While top tube bags are a convenient way to store extra food and gear they can often scratch your bike’s paint or move around if you do not have a bolt-on setup. Tailfin’s Zip Top Tube Bag is a waterproof top tube bag with an improved non-scratch mounting system and clever features. The zip version of the bag is offered in three variations: 0.8L / $75, 1.1L ($80) and 1.5L ($85). As with other Tailfin bags, the top tube bag is fully waterproof with a built-in cable pass through to charge devices on the go. The Top Tube bag also features Tailfin’s V-Mount system which uses non-slip pads along with the option for bolt-on mounting or TPU straps to secure it to the bike.
The Tailfin Zip Top Tube Bag combines a waterproof exterior with lever V-Mount system for secure mounting.
| Retail Price | $75-$85 |
| Rating | 9.7 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 145 (bag), 21 (two short straps) |
| Likes | + Secure mounting, High visibility interior with mesh side pockets, Clever details like cable pass through and reflective branding |
| Dislikes | – Tall profile gives it a bulky appearance |
| Where to Buy (US) | Tailfin |
UNBOXING
The Tailfin Top Tube Bag comes in a compact cardboard box with the Tailfin logo printed on it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Top Tube Bag
- 2x short straps
- 1x long strap
- Two M5x18mm bolts for bolt-on applications
- Instruction manual
Tailfin includes all the necessary hardware for bolt-on and strap-on applications right out of the box.
MOUNTING
One of the best features of the bag is Tailfin’s patented V-Mount system which solves a lot of the issues of traditional mount designs. The V-Mount consists of raised rubber covered pads on the front and rear of the bag. Each pad has a textured V-shaped rubber base that ensures the bag does not move around or scratch paint. Tailfin has designed this bag to be only attached to the top tube with no front strap as it isn’t needed. You can use the included straps or direct mount it with the provided M5x18mm bolts if your bike supports it. There are slots on the rubber mount which lets you push the bolt through the pad with four different bolt locations for more flexibility.
As far as the straps, the bag comes with two shorter 18.5cm / 7.3 inch straps and one longer 36cm / 14.2 inch strap. The straps are not just standard Velcro, instead they are thick TPU material with a hook that lets you really cinch the bags down to prevent movement. If needed, you can even combine two of the straps together to create an even longer strap if one strap is too short for your application. Even with the strap-on method and a lack of a front strap, the bag is very secure with no side-to-side play as the non-slip rubber prevents the bag from moving and the straps are easy to fully tighten. Tailfin has designed the slots to be thick enough to accommodate two layers of strap which allows you to route any extra strap back through for a clean appearance.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Tailfin Top Tube bag has the classic trapezoid shape with an angled rear and gently sloped top. The bag has a black finish with a diamond fabric on the lower portion and a more satin like black upper material. Branding is limited to a reflective Tailfin logo on the right side and Tailfin printed on the left side. Tailfin actually offers this bag in three sizes: 0.8L, 1.1L and 1.5L with the 1.1L the one shown in this review. There is even a flip lid version of the bag in the 1.1L and 1.5L capacities that replaces the zipper with a magnetic flip cover. All the top tube bag variations are constructed from 210D Hypalon and Diamond RipStop to make the bag waterproof and durable. Tailfin has also included a cable pass through with a covered front opening that ensures the bag remains waterproof while allowing you to charge devices on the go.
This version of the bag uses a full length top zipper to easily access all the items in the bag. It’s a waterproof zipper with rubber coating to ensure water doesn’t get through yet still smooth enough to use with one hand. At the front of the zipper there is a raised rubber cover that acts like a zipper garage and gives the bag a sleek appearance as the front of the zipper is hidden. One reason this bag is easy to open and close is that the bag also has a rigid construction. This is achieved via an internal HDPE structure that ensures the bag retains its structure whether it is full, empty or being used in heavy rain. The structural pieces use velcro to attach to the inside of the bag which lets you remove them for cleaning and gives the interior a bright white appearance to help find items. Tailfin has also incorporated a side mesh panel onto the left side of the interior to help separate contents. On the bottom of the bag you also have a shoe insole-like foam bottom pad that helps reduce vibrations and covers up the bolt holes and rigid V-Mount structure.
ON THE ROAD
For long rides, top tube bangs are an essential way to carry the extra calories you need to without overfilling pockets. We’ve reviewed a number of bags like the Topeak top tube bags like their Toploader Drybag and their FastFuel Bag and have appreciated the convenience they offer. However, after extended use the strap-on designs of those standard bags ended up putting scratches into our top tube paint. That’s a big reason we were excited to try out the Tailfin bag which offers a big improvement over basic Velcro attachments of other bags. The V-mount system provides a non-slip attachment that doesn’t move around and scratch paint while the TPU straps really let you strap the bag down. We were impressed with the bag from our first ride as the combination of the non-slip mounting and rigid structure eliminates any side-to-side sway.
Even on fast descents or bumpy roads, the bag remains stable and easy to access with the full length zipper. The 1.1L size we have is the medium offering and has quite a bit of space for snacks and gear. We were able to stuff it with bars, sandwiches and cookies for longer rides where you need to continuously refuel without stopping. Tailfin’s attention to detail with the white interior and high quality exterior give the bag a premium feel we appreciated. The only downside of the bag is that it’s a bit tall which gives it a bulky appearance from the side as it can stick over the stem. Aside from that, the bag performs well and doesn’t interfere with your pedal stroke and stays in place securely.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Tailfin Zip Top Tube Bag to be a well designed top tube bag with clever mounting system. Tailfin has combined a premium bag construction with a refined mounting system that eliminates the swaying and scratching designs of standard bags. Rather than using simple velcro straps, Tailfin uses thick TPU straps that let you pull everything tight for a bolt-on like attachment with accommodations to tuck extra strap away for a clean installation. We particularly appreciated the rubber feet which eliminate paint scratching that standard bags have and details like the white interior that make it easy to find items inside the bag. The only negative we’d point out is that the 1.1L bag is a bit tall so it might not tuck behind your stem. That said, the Tailfin Top Tube Bag is a premium bag with an impressive mounting design and waterproof design that’s perfect for carrying extra gear.
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.