More Space in the Cockpit: Hartec Front Rack and Tailfin Bar Cage in Review

Note: Hartec and Tailfin provided me with the carriers discussed here for the test. 

One of the first bags I acquired when getting into bikepacking was the so-called handlebar roll. Depending on the design, it is essentially a type of dry pack that is strapped to the front of the handlebars using webbing.

I quickly realized that while this handlebar roll worked well when riding and could hold a lot of gear, the assembly—the evening removal and the morning reattachment—was quite cumbersome.

For me, this was new, because as a bicycle tourer, I only knew handlebar bags that could be easily attached and detached with a click mount.

But since it was a trend, there had to be good reasons for it. Especially since at the time (2018), it was argued that direct attachment with straps was better off-road than mechanical mounts (like those on classic handlebar bags), as the latter could break. The same applied back then to the luggage rack, which was accordingly “out,” although it often made and still makes sense.

I then quickly switched to so-called harness systems. These consist of two parts: a holster that is attached to the handlebars, and a dry pack that is fastened inside the holster (using straps). This makes it significantly easier to pack the dry pack and subsequently secure it again. The harness shell, also called a holster, is still attached to the handlebars and head tube with straps, but remains there and does not always have to be disassembled.

The Problems: Cable Spaghetti and Insufficient Tire Clearance

However, there are usually two challenges with bikepacking transport systems on the handlebars:

1. Depending on the mounting, the front roll can kink or pinch the shifting and brake cables. This can lead to a malfunction. I say can, because personally, I have never experienced this or even seen it happen. I rather believe that the impression of potential damage is created by the pushing away of the cables. In fact, this is probably not the case. If you have had this experience and actually had problems with shifting or braking, feel free to write to me or comment on the post. For me, it only rubbed off the paint on the head tube, which was annoying but constitutes “adventure patina.”
2. Small riders often have the problem with their bikes that their full handlebar roll hangs so low that it rubs on the front wheel or comes very close to it. And no matter how tightly they fasten the handlebar roll to the bars, it eventually sags. This often affects harness systems as well, where the holster further shortens the space to the front tire.

The Renaissance of Front Racks: Stability Meets Order

But for a long time, there has been a solution that is now becoming popular again: the so-called Bar Cage or Front Rack.

At their core, these are bikepacking-compatible carrier systems for the handlebars, which are attached mechanically by means of clamping to the handlebars and sometimes also the head tube.

They are a kind of mechanical harness system and are intended, on the one hand, to ensure that luggage can be transported and mounted on the handlebars without any problems. On the other hand, they do not move and keep the luggage in position so that it does not slide up or down.

Furthermore, these carriers create clearance in front of the head tube and thus do not press on the cables. And modern front rack systems also allow the mounting of lights and navigation devices, which relieves the space on the handlebars and makes the cockpit look tidier.

One of the first Bar Cages of this type was the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle. Tobias had this in use during the Silk Road Mountain Race and had a dry pack clamped in there. The carrier proved itself very well and is still alive.

Then there was the Bumper Bar Spacer from Restrap, whose only task was to keep the handlebar roll at a distance. So, the cause of the problem was not fought, but only a makeshift solution was built.

Miss Grape then introduced the ILCOSO, a Bar Cage with a cross-tube for mounting lights and GPS. I already found that very good.

But there were also solutions that translated the classic front luggage rack for bikepacking (by the way, I rode from Leipzig to Mumbai with a front rack, where it eventually fell off): for example, the VIEWIT from Racktime, which is mounted on the fork steerer and offers a support surface for luggage. Or the very beautifully designed and practical M83 YAK carrier, which is also mounted on the fork crown and steerer.

And of course, there are many front rack systems, such as pizza racks or Velo Orange racks, which, however, require additional eyelets on the fork.

When finally last year Tailfin presented the Bar Cage and Simon from Hartec wrote to me at the same time and sent me his Front Rack, my interest in this type of luggage transport on the handlebars was piqued.

Beforehand, it should be said that you cannot really compare the two carriers—the Bar Cage from Tailfin and the Front Rack from Hartec. Although they compete in the same segment, they differ in material and approach.

What they both have in common, however, is that they are an offer to all those who struggle with the challenges mentioned above: complex operation, small frame size, and distance to the head tube.

Hartec Front Rack Light: Ultralight Innovation from the 3D Printer

With Hartec, Simon has set up a small but fine manufactory where he builds front racks using 3D printing. He currently offers two models: the Front Rack and the Front Rack Light.

The difference between the two lies in the attachment to the bike: the classic Front Rack is attached at three points, the Front Rack Light at only two.

The carrier consists of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and two aluminum tubes to which the luggage is then strapped.

I had the Light version sent to me for testing. This is attached with classic handlebar clamps—available for 31.8 or 35 mm handlebars. In addition, there is a crosspiece below the stem that prevents the carrier from slipping downwards/forwards.

Mounting Check: Filigree Carbon and the 1-NM Limit

Mounting requires a delicate touch, especially when starting the screws in the counter-thread. You must strictly adhere to the specification of 1 NM; the material is designed here for minimum weight and not for maximum overload when tightening. A too-enthusiastic turn inevitably leads to the breaking of the mount—an experience I unfortunately had to make myself with the first test model. (Sorry, Simon!)

This low clamping force is, however, completely sufficient and is therefore also suitable for carbon handlebars.

The fact that the material tore during my first attempt, I attribute to my own impatience—the second time I was more careful, even if the material hardly forgives mistakes due to the filigree 3D-printed structure. Here, Simon as a developer is surely already working on further optimizing the balance between minimal material use and maximum user-friendliness.

In return, the carrier sits very firmly and offers plenty of space. I transported a 12 L Ortlieb dry pack with my sleeping clothes there. The included straps hold the whole thing very securely, and attaching and removing it is also easy. The maximum payload is 4.5 kg.

Tip: first make a loop with the straps into which you then hang the dry pack. Then tighten. And: the straps have a small loop on the back at the level of the buckle. This should be pulled over the upper tube. This fixes the straps in their position. I haven’t done it that way yet—as you can see.

A great advantage is the adjustability: the 330 mm long aluminum tubes can be individually shortened. This is also advisable, because at the standard length, I occasionally bumped against them with my thumb when riding in the hoods with my 46 cm handlebars. Those who reach for the saw can tailor the rack perfectly to their hand position and bag width—a feature that rigid systems often do not offer.

It should be noted: the shorter the tubes, the closer the straps for the dry pack stand together. In addition, the space for the great Accessory Adapter for light and navigation—especially in the correct thickness of 31.8 mm—is reduced. My plea: there should always be two of these adapters included in the scope of delivery!

Small note for Shimano GRX users: check whether the shift lever travel is restricted by the upper tube and shorten it if necessary.

Sovereign Off-Road: The Hartec Front Rack in Practical Test

In practical use, the carrier is wonderful: nothing moves, and the straps hold everything exemplary (even if you don’t pack too carefully). On an overnighter, I was out with Leonie. She rides a small bike and had long been looking for a way to transport luggage at the front of the handlebars.

She found what she was looking for with the Hartec Front Rack, shortened the aluminum tubes a bit more, and praised the fact that this carrier stands high enough so that nothing touches her front wheel.

The high position of the Front Rack was also the case for me. I didn’t find that bad, but those who are into more modularity should note that you cannot tilt the Front Rack. Sometimes this is necessary to get a wider front roll on the handlebars that would otherwise not have fitted between the hoods or would have rested too closely against them.

Once mounted, the Front Rack is simply inconspicuous. No impairment of the steering behavior can be detected. It simply works, holds absolutely securely, and transports luggage on the handlebars as expected.

It is impressive what Simon has developed here on his own. The Front Rack is not an anonymous mass product, but a specialized solution for everyone who is looking for something special and is willing to briefly engage with the technology.

The weight of the Front Rack Light is, according to the manufacturer, 316g including straps and adapter. I weighed it myself and came to 294g including straps & adapter and 264g without.

And with a price of 80 Euros, manufactured in Germany, this is truthfully a very attractive offer.

By comparison: the classic Front Rack weighs 338g according to the manufacturer and costs 85 Euros.

Feel free to take a look at the Front Rack from Hartec. Simon is very communicative, and you can ask him anything. In any case, this is a tip from me if you are looking for a solution for your luggage transport on the handlebars.

Tailfin Bar Cage: The Premium System for Maximum Modularity

In the summer Tailfin presented the Bar Cage, a carrier for the handlebars, and positioned it right away—typical of Tailfin—in the premium segment.

I had previously tested the Bar Bag – a handlebar roll that is clicked onto a holder fixed to the handlebars. I already liked the Bar Bag very much, but at 817g, it is quite heavy.

I was all the more curious about the Bar Cage. However, the British company does not just deliver a cage here, but an overall concept consisting of the Bar Cage, dry pack, and adapters for GPS and light.

The cage is made of an aluminum-zinc alloy, with many cutouts and is therefore quite light. It is 240 mm wide and 120 mm high. The mounting for 31.8 mm and 35 mm handlebars is typically Tailfin, made of an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, and is attached to the handlebars by means of screw clamping. This ensures the necessary distance to the head tube and creates sufficient space for any brake or shift cables (50 mm).

Subsequently or beforehand, the cage is then mounted to the holder with two screws. In doing so, you can additionally adjust the tilt and position of the cage.

Adjustability: Finding the Right Angle for Every Setup

This adjustability of the cage is helpful because the handlebar attachment allows for flexible reactions to different handlebar situations. I attached the two holders directly to the right and left of the stem. If, for example, an aerobar or a light or navigation mount is already mounted there, you can simply place the holders further apart. The cage has a generous longitudinal hole (32.5 mm), which is why you can then attach it flexibly.

One tends to set the Bar Cages rather high. However, this is not expedient in this case, because the lower it lies/is aligned, the wider the pack roll can be.

I ride a 46 cm wide Salsa Cowchipper handlebar with flare. There, I use the larger space between the outer handlebar ends by aligning the cage accordingly.

However, there is also enough space downwards on my bike so that I can make this tilt. To find the right position for yourself, you have to experiment a bit with what fits your respective handlebar width and frame size/distance to the front wheel.

In summary, it can be said: the Tailfin attachment ensures that the clamps on the handlebars can be adjusted in width and tilt. And the cage itself can be adjusted in its horizontal alignment and tilt angle.

According to Tailfin, the Bar Cage can transport up to 6kg of load. Off-road, a maximum of 3kg is recommended.

The weight for the holder and cage is, according to Tailfin, 277g. I weighed 228g.

The Bar Cage Bags: Sophisticated Dry Packs with Click-Lock

The cage should be tilted at least slightly, because the corresponding dry packs, called Bar Cage Bags, have a type of plastic clip that is hooked into the cage at the top. This secures it even more during the ride. But mainly it serves to allow you to conveniently lash down the dry pack without having to hold it with one hand. I like that very much.

Tailfin offers 3 different dry pack sizes: 8L, 11L, and 15L. This allows you to react to the respective needs depending on the weather and season, tour scope, and length.

The bags are open on both sides and have a roll closure. I roll each side three times so that they are tight even in the wet. Of course, the front rolls—correctly closed—are waterproof.

The Bar Cage Bag is hooked into the top of the cage. Then the dry pack is lashed down with Tailfin Straps, which are guided through the cage. The whole thing holds really firmly, and nothing wobbles.

As additional mechanical protection, the bag has a small reinforcement at the bottom in case the dirt from the front wheel becomes too aggressive or contact with the tire should occur after all.

For my summer setup, the 8-liter dry pack is enough for me. Now in winter, I use the 11-liter version. The 15-liter version is really very large, and I would rather see it on a flat bar, as it builds up quite wide and high and needs corresponding space.

The dimensions according to the manufacturer:

• Bar Cage Bag 8 Liters: minimum 360 mm, maximum 540 mm. Diameter: 135 mm. Weight: 222g
• Bar Cage Bag 11 Liters: minimum 370 mm, maximum 540 mm. Diameter: 165 mm. Weight: 255g / 244g weighed myself.
• Barg Cage Bag 15 Liters: minimum 380 mm, maximum 560 mm. Diameter: 180 mm. Weight: 285g

The straps have different lengths depending on the dry pack size. For the M variant, the straps weigh 80g.

You can buy the Bar Cage and the Bar Cage Bags separately, so you don’t necessarily have to use the Tailfin bags.

Accessory Mounts: A Tidy Cockpit Despite Full Equipment

To match the Bar Cage, Tailfin also offers a Computer Mount and a 22.2 mm Mount. The Computer Mount is suitable for Wahoo, Coros, or Garmin—depending on how you rotate the mount. The mount is attached to the top of the cage at the elongated slots using screw clamping. It holds securely and firmly even off-road.

The 22.2 mm mount is flexibly usable. I use it to attach my light there. For this, however, I have to work with shims, as my light clamps are designed for 31.8 mm handlebars. Here, I would wish that Tailfin would also offer a correspondingly thicker mount.

This is also mounted on the cage by means of screw clamping.

The weight for the 22.2 mm holder is 26g (weighed myself). The navigation mount weighs 31g (weighed myself).

I have now ridden the Tailfin Bar Cage with the 11L dry pack for 400 km on various overnighters. The whole system not only looks good but is also very user-friendly, holds very securely on the bike, and is comparatively light. The Bar Cage Bag is very easy to pack and can be compressed thanks to the valve. The securing on the cage is very smartly thought out and stable.

Thanks to the additional mounts, I can conveniently attach my navigation device and light and thus create space on the handlebars. The flexibility of the cage mounts is also helpful here and gives new options on the handlebars. The clearance from the handlebars created by the cage is very practical; I can now easily grip around the top of the handlebars with my fingers where the buckles for the front roll usually are. There is also more room for food pouches.

The price for the Tailfin Bar Cage is 130 Euros. The bags amount to 60 Euros (8L), 70 Euros (11L), and 80 Euros (15L).

The GPS Mount costs 25 Euros, the 22.2 mm Mount 15 Euros.

Conclusion: Which System Suits Whom?

Whether Hartec or Tailfin: both systems solve the classic problems of the wobbly handlebar roll and create space as well as safety in the cockpit. Nevertheless, they are aimed at different types of users.

• The Hartec Front Rack Light is the clever manufactory solution. It is ideal for fans of regional 3D printing and value-for-money optimizers who are looking for a lightweight, fixed installation and bring a delicate touch to the assembly.

• The Tailfin Bar Cage is the high-end system for perfectionists. It offers maximum modularity and a perfect integration of the bags, which Tailfin, however, does charge a premium for.

In the end, it is a decision between puristic lightweight construction and technical perfection.

What does your cockpit look like? Are you still fans of the classic handlebar roll, or have you already made the move to fixed carrier systems like the Hartec or Tailfin? I am particularly interested in your experience on the subject of cable spaghetti – have you ever actually had defects, or is that more of a theoretical problem?

Feel free to write to me in the comments below. I am curious to see which solutions have proven themselves for you on tour!