you’re carrying a lot to work or, like deputy editor Jack Luke, bring the contents of a kitchenette when touring.

The roll-top closure also aids the impermeability of the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag. It keeps its contents dry during hours of heavy rain. The water runs off the Hypalon rubber laminate material so well that the bag doesn't need drying after you’ve had a soaking.

What's good in the rain might not be so good in the sun though.

While using the brand's AeroPack, made from the same material, in hot conditions, senior technical editor Tom Marvin found the black, reflective fabric contributed to perishable goods stored inside, such as cheese, overheating.

Still, the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag, which fits to other brands’ racks with spacers provided, could be a wise investment if you ride rough roads in all weather conditions.

The AP20 Trunk Top Bag is simple to set up, requiring the installation of a front and rear connector to attach it to the rack.

Unlike the Tailfin AeroPack, which is a bag and rack in one, the AP20 Trunk Top Bag is separate from the rack.

A Torx T25 key and a torque wrench are the only tools you need to insert four screws.

The lip of the front connector slides under the top stay at the seatpost end of the rack. At the other end, two stainless steel pins slot through the bag's CNC-machined aluminium alloy fittings into holes on either side of the rack.

Once you have packed and rolled down the bag, connect the buckles on the end and side straps, having wrapped the latter over the bag.

In my view, Tailfin has struck gold with this fitting mechanism.

The ease with which you can install and remove the AP20 Trunk Top Bag cuts down on hassle before and after rides, but doesn't compromise security.

As Tailfin recommends, I checked the bag was fitted properly before every ride and it never shifted position on the rack or rattled.

The AP20 Trunk Top Bag has a generous 20-litre capacity and 9kg recommended maximum weight. Its fabric is made from the same waterproof and supple nylon and hypalon material as the pannier bags.

It was sufficiently roomy to serve as my main bag on a minimalist bikepacking trip. Because it packs down when not full to the brim, the AP20 Trunk Top Bag didn't feel too bulky to use for non-camping overnighters and even a lengthy day ride, such as an audax.

I haven't tested the aerodynamics of the AP20 Trunk Top Bag fitted to the Alloy Rack.

On rolling terrain, I didn't discern any detrimental impact to my average speed with the bag loaded moderately.

Unsurprisingly, that wasn't the case on lumpier rides and/or when the bag was fuller.

Although a saddle pack is lighter, it diminishes your ability to produce power when climbing out of the saddle.

The stability of the AP20 Trunk Top Bag on the Alloy Rack enables you to throw the bike from side to side while standing.

A saddle pack tends to swing like the value of Pound Sterling on foreign currency exchanges if you try to do the same.

The AP20 Trunk Top Bag is impressively practical. A zipped side pocket gives access to the main compartment without the need to unbuckle the straps.

A separate, zipped side pocket is good for storing items, such as energy bars or a puncture repair kit.

You can fit bike lights to Tailfin's Light Mount (sold separately) or clip them to loops at the back of the bag.

When we first reviewed the Tailfin Luggage System, the rack was only available in carbon. It now comes in alloy too, which I tested.

The Tailfin Carbon Rack with pannier mounts is a claimed 177g lighter and £145/$165 pricier than the alloy version.

I found the Alloy Rack keeps the bags you attach to it, and therefore their contents, very stable.

The brand recommends its Mini Panniers for more technical gravel riding because their narrower profile is less likely to catch on obstacles.

However, I’ve had no issues using the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bags on mellow off-road terrain, such as gravel tracks and canal towpaths.

Adding any weight on a bike slows down the handling and cornering – carrying several kilos over my back wheels took some getting used to.

Because the Ultra-Durable Pannier Bags and AP20 Trunk Top Bag sit solidly, I soon felt comfortable descending and cornering at speed.

My test period was too short to comment on long-term hardiness. However, the Alloy Rack and AP20 Trunk Bag Top survived a hit-and-run incident.

They came away with light scuffs, but function as well as before, after taking the brunt of a 30mph-plus impact from behind.

For me, the key advantage of the Alloy Rack with fast-release dropouts over a bolt-on rack is ease of removal.

When I was done commuting for the week and didn't require the rack on the weekend, I could take it off in seconds and reinstall it on Monday. Whereas, a traditional rack, and its weight, is typically attached permanently to your bike.

After thousands of kilometres of testing the Tailfin Alloy Rack, I can't find fault with any aspect of its performance.

My only reservation about the Tailfin Alloy Rack, Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag and AP20 Trunk Top Bag is their price. It is well above the market average.

Bur if you make use of the gamut of features and tech, they represent fair value compared to the best bicycle pannier bags and racks.

The Tailfin Alloy Rack with pannier mounts, and the frame mounts and fast-release dropouts costs £210/$275. This is at the top end of the market for racks with a carrying capacity of more than 20kg and the ability to hold a top bag and side panniers.

Tubus is a close competitor, with its Cosmo Rear Rack (RRP £196/$205) having a higher claimed capacity and weight (including fittings) of 40kg and 890g respectively.

The price of Tailfin's bags is also on a par with premium bike luggage. As a bundle with the rack, the AP20 Trunk Top Bag costs £150/$195 (£159/$210 sold separately) and one 22l Ultra-Durable pannier costs £115/$150 (£125/$165 sold separately).

The waterproof, 20l Ortlieb Back-Roller pannier bag cost £130 at time of testing. You can buy a pair of highly rated 20l Altura Heritage pannier bags for £100, but they do not have a laptop sleeve.

The Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag is slightly lighter than both, weighing 820g versus 950g per bag for Ortlieb and 960g for Altura.

Unless your ride to work is short, even the best cycling backpacks don't hold a candle to Tailfin's Alloy Rack and bag options. They provide long-distance comfort and stability, making them far superior for using your commute to get fit.

Like Dura-Ace Di2 R9200, the Tailfin luggage system looks, and may well be, the best in its class.

Another similarity with Shimano's top-tier groupset is that few riders will make the most of its stellar performance.

The Tailfin Alloy Rack, Ultra-Durable Pannier Bag and AP20 Trunk Top Bag are nice to have if you can afford them.

For owners of multiple bikes with thru-axles, the Tailfin Alloy Rack could be the only one you need across your whole stable.

But it is impossible to ignore that £590/$770 is a sizeable outlay on a system that's likely to be too sophisticated for many cyclists.

To save money, consider if one of the two types of bag will suffice for your riding. For example, buy one pannier bag if you mainly commute or the top bag if you’ll be covering longer distances.

And if you don't switch frequently between commuting, touring, audaxing and unladen riding, and/or own multiple bikes, a cheaper, ‘fixed’ rack may be more prudent.

Digital Writer

Jack Evans is a digital writer for BikeRadar.com Jack learnt to ride on rough Cotswold trails before switching to tarmac in his teens. Gravel riding and cyclocross racing (badly) has since taken him back to his roots. Most at home scaling south Wales climbs, Jack more commonly escapes his home in Birmingham via the lanes and bridleways of Worcestershire, riding either his Canyon Ultimate road bike or Canyon Grail gravel bike. He wishes he was as good at riding as he is drinking espresso. But he has completed the 296km Dragon Devil sportive in under 10 hours and finished in the top 100 at the 2022 UK National Hill Climb Championships. Jack is an NCTJ-trained journalist and a former press agency hack with bylines in The Times, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mirror. He was once electrocuted for a Sun frontpage exclusive and taste-tested camel milk for The Times.