Tailfin Bar Bag first impressions

[rivers]

I received my tailfin bar bag (small drop bar model)last week and finally had a chance to set it up and give it a try on this morning's commute. There was a small amount of faff involved setting it up and getting the x clamp and bar attached to the bag, but it took no more than 8 minutes or so. The actual handlebar attachment took about 5 minutes to attach and set up the bag on it.
For reference, I am 5'2", ride a 46cm gravel bike with 40mm handlebars with a 16 deg flare. The headtube on my bike is roughly 150mm. So there has been a lot of attempts at finding a bar bag that just works.

Initial impression: I like it- plenty of clearance between the bag and my front wheel, and it's rock solid. It didn't drop onto the front wheel, and the attachement remained in place. I like the new wavelock system. It means I can finally shift easily.

The only downside was the cost, but I've spent easily more than that on bar bags over the past few years (Altura Vortex, Alpkit Deluge, Restrap handlebar harness and roll, Restrap Bar Bag, and a Topeak Frontloader. These are just the bags I remember trying). I've always to have some combination of hacks to keep the bag off the front wheel. They have all (bar the restrap bar bag) needed to be clipped around my handlebars. And most have needed either a handlebar extender and/or bungee to assist in keeping the bag from rubbing/dropping onto the front wheel. The only bag that didn't was the topeak. However, due to available space in between my handlebars, I had to compress/fold the bag in so much, it barely fit into the harness.

So my initial impressions are that I have found the holy grail I've been looking for. Only a bit more time will tell if it continues to work. I think it will.

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks for this Rivers. I thought I'd found the best with the RD Harness. But buying it twice in 2 versions and I've never been quite as happy as I'd wanted.

The brandnew one I took to Londom last Dec in the ice, about halfway I realised I'd ground a hole into it and the drybag (not the strong, welded Revelate version). Though I caught it ust in time and now always checkup on it. Had I been using a front fender I'd have been sorted.

Anyway, been intrigued by the Tailfin bar bag ever since you mentioned. My initial impressions of Tailfin is also that they appear to be trying to stand how R.apha used to do.

I asked for an order swap from the zipped to flap version. Despite being a fiver more, they wavered it and sent me the flap as requested. I also asked about the zipper and fatigue, in relation to the 5 year warranty.

I asked and they said the following (actually they used the word 'defects' and not 'fatigue', but I always try not to overload or stress the zipper anyway and the Rockgiest is 4 years strong):

Hi guys. Am I too late to pay the extra £5 and buy the flap version. Sorry about this. Also, does the 5 year warranty also cover the zip. Thanks.

Thanks for getting in touch, Of course this is no problem and i have now made this change for you ! Both versions of the Toptube bags are covered by our 5 year warranty and zip defects are included in this warranty.

I hope this helps and please let me know how you get on once the bag arrives !

All the best,

Sam

Not sure Sam is the proprietor or just a worker bee. But the impression left is that I'm gonna be buying their frame bag once my (nowt to write home about) money worries are fixed.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on with your new toy Rivers and thanks for sharing the initial impressions (and to JohnAllen I think who mentioned em in first place to me).

[Valerio]

Good to hear that, thanks for sharing.
Had no doubt that their bag would work, and I'm particularly attracted by the mesh pockets although the price is really high.

I had a restrap bag with a front detachable pocket. I liked it but it definitely used to bounce, and was coming apart after a year or so.

Ive just sold my Salsa Exp cradle which is a great piece of kit, but heavy, and that costed me half of the tailfin solution.
Sure, it doesnt have the same features but the price (and the weight) are hard to swallow. My feeling is that it'll be a great solution for anyone with limited bar width/frame-tyre clearance, but for most people a cradle solution will be hard to beat (because of the price nad versatility).

[Lazarus]

My feeling on all tailfin products is congrats you can sell them for that price.

£250+ for an alloy rack, quite the mark up etc

I am sure it works but the proce point is eye wateringly expensive ...even the slsa cage is dear for what it is ( few quid to make development costs unknown mind )

[fatbikephil]

I recall when Revelate stuff started coming over here and we baulked at the price, but justified it on quality. Their prices haven't gone up too much since then so this does now seem a bit eye watering but I 'spose if you get ten years plus out of it it makes a bit more sense.... And by the sounds of it, your only option! Look forward to the follow up when you use it in anger.

[rivers]

Don't get me wrong, I know it is eyewateringly expensive. But if it works, and does what I need it to do, I will pay it. I own a lot of Tailfin kit, either purchased myself (after selling most of my unused Scuba equipment,, which is a stupid expensive hobby, moreso after the pandemic) or as gifts. And I've been very happy with it all. My aeropack has daily use commuting, and the panniers get regular use, but which size and whether one or both depends on what I need to take to work for the day.

[redefined_cycles]

I bought the Revelate Spinelock (I think about £160) after much contemplation. But, it did me the job and amazing how it fits everything inside. A very well spent £160 but had I not bought it, I'd have never been able to confirm that.

Not saying that I could go the next level up, but it is what it is. There's levels of need and stupidity. Some people's stupid is other people's prized possession. Spinelock is now about 2 years old and has more than paid for itself. Used as a rear mudguard today and came back with a yellow looking jacket, still. Had the down jacket stuffed in there too and also a full Wahoo set including box.

[voodoo_simon]

Must admit, I went to BeSpoked in Manchester the other month and came away being most impressed by Tailfin. The product looks great but the chap in the stand was simply the best sales person ever, took my though the whole range, explained it all and the reasoning behind it. Nothing was too much for him

Would be high up on the list for kit next time I need some bags (which will be a while as revelate stuff just keeps on going!)