Tailfin

About Tailfin Cycling

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bristol, England, Tailfin Cycling has carved out a unique position in the cycling world by engineering some of the most technically sophisticated bikepacking equipment available. The brand was born from a simple but powerful idea: that carrying gear on a bike shouldn't mean sacrificing handling, aesthetics, or performance. Built by cyclists, for cyclists, Tailfin approaches every product as an engineering problem worth solving properly.

Engineering That Sets the Standard

Tailfin's most celebrated achievement is pioneering the world's first carbon fibre pannier rack — a milestone that fundamentally challenged what was possible in lightweight load-carrying on a bicycle. Their rack systems attach directly to the rear axle, creating a rigid, stable platform that stays locked in position even on technical terrain. This architecture eliminates the notorious sway associated with traditional seatpost bags, giving riders a bike that handles predictably whether they're descending a mountain trail or weaving through city traffic.

The rack range spans both alloy and carbon options, making the system accessible to everyday commuters as well as weight-conscious ultra-distance racers. All development — from initial CAD drawings through to final pre-production samples — is handled in-house by Tailfin's team of designers and engineers, ensuring tight control over quality and performance at every stage.

A Modular Ecosystem of Bikepacking Gear

What makes Tailfin particularly compelling is the depth of its modular product ecosystem. At the core are the CargoPack and SpeedPack rear bag systems, which integrate seamlessly with the rack architecture. The CargoPack is designed for longer, fully loaded adventures where capacity takes priority, while the SpeedPack takes a lighter, more minimalist approach for riders who want to move fast with just enough kit. Both are constructed using fully welded seams and Hypalon in high-wear areas, providing genuine waterproofing without reliance on extra dry bags.

Beyond rear systems, Tailfin has steadily expanded into a comprehensive range of cycling bags including pannier bags, frame bags, top tube packs, bar bags, fork packs, and cargo cage systems. Each product is engineered with the same philosophy: absolute mechanical security, weather protection, and an intuitive, tool-free setup that respects the rider's time.

Tested by the Best

Tailfin's gear is put through its paces by a dedicated R&D team of riders that includes some of the world's top ultra-distance racers and bikepackers. The brand has even partnered with World Tour professional cycling teams, a first for a bikepacking brand, underlining that their products perform under the most demanding conditions imaginable. Independent reviewers at leading publications have consistently praised Tailfin for the stability, simplicity, and thoughtful design of their systems.

From Epic Expeditions to the Daily Commute

One of Tailfin's defining strengths is versatility. The same rack that carries a rider through a multi-week bikepacking expedition is equally at home on a city commute, with capacity to carry a laptop in a pannier bag and a top bag packed with everything needed for the day. Third-party pannier adaptors even allow the system to work with bags from other brands, making it a flexible foundation for any type of cyclist. Whether you're chasing the horizon on a gravel bike or simply riding to work, Tailfin's gear is designed to make the journey better.