Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag review

When extra space is essential, the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag is a brilliant addition to the range. It offers practical storage in a shape that remains unobtrusive while riding. It is easy to open and provides options for organising your gear.

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Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag – Technical details

The Long Top Tube Bag is available in three sizes, all designed to offer greater storage capacity than the original, smaller Tailfin Top Tube Bag. The range starts with a 1.6-litre version, followed by 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre options. Each bag increases in length, though the two smaller versions share the same 65mm maximum width, while the largest 3.0-litre version expands to 85mm at its widest point, and it is primarily designed for mountain bikes, with the smaller sizes to suit all styles of bikes.

All three feature a tapered shape, narrowing at the front, widening towards the access area, and gradually reducing towards the rear. While the largest pack is only 0.1 litres smaller than the original Top Tube Bag, its dimensions differ, and all three long versions are zip-access only, without the flip-mount option.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag Back.jpg, by Matthew Page

Claimed weights range from 229g for the 1.6-litre (when using bolts) to 300g for the largest, using straps. The 2.1-litre version tested, equipped with one long and two shorter straps, weighs 313g, which suggests the bag is slightly over the claimed weights provided.

The materials used are Tailfin’s 210D Hypalon and 210D Diamond Ripstop, which are also found in other Tailfin products. The fabric is waterproof and has proven, through testing, to be highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.

A double zip allows the bag to be opened from the front or back, providing smooth and reliable access, which is not always the case with waterproof zips. Both zips feature a garage area, with the rear garage also incorporating a rain gutter to prevent water pooling and seeping into the bag when opened.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag Zip.jpg, by Matthew Page

Inside, the bag consists of one large main compartment with a removable divider, allowing customisable organisation. Additionally, a small card-sized pocket near the front on the left side provides discreet storage without intruding into the main space.

Tailfin also offers an optional “Accessory Pack” (£20), which includes five components designed for various uses, such as dividing the bag, securing items like a pump or CO2 canister, or adding an extra side pocket.

The bag has three attachment points and comes with four straps: three shorter 18.5cm straps and one longer 40cm strap, allowing for flexible frame fitting. These attachment points are positioned to enable the Tailfin Frame Bag to share the same straps, reducing the number of overall attachments.

For mounting, the front two attachment points can be secured using bolts (included), provided the frame has top tube mounts. The V-Mount system offers two positioning options for added flexibility. The rear V-Guard mount, however, is designed exclusively for strap attachment.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag Front.jpg, by Matthew Page

Constructed with a waterproof outer layer over a rigid, cage-like plastic structure, the bag maintains its shape effectively. The inner fabric can be removed for cleaning.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag – Performance

I tested the 2.1-litre version on a medium-sized Trek Supercaliber. The frame’s design, particularly its integrated shock, makes it one of the more challenging setups for fitting a top tube bag.

While the attachment points are fixed, the slots allow a small degree of flexibility. Fitting the bag to the Supercaliber was possible, though it required careful positioning to avoid interference with the rear swingarm. A minority of other frames may encounter similar challenges, and a rear-mounted strap option to the seat tube, rather than the top tube, could help mitigate such issues. That said, after prolonged testing in various weather conditions, there was no visible wear or damage to the frame beneath the straps. The straps also exhibit enough flexibility to stretch and move with the frame, rather than rubbing against it.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag Inside.jpg, by Matthew Page

The zips are exceptionally easy to use, aided by the bag’s secure mounting via the V-Guard system. The double zip design allows access from both ends, enabling strategic organisation of contents. The divider is useful for separating items, and from the accessory pack, I used the additional divider (creating three compartments) and the side pouch, which provided a handy space for a phone or battery pack.

A hose port at the front proved particularly useful, with a wide enough opening to route cables through – for example, connecting a dynamo charger or extending power to a GPS computer during longer rides.

When properly secured, the bag remains stable, with no lateral or forward movement. This stability also makes it easy to operate the zips with one hand while riding – something that is often a challenge with other bags.

The tapered shape ensures a comfortable ride, with no knee rub or interference when seated or standing. Even when empty, the bag retains its form.

The bag has endured prolonged exposure to heavy rain without leaks through the zip, though Tailfin advises storing electronics and other water-sensitive items in secondary waterproof pouches for extra protection. While the fabric is waterproof, it tends to retain muddy marks, making it slightly challenging to clean. However, this is purely a cosmetic issue and can be resolved with some scrubbing.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag – Verdict

Prices for the Long Top Tube Bag range from £85 for the 1.6-litre version to £100 for the 2.1-litre and £115 for the largest 3.0-litre model.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag Zipn Garage.jpg, by Matthew Page

Tailfin bags are priced higher than some alternatives. The Apidura Racing Long Top Tube Pack (2L) costs £74, while Restrap offers a 1.5-litre version for £67.99 and a 2-litre version for £74.99. Both competing models include a headtube attachment strap, which is one advantage of the Tailfin design.

While more expensive than some rivals, the premium price is justified by the exceptional construction quality and materials. Where the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag truly stands out is in its flawless performance, adaptable fit across various bike styles, and user-friendly design. It offers excellent shape retention, effortless one-handed operation, and an overall top-tier riding experience.

• tailfin.cc
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