Tailfin’s new SpeedPack rear pack combine’s Tailfin’s innovative rear rack design with a lighter and leaner bag design optimized for speed. As the product name implies, the SpeedPack was developed for riders who prioritize speed over capacity which is why the bag is one of the smallest Tailfin currently offers. The bag retails for $250 on its own and can be used on any existing rack setup or for $410-$520 as a complete bag and rack system with carbon fiber or alloy arches. The SpeedPack has a 10L inner pocket with rear opening along with an additional 3L outer mesh pocket for quick access. As with the other bags, the bag is fully waterproof and has high-quality construction that can support up to 5 kg / 11 lb off road or 9 kg / 20 lb on road.
The Tailfin SpeedPack is a sleeker rear bag that integrates with Tailfin’s racks for riders that want speed and pack light.
| Retail Price | $250 ($410-$520 w/ Rack) |
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 502 (with connecting hardware) |
| Likes | + Waterproof construction for riding in any weather + Sleek tapered design with large and secure outer mesh pocket + Premium quality and Carbon fiber internal structure |
| Dislikes | – Black interior makes it difficult to find things – Single rear opening means you need to be more careful when you pack |
| Where to Buy (US) | Tailfin |
UNBOXING
The Tailfin SpeedPack comes in a simple cardboard box with a Tailfin branded bag protecting the bag itself. We have the bag-only setup which only includes the bag and the connecting hardware. Inside the bag you have the metal front and adjustable rear seatpost connector. Tailfin even includes three connectors: short, medium and long to accommodate any bike setup.
MOUNTING
Tailfin has designed the SpeedPack to be fully compatible with their rear rack system and accessories. As such, the bag has a full carbon rod internal frame instead of aluminum that can be used with different accessories to either directly integrate into racks or be removable. At the time of this review, the removable version is not available yet so we have the integrated version. We expect the removable version to just have a few different accessories while the integrated version shares many of the same pieces as the other bags. The rear attachment has two bolts with two positions to attach to the rear arch to accommodate different bike sizes.
The SpeedPack is also the first bag that features Tailfin’s adjustable seatpost connector. It adds a hinge to the previous solid piece that allows the rack to be used with more bike sizes and suspension bikes. Attaching the bag is straight forward once you figure find the right component and use the proper torque values. Note, the rear arch connectors are a bolt-on design and not the quick release style with this integrated bag setup which means you do have to remove the entire rack (i.e. the arches and bag) to remove it from the bike. Even as a complete set, it’s quick and easy to uninstall the rack from the bike as the axle and seat post connectors are quick release.
FIT & FINISH
For riders that want speed and pack light, the new Tailfin SpeedPack offers a stable and flexible rear bag. Tailfin has designed it to be fully compatible with all of their rear rack systems but reduced the capacity to 10L in the main compartment and added a rear opening. The exterior of the bag has the same 420D Hypalon and diamond ripstop black material as other Tailfin bags with subtle Tailfin logos. Tailfin has sweated the details which means the bag features multiple slots for adding compression straps or attaching accessories like taillights or bottles. The rear of the bag has a buckle setup that is positioned to the rear that mimics an oversized saddle bag design.
There is a buckle on each side of the rolltop opening to help distribute the pressure and make it easier to load the bag. On the outside of the bag there is a mesh pocket with its own main buckle to make it easier to access the contents. Tailfin has also added an elastic cinch which ensures there is enough tension to hold smaller items in place. We are happy to see the outer mesh pocket as it’s a convenient way to hold snacks or gear that can be quickly accessed without having to open the main compartment.
ON THE ROAD
Having only recently finished a review for the Tailfin CargoPack, we were excited to see how the new SpeedPack would compare. With Tailfin’s modular rack design and our integrated version of the SpeedPack, it was easy to attach to our existing rear arch by just removing a few bolts from our CargoPack and attaching it to the SpeedPack. The rear arches have a bolt-on setup instead of the quick-release design as well as two mounting location options but it’s quick and easy to convert over. Tailfin’s new two-piece seatpost attachment retains the simple locking strap design but adds an additional pivot point which makes it even easier to adjust the angle and position of the bag.
Once we installed the bag on our Specialized Tarmac, it was easy to appreciate the sleeker profile which helps the bag blend in more. As someone who mostly does longer weekend rides, the SpeedPack is perfectly sized for packing up enough food and extra gear to accommodate self-supported rides. However, the single rear opening does mean you need to be more strategic about what order to pack the bag in. We also found that we would get some rattling with smaller gear bouncing near the end of the bag as it’s hard to completely fill it unless you put a jacket or smaller item. Aside from those minor annoyances, we appreciated the smaller bag size and the adjustable cinch on the outer mesh pocket that ensures everything was secure. It’s a generously sized pocket that is perfect for quick access gear or snacks.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Tailfin SpeedPack to be a well sized and sleeker rear bag option. Tailfin has taken all the premium materials and refined design of their other rear bags and created a more streamlined and sleeker profile for the SpeedPack. With its 10L rear opening inner pocket and large 3L mesh outer pocket the bag is perfectly sized for carrying extra gear or food on extended rides. The reduced capacity and more aerodynamic shape gives the SpeedPack a sleeker look without sacrificing quality. As far as negatives, we would have liked to see a brighter interior color to help find items and also found that the smaller rear opening requires more care when packing. That said, the Tailfin SpeedPack is a perfect option for riders who want stable rear storage with a sleeker form factor.
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.