Long runs! Test ride with the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag

Note: Tailfin provided me with the bag for testing at my request.

For me, top tube bags are one of the best ‘inventions’ of bikepacking. Not only do I utilise the space on the top tube to store things, but I also have direct access to them while riding.

I’ve been using top tube bags since 2018 and have been able to try out many models and versions during this time. My first top tube was the Ortlieb Cockpit-Bag, but it wasn’t really practical. I then switched to the Salsa Exp top tube bags, which I also rode for many years. Then I tried the new Ortlieb Fuel Pack, which was very secure thanks to the rubberised straps and also closed very reliably thanks to the strong magnetic closure. This was followed by other top tube bags, for example from Topeak, Brooks, Decathlon, 8bar, Apidura or ProDiscover.

Two years ago I was able to test the then new Tailfin Top Tube bag. And I was thrilled, because for the first time I had a top tube bag that not only offered enough space, but could also be attached firmly and without wobbling – and its shape was not too high or too wide. I therefore declared it my favourite bag without further ado and rode it for many thousands of kilometres.

If you’re deep in the bikepacking rabbit hole like me, then you’re always thinking about optimisation and better packing scenarios. In my case, this led to the desire for a long top tube bag.

I can store more in it, take the load off the luggage in the frame or on the handlebars and have quick and practical access to the contents – even while riding.

I first borrowed an Apidura Racing Long Top Tube from Nils and was immediately taken with it. It was a snug fit, even though it took up the entire top tube and was only attached with Velcro straps. However, it was attached to the head tube at the front and the seat tube at the back. And it fitted a lot. Unfortunately, Nils didn’t want to sell, which is why I bought the Cyclite Top Tube Bag Large. I had previously tested it and liked it very much.

So the Cyclite was also used on my bike for the Trans Balkan Race. And it was able to prove straight away that it is waterproof. I particularly liked the front section, which has a hinged lid with a magnetic fastener. I already had a lot of things in there, such as a power bank, multitool, tissues, gels and bars. I then put spare tubes and a spare battery in the back.

To make sure it was properly secured, I swapped the Cyclite Velcro straps for the Tailfin straps. I also fixed it at the front with the screws on the top tube. Unfortunately, it still moved and kept slipping sideways at the front when riding off-road. A little later I rode the Cyclite on the Salsa on the Devils Trail and only used the straps to attach it. Although I could fit a lot into the bag, it often bent sideways when I was off-road.

This was mainly due to the fastening on the head tube, where the Velcro strap kept coming undone, causing the bag to move too much. And it was to be expected, because the Cyclite is absolutely built for weight, which is why it is naturally a little more mobile and the inner structure doesn’t offer as much support.

But one thing was absolutely clear to me: a large top tube bag like this is very practical and I wouldn’t want to do without it. And if it is stable enough, not too wide so that it gets in the way when pedalling, offers enough space for all my stuff and is also waterproof, then that would be ideal.

In the test: Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag

And that brings us to the new Tailfin long top tube bag. I had already seen the first models at Bespoked in Dresden and was pleased to find that it actually fulfils all the points that were important to me.

Tailfin offers three variants in different sizes and lengths:

• 1.6 litre volume and 37cm length
• 2.2 litre volume and 47cm length
• 3 litre volume and 50cm length

I ride the Salsa Fargo in size L. The 2.2 litre version fits very well and doesn’t get in my way when I’m standing.

The bag is not very high and not very wide. Viewed from above, it is rather narrow, similar to the Apidura. The Hypalon material used by Tailfin is not only waterproof, but also very dimensionally stable. There are also carbon rods (flat) inside the bag on both sides, which give the bag its shape and stability.

Its dimensions are – all measured by yourself:

• Length: bottom 46cm, top 42cm
• Height: front 11cm, back 8cm
• Width: front bottom 5cm, front top 4cm; back 4cm top and bottom

In terms of volume, it offers quite a lot of space with its 2.2 litres. As you can see in the pictures, I have food and tools in the front area. In the back, spare tube, wax, air pump, battery. The zip works in both directions.

And thanks to the tailfin straps, the bag sits really firmly, even when fully loaded. The reason for this are the V-mounts, rubberised plastic tabs through which the straps are threaded. This rubber coating prevents any movement of the bag.

Disadvantage: the position of the straps is fixed, which is why this can sometimes be unfavourable in combination with a frame bag. According to Tailfin, these straps are matched to the Tailfin frame bags. However, depending on the frame, this does not always match. As usual, the Long Top Tube can also be fixed to the top tube at the front with screws. Tailfin always offers both options for its Top Tube bags.

If you buy the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag, it comes with an internal divider. This is made of fabric and is flexible. You can therefore determine the size of the two compartments into which the divider separates the bag.

Tailfin also offers an accessory pack. This contains another divider, as well as 2 pockets and loops for attaching an air pump or cartridge.

I will probably buy this pack, as the normal version has a small insert in the front area on the left-hand side. But these additional pockets are quite practical for small lines.

However, you have to realise that Tailfin is usually at the upper end of the price and weight scale for bikepacking bags. Both are accepted by the Tailfin fan community, as the product features usually outweigh the price points and the extra weight.

A comparative look at the long top tube bags on the market that are relevant for me shows this:

Summary

As I expected, the long version of the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag is also really good and worth recommending.

However, at 284g and 125 euros, it is one of the heavier and more expensive bags on the market (as is usual for Tailfin).

In return, you get a slim top tube bag that offers a lot of volume, is narrow enough and therefore doesn’t get in the way, is very tight and doesn’t move and is waterproof.

There is a covered cable channel at the front so that you can charge a phone or power bank in the bag, for example. There is also a small hole at the back underneath the zip garage. According to Tailfin, this is a kind of rain gutter that ensures that the water that collects in the rear garage with zip runs off and does not get into the bag.

I have now been using the bag for more than 600 kilometres and am very satisfied. It will also accompany me on longer tours this year.

So if you have the opportunity and are looking for a long top tube bag, then take a look at this bag.