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Editor’s conclusion and buying advice
The Restrap Switch Rack is one of the best off-road luggage racks for riders who carry a lot of luggage and are looking for maximum stability. The aluminium load tray, its light weight and enormous load capacity make it an ideal companion for multi-day tours and heavy bikepacking set-ups.
The Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack However, it goes one step further. It offers virtually the same stability, even slightly more load capacity, significantly easier fitting, greater compatibility and far more uses. Whether it’s a road bike, gravel bike, hardtail or full-suspension bike – the Journey Rack works practically anywhere. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Restrap and Tailfin – both manufacturers are deeply rooted in the bikepacking scene and specialise in technical transport equipment for all types of bicycles. From saddle bag holsters to bespoke frame bags, the products are thoughtfully designed down to the last detail and engineered to provide long-lasting enjoyment on cycling trips.
However, for anyone who doesn’t like carrying their luggage on the saddle rack where it bobs about, both manufacturers have innovative luggage racks in our portfolio that are easy to fit, can be loaded with a wide range of gear and, if needed, can be quickly removed again. And because both manufacturers are based on the ‘Isle’, this is a purely British showdown. We’ve brewed ourselves a cup of black tea and set about determining who deserves the accolade of the best bikepacking rack.
Step 1: Fitting it to the bike
Preparation is key. For a proper British cup of tea, that means bringing fresh water to the boil and pre-heating the teapot. For the Bikepacking Rack: fit the thru-axles and attach the rack to the bike. Right from the very first moment, it’s clear just how much development work Tailfin has put into its quick-release system. The fast-release mounts on the thru-axle are currently among the best the market has to offer. Position it, click it into place, secure it – assembly could hardly be any quicker or more intuitive. The clamp on the seatpost also impresses with its high-quality finish and rock-solid grip. Once the system has been adjusted to the bike, assembly takes just a few seconds.
The Restrap Switch Rack is, in principle, also simple in design. The loading platform is fitted using two screws, after which it is secured to the seat post via a thru-axle and Velcro strap. However, choosing the right spacers requires a bit of patience. The instructions don’t explain this step very clearly, so you’ll need to be prepared to experiment a bit during the initial assembly. You can’t screw it on or off entirely without tools, so you should always have a size 4 Allen key to hand.
Advantage: Tailfin
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
- an extremely intuitive quick-change system
- tool-free assembly
- very high-quality fastenings
- can be folded flat
Restrap Switch Rack
- Quick to install once the initial set-up is complete
- simple structure
- Only a 4 mm Allen key is required
- Choosing spacers is a bit fiddly; the initial assembly isn’t entirely self-explanatory
Step 2: Loading the two racks
Now it’s time to put the tea in the pot – or the luggage on the rack. For a proper cup of Earl Grey, that means: 1 teaspoon per person plus 1 extra teaspoon for the pot. With our luggage racks, you’re welcome to pack a bit more luggage too. If you want to carry a lot, neither of these systems is a bad choice. The Restrap can carry up to 30 kilograms, the Tailfin even 32 kilograms. This puts both in a league of their own, well above many traditional bikepacking solutions.
In practice, the luggage remains surprisingly stable on both racks. Even on rough trails or washboard tracks, there is hardly any movement or rocking. The Restrap has a slight advantage thanks to its distinctive aluminium load tray. Drybags or luggage rolls sit in it with a slightly more secure fit and are held particularly firmly in place during off-road use. The Tailfin Rack’s load platform, on the other hand, is designed more specifically for the bag systems developed for it. These can be attached in no time at all using quick-release fasteners.
Slight advantage for Restrap
Restrap Switch Rack
- very sturdy charging cradle
- plenty of threading points for straps
- ideal for large dry bags
- an extremely quiet luggage rack
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
- Highest payload in comparison
- also very resistant to twisting
- The loading platform offers slightly less lateral guidance
Step 3: Versatility and charging options
A simple English Breakfast Tea or a complex blend? As the tea steeps for 3 to 5 minutes in freshly brewed water, the flavours unfold. And with bike-packing racks, too, the real differences only become apparent once you’ve taken a close look at the wide range of loading options.
The Restrap was designed primarily for bike packers who want to carry panniers, dry bags, cargo cages or heavy loads. It does this exceptionally well. However, traditional panniers are not one of its core strengths.
This is where Tailfin goes one step further. The Journey Rack is designed as a universal transport platform. As well as dry bags, it accommodates traditional panniers, features its own quick-release pockets, accessory mounts, light mounts, mudguard mounts and numerous expansion options.
There is also another crucial point: the Journey Rack is specifically designed for Full-suspension bikes Approved. The Restrap, on the other hand, is only suitable for hardtails and fixed-gear bikes.
A clear advantage: Tailfin
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
- Compatible with road bikes through to full-suspension bikes
- Standard panniers can be fitted
- Direct-mount bag system
- Accessory, light and mudguard mounts
- high degree of modularity
Restrap Switch Rack
- a wide range of accessory mounts
- ideal for dry bags and bikepacking set-ups
- Not suitable for full-suspension bikes
Step 4: Handling and stability
A bit more sugar? A splash of milk, perhaps? And then take a careful sip. So how do these two carriers perform in practice? Both are among the most robust systems currently available. The Restrap is particularly impressive on rough terrain. The design appears to be uncompromisingly geared towards robustness. Even heavy loads barely faze the system.
The Tailfin is hardly any less impressive. Even when fully loaded, the carrier remains remarkably torsionally rigid and unobtrusive. Even with additional side pockets, the system shows only minimal flex.
In a direct comparison, there is hardly any difference in handling. The Restrap seems to be designed slightly more for expeditions and hardcore off-roading, whilst the Tailfin focuses more on a wide range of uses.
A draw in terms of handling
Step 5: Weight and features
Finished your drink? Right then, let’s wrap up with the hard facts. Although the Tailfin Rack is one of the lighter luggage racks in its category, the Restrap comes out on top in a direct comparison. For a system with a 30-kilogram load capacity, the Restrap is impressively light.
Weight
Restrap Switch Rack
- 725 g ready to ride
- 486 g rack without loading tray
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
- 818 g ready to ride
- 756 g rack
The benefits of Restrap
Detailed information & specifications
Restrap Switch Rack
Typically British and pragmatic: the Restrap focuses on the essentials. Everything is geared towards the aim of transporting as much luggage as possible across the terrain as safely as possible.
- Aluminium charging cradle
- Quick-Flip system for various bikes
- four accessory mounts on each side
- high payload
- minimalist design
Technical Specifications
- Weight (ready to ride / rack only): 725 grams / 486 grams
- Maximum payload: 30 kilos
- Max. tyre width: 29 x 3.0 inches
- Suitable for hardtail and full-suspension bikes: yes / no
- Installation options: Thru-axle / threaded eyelets (via additional adaptors)
- Special features: 64 mm mounting points on both sides; lightweight aluminium construction; Velcro fastening for seatpost mounting; Quick-Flip system for a wide range of wheel sizes
- Price: 149.99 euros / 53.99 euros (charging cradle) >> available here
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
The Tailfin takes a more technology-focused approach. Here, you get a fully modular system.
- Quick-release thru-axle lock
- foldable design
- Pannier version for classic panniers
- Accessory, light and mudguard mounts
- Direct-mount bag system
- Full compatibility
Technical Specifications
- Weight (ready to ride / rack only): 818 grams / 756 grams
- Maximum payload: 32 kilos
- Max. tyre width: N/A
- Suitable for hardtail and full-suspension bikes: yes / yes
- Installation options: Thru-axle / threaded eyelets (via additional adaptors)
- Special features: 64 mm mounting points on both sides; lightweight aluminium construction; quick-release fastener for seatpost mounting; quick-release system for thru-axle; additional mounting level for panniers
- Price: 155 euros (including thru-axle)
Editor’s conclusion and buying advice
Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea? Ultimately, when it comes to tea, it’s probably, like so many things, a matter of personal taste. And it’s much the same with bikepacking racks: The Restrap Switch Rack is one of the best off-road luggage racks for riders who carry a lot of luggage and are looking for maximum stability. The aluminium load tray, its light weight and enormous load capacity make it an ideal companion for multi-day tours and heavy bikepacking set-ups.
The Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack However, it goes one step further. It offers virtually the same stability, even slightly more load capacity, significantly easier fitting, greater compatibility and far more uses. Whether it’s a road bike, gravel bike, hardtail or full-suspension bike – the Journey Rack works practically anywhere.
A clear recommendation to buy: Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack
Even though the score is 3–3 at the end of our head-to-head, the victory ultimately goes to Tailfin from Bristol. The Restrap from Leeds is the specialist for challenging off-road adventures with plenty of luggage. The Tailfin, on the other hand, strikes the perfect balance between an expedition rack, a commuting solution, a gravel luggage rack and a full-fledged bikepacking system. It is the more versatile, more modern and, overall, the more well-rounded product.
Stefan Frey
Editor