I’m interested in one of these for a new build.
I’m 95% sure it’ll be a zipped version rather than the flip top.
I’m less sure on sizing though. It’s going on an XL gravel frame.
Anyone use a small or medium sized bag that could give a real world take on capacity and fit - specifically any knee rub issues?
I have a brand new unused 1.1l zipped one, it's never been on a bike. They are £55 and out of stock at Tailfin, happy to sell at a bit less.
I have the small tapered bag. My pixel 4a won't fit in it
https://ukgravelco.com/2023/07/13/tailfin-top-tube-pack-review/
I got a large flip lid one (which is meant for mtb), and it was just too big and too wide for the gravel bike, and there was some knee rub. Otherwise excellent bags with a very well thought out design, just don't go too big.
I bought the zipped small, specifically to minimise rub (as they say it's less wide than the flip version) as I have pretty big legs!! I wouldn't say it completely eliminates it, there's some contact when climbing/sprinting out the saddle and throwing the bike around, but it's not a consistent rub & I don't even notice it tbh.
It's not massive - my iPhone 15 Pro Max won't fit (good thing I didn't buy it for that lol)
Very pleased with quality/mounting (I know a few had issues with this though!)/stability (best one I've had for that) etc
I have the 1.1l flip top version on my gravel bike and no problem with knee rub.
Of greater worry is the length of the bags. If you don't have much stand-over clearance there is a good chance you'll end up sitting on the bag when straddling the frame if it is too long.
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I've got the medium flip top version. It's big enough but not huge. I ride medium (52cm) frames and have no problems with knee rub, despite being knock kneed.
They are rock solid on the bike.
I really like the flip top. It's secure, makes the bag properly waterproof, and easy to use one handed in big gloves. Haven't compared it directly with a zip one but can't imagine why it would be any improvement
Medium 1.1 zipped here. Just fits my Pixel 8 Pro but wouldn't want it bigger. Tube, lever, few bars and the phone all fit nicely
If you don’t have much stand-over clearance there is a good chance you’ll end up sitting on the bag when straddling the frame if it is too long.
One of the many reasons why proper gravel bikes have droppers 🙂
Mine's the medium zip top which I use on the flat bar gravel bike. I have no problem with knee rub and it's big enough for my pump/tools/inner tube. I usually keep the phone in my pocket. It's the most used bike mounted bag I have ever had, streets ahead of any of other types I have tried . It is however more expensive but well worth it in my opinion.
I have the small tapered bag. My pixel 4a won’t fit in it
Weird. My Pixel 7a fits in mine, just. Small zipped, no knee rub on my road bike and it's rock solid. I'd probably get the medium if I used it for MTB.
I have the medium zip version and use the rubber bands as don’t have bolts. Seems good so far.
Just to update …
One cracking deal from @Iain later and I’m the proud owner of a medium zipped Tailfin top tube bag.
A test fit using the bolts on a long XL gravel frame surprised me how little TT remains. Now a simple measure using the dimensions on the Tailfin website probably would have told me this but …
A small would have been better from a clearance perspective but I hope not to bash my junk too often/hard when using the bag in anger ☺️
hope it works out, I tried it but just wasn't my thing, I decided i like to see that part of the bike, so opted to use a small backpack
so opted to use a small backpack
I trust you handed back your Gravel card at the same time 😉
^^^^ aye, fashion indeed 🙂
decided i like to see that part of the bike, so opted to use a small backpack
That must be one hell of a small back pack if it's the same as a top tube bag.
Try one of these...
I THINK mine is the medium.
I've never really noticed the lack of top tube in use though, as in thinking I wish the bag wasn't there