Tailfin Frame Bag Review: Unobtrusive & Accessible

On almost all of my bike rides, I find myself needing a convenient storage solution for essentials like my phone, an energy bar, a small camera, or a rain cover. The question always arises: where can I store these items for quick and easy access? While snack bags and small handlebar bags are handy, they often fall short on space. Larger handlebar bags, on the other hand, can be overkill for a quick tour. This is where frame bags come to the rescue.

Enter the Tailfin frame bag. Tailfin, a company renowned for its high-quality bikepacking gear, has developed a range of frame bags designed to meet the needs of cyclists who require a balance between storage capacity and accessibility. Unlike many other brands that rush products to market, Tailfin takes its time to ensure each bag meets rigorous standards of durability and functionality.

I've hesitated to invest in a frame bag due to common issues like zipper malfunctions and bulging bags. When Tailfin offered to send me their frame bag for review, I was eager to see if it could address these concerns and provide a reliable storage solution for my rides.

Effortless Fit & Installation

Tailfin offered me the choice to select from any of their 9 available sizes: 3 Wedge Frame Bags (1.9L, 2.7L, and 3.5L) and 6 Half Frame Bags (ranging from 2.3L to 6.5L). Essentially, there should be a suitable bag for nearly any frame. It should be noted that these 9 bags are optimized for road and gravel bikes, taking into account their narrower Q-factor compared to mountain bikes. However, versions for mountain bikes are already in the works. You can, of course, use one of these on an MTB as well.

To assist buyers in choosing the right size, Tailfin has created a handy web app. Following the instructions, you upload a photo of your bike, enter the wheel size and tire width as a reference, then the app will do its magic. A few seconds later, you can virtually try on the different bags. I tried it, and it worked flawlessly! Usually, one would take all the necessary measurements of the frame and check if they match the measurements of the bag in question. Some brands offer templates of their bags in the form of downloadable prints to check the fit.

In order to compare a few bags, one would have to print all the different templates representing the corresponding bags. With the app, all you need is one photo of your bike. After uploading the photo, you can virtually compare all the bags on your frame effortlessly—quick and easy. The “virtual try-on” function is not a new invention, but Tailfin is the first cycling brand to offer this feature—that I have come across anyway. Given how convenient and easy to use it is, I imagine other brands will follow suit.

After choosing the appropriate size, the bag came with Tailfin's own straps in plastic-free packaging. The installation was straightforward. One note: Due to the oversized (down) tubes found on many aluminum and carbon frames, one of the straps is longer to accommodate the additional diameter. For steel frames, this strap might be too long—in my case, it was, so I just cut it off. Voila!

Tailfins Attention to Detail

Tailfin takes their time developing new products. Not because they're taking it easy, but because they work meticulously on every detail. Athletes sponsored by Tailfin test the prototypes under the toughest conditions, such as at the Silk Road Mountain Race. Especially when riders push their limits, even small issues that would otherwise be easily dismissed become a challenge. Completely exhausted and the zipper gets stuck? Arghhh!

The bag is made from 210D Hypalon and 210D Diamond Ripstop, utilizing welded seams for weather-proofing and a carbon frame to support its structure. The waterproof zipper is reinforced by two carbon strips, providing additional support and preventing the bag from bulging outward, which could cause nasty knee rub. Tailfin has taken it a step further by giving the bag a tapered shape to additionally eliminate any knee contact. Another great feature that I haven't seen elsewhere is the V-Mount system, which can also be found on their Top Tube and Downtube bags. Depending on the size of the bag, there are two or three V-Mounts on the top and one that attaches to the downtube.

Inside the bag are two compartments: a small one with a little pouch and a big one on the drive side with a small zip-pouch and two straps attaching to the frame, which can be used for holding a pump. The two compartments are separated by a nice, soft, and stretchy light-gray liner. Oh, and there is a cable/hydration hose port at the front. It's all these little details that make using the bag so much more enjoyable!

Why did I choose the 3.5L Wedge variant? Well, firstly, the frame of my Fairlight is rather large, and should I ever switch to another touring bike with a slightly smaller frame, the 3.5L version might also fit there. Secondly, I find it convenient to have the water bottle on the seat tube easily and quickly accessible, despite the bag. Another reason is that it leaves just enough space on the top tube to grab and carry the bike on “hike-a-bike” sections.

The 3.5L version offers enough storage space for everything I might need for a longer tour. As you can see in the pictures, it easily fits a rain or wind jacket, a bandana or buff, energy bars, a small light, a phone, and gloves. The tools would probably fit too, but I prefer to keep them in the saddle bag.

Ride Ready

Once the bag is strapped to the frame using Tailfin's own straps, it remains firmly in place without the slightest movement, even on rugged gravel roads or singletrack. No scratching of the paint. And that's about it: once mounted to the bike, it almost disappears! Everything I might need for a short or extended ride is stored on the bike and protected from the elements in an unobtrusive and aero-friendly package.

Usually, I keep my phone in one of my shorts' pockets, but when using the frame bag, it's conveniently stored on the non-drive side. Since downgrading to a very basic GPS device, I regularly find myself reaching for my phone to compensate for the reduced screen details of the GPS unit. Additionally, there's the frequent reach for the phone to quickly take a photo or make a note about the route. Therefore, I can confirm that the zipper has worked smoothly so far and can easily be opened and closed with one hand. It's a joy to use!

When riding out of the saddle, the tapered shape really helps to keep knee contact to a minimum—something I truly appreciate. My only critique is regarding the V-Mount that attaches to the downtube. It isn't adjustable, and unfortunately, it's shorter than the mounts on the top, limiting flexibility in positioning. Therefore, when selecting the appropriate size for your frame, ensure there are no obstructions in the way of the strap.

Final Thoughts

Considering the details and quality of the bag, I feel Tailfin has created a fantastic bag that will last me a long time. There are hardly any objective reasons against this bag, unless someone has an unconventional bike frame or truly needs a bag with special features. Since bikes and everything related to them hold an emotional value for me, I can also imagine that the design might not suit a “vintage” frame, or that a different color might cater to someone's taste better.

Frame bags offer several advantages that I hadn't considered before—they minimize air drag, keep the items I regularly use within easy reach, and provide excellent weight distribution. There are many good frame bags, and then there are a few really good ones. This one falls into the latter category.