Bike panniers are a versatile and flexible way to carry more gear on a bike whether you are riding to work or bike packing. Tailfin’s Mini Panniers combine their robust X Clamp mount designs with the premium construction and details into a compact form factor. We have the latest 16L version, but Tailfin also offers them in 5L, 10L and even larger 22L versions currently. Retail prices go from $85 for the 5L, to $110 for the 10L and $140 for the 16L we have in this review. The pannier is rated for 4kg / 8.8lb weight capacity off road and nearly double that at 8kg / 17.7lbs for road cycling use. Tailfin also offers a $30 laptop holder that has a padded design to safely carry 14” laptops. One of the key features of the pannier is Tailfin’s aluminum X Clamp design which eliminates any sway or rattling.
The Tailfin Mini Pannier combines Tailfin’s high quality construction with the secure X Clamp mount into a compact form factor.
| Retail Price | $140 |
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 549 (w/ hardware) |
| Likes | + Waterproof construction for riding in any weather + Secure and easy to use X Clamp mount eliminates any sway or rattling + Multiple configurations using included compression straps |
| Dislikes | – Black interior makes it difficult to find things – No inner dividers or external pockets aside from optional laptop holder |
| Where to Buy (US) | Tailfin |
UNBOXING
The Tailfin Mini Pannier comes in a compact cardboard box with a plastic bag protecting the pannier. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Mini Pannier
- 3x compression straps
- Aluminum X clamp w/ hardware
- Plastic bottom hook w/ hardware
- Plug screw
- Spacers for different rack diameters
- Instruction booklet
The mounting hardware positions depend on which side you place the pannier on the bike. That’s why Tailfin also includes a filler plug which is needed to fill the one remaining hole and ensure the bag remains waterproof.
MOUNTING
The Mini Pannier bag utilizes Tailfin’s X Clamp mount for a secure and rattle free attachment to nearly any rack setup. If you have the Tailfin rack already, you can directly mount the bag while other racks may require the included rack spacers. The mount design uses a quick release top clamp along with a bottom lower hook to hold the bag securely to the rack. The top X Clamp mount alone is a $50 aluminum piece with two bolts that attaches to either the right or left side depending on the position of the bag on the bike. It’s a very nice piece of hardware with a rounded off lobed metal design that pushes the clamp open as you lift the handle up. The lever design creates significantly more clamping force than standard pannier clamps.
The bottom hook is just a plastic piece with an extended hook to slide behind a rack and prevent the pannier from swaying or rattling against the rack. Note, you may need to pull the fabric to get the holes in the bag to line up to the threaded holes in the metal frame during the initial setup. Once you do that you just attach the T25 bolts in the proper orientation on the hardware and put an additional Hex 2.5mm bolt to fill the remaining hole. All the hardware comes with Loctite pre-applied and has a nice black finish to match the bag.
FIT & FINISH
The Tailfin Mini Pannier has an attractive black exterior with Hypalon / Ripstop Nylon fabric for durability and to keep water out. The 16L version we have here is the largest size in the Mini Pannier lineup with outer dimensions of 440 / 260 / 190 mm or 17.3 / 10.2 / 7.5 inches. It’s relatively compact with an elongated shape that tapers at the bottom of the bag for additional clearance. As with other Tailfin products, the Mini Pannier has been designed for durability and longevity with robust side strap cutouts and reinforced seams at pressure points. The bag has an internal metal frame on the back side of the bag which provides four mounting slots for the aluminum mounting brackets.
Tailfin has designed the bag with three strap configurations: standard rollup top, side compression straps or front compression straps. All the straps are included to switch between the different setups to allow riders to switch as needed. The easiest setup is to just use the roll up top with the plastic buckle while the compression straps help reduce volume and even carry other items outside the bag. All the strap hoops and reinforced fabric to ensure they do not create stress points and tear or wear down over time.
Inside the bag you have one large compartment with no pockets or dividers. It’s unfortunately all black inside of being a brighter color like other Tailfin top tube bags which makes finding things difficult without a light. If you shine a light inside the bag you can see the taped edges between the different panels of the bag and the air valve. It’s a feature only on the 16L version that has a lockable air valve to make it easier to compress the bag down without compromising waterproofness. Tailfin also offers an optional laptop sleeve for an additional $30 which has a zippered pocket and slot for 14” laptops. The cool thing about the laptop sleeve is that it places the laptop inside the metal structure to help protect it from impacts.
ON THE ROAD
Having recently reviewed the Tailfin CargoPack and SpeedPacks we already had a carbon rack setup and were excited to ride with the additional storage of the pannier. Attaching and removing the bag is fast and easy thanks to the X Clamp design. It feels a lot more substantial and really grips down on the rack instead of standard friction fit style panniers like the Ortlieb Vario. The lever allows you to adjust the tension and eliminates any rattling or play even over rough roads. The rollup top is easy to use and the 16L provides more than enough storage for commuters or extended weekend rides or bike packing.
As with other Tailfin products, the materials and contact points all feel like they were developed for long term use. While we understand why Tailfin would want to avoid external pockets or zippers, we would have liked to see some small external pockets for quickly storing smaller items. Otherwise the waterproof design of the bag keeps contents dry and secure despite the weather conditions.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Tailfin Mini 16L Pannier to be a well designed and durable bike storage solution. Tailfin has used premium materials and attention to detail to give the mini pannier a compact form factor without cutting corners. Details like the metal X Clamp that let you adjust the clamping force with a metal handle ensure the pannier is stable and doesn’t wear out with extended use. The panniers tapered design helps avoid any contact while pedaling while still being large enough for a 14″ laptop or plenty of gear. The main negatives with the bag is the all black interior that makes it hard to find things and lack of dividers or mesh pockets for storing smaller items separately. That said, the Tailfin Mini Panniers are a robust and versatile way to carry more gear for long rides or commuting.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Tailfin. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.