Having already caused a stir some time ago with its extremely lightweight carbon pannier rack, the British company is now launching another bikepacking rack. The Journey Pannier Rack: lightweight, quick to fit using quick-release fasteners, and compatible with all types of bikes, from road bikes to full-suspension MTBs. This makes the new Tailfin transport system one of the most versatile on the market.
New luggage rack available in two versions
Tailfin offers two versions. The Journey Rack with pannier mounts for carrying classic panniers, and the Journey Rack without a second loading level. Additionally or optionally, bottle holders, carrier trays or other practical accessories can be attached to the sides using holes spaced 64 millimetres apart.
Tailfin offers a whole range of practical bags and pouches for the load area, some of which can be quickly attached and removed using a rather clever direct-mount system. Of course, all standard drybags and bags can also be secured to the load area using straps – though systems such as the Restrap Switch Rack, with its additional load tray, offer a touch more stability when off-road.
There are also mounting points for a small mudguard or a rear light. The only other model that comes with a similarly comprehensive range of features is the Topeak’s Zi:rack system.
Fitting to the bike
Ideally, you simply mount the Journey Rack onto the bike’s thru-axle. You can quickly find the right axle on the website – in principle, all standard widths and pitches are available. Alternatively, the Tailfin carrier can also be attached to the threaded eyelets on the frame.
The aluminium quick-release mechanism is extremely clever and, above all, of exceptionally high quality. To fit it, you open the fast-release dropouts on the frame, position the pins on the axle and close them again using the snap-lock mechanism. There is hardly any other system on the market that is quicker or more intuitive.
The clamp on the seat post is also intuitive and easy to use, securing the rack to the bike so it’s as solid as a rock. To position the loading area horizontally, the arm on the Journey Rack can also be fitted upside down. A straight crossbar is also available.
Load up and off to the slopes
For our off-road ride, we loaded the Journey Rack with six kilos of luggage in a drybag – no great challenge, as the rack is rated to carry up to 32 kilos. Another highlight, as the similarly sturdy Distributor of Restrap or Old Man Mountain Only payloads of up to 30 and 11.4 kilos, respectively, are permitted. On the trail, you can hardly feel the load at all. The Journey Rack is absolutely stable and has no play whatsoever at its mounting points.
To push the luggage rack a bit further to its limits, we also loaded both sides with the 16-litre pannier bags. Of course, off-road this heavy-duty carrier isn’t much fun anymore, but on gravel tracks you can still ride without any significant flex in the frame, even when fully loaded.
Packed with highlights
As well as its extremely clever and high-quality quick-release fastenings, the Journey Pannier Rack particularly impressed us with its wide range of packing options:
- The special top-loader bags can be attached to the loading platform very easily using a quick-release fastener
- The side panniers are also fitted with a high-quality quick-release fastener and remain securely attached to the rack, even on bumpy roads
- Additional mounting points for bottle holders, storage trays or similar accessories are located on both sides
- Additional mounts for the mudguard and rear light are also included
- Once fitted to the bike, the carrier can be attached or removed in just a few simple steps and, if necessary, folded flat and stowed away.
- The Journey Rack is one of the few systems on the market that is also approved for full-suspension bikes
Key facts at a glance
- Modular luggage rack with quick-release axle mounting
- Very quick to assemble and dismantle
- Aluminium loading platform with numerous fixing points
- Payload: up to approx. 32 kg
- Rubberised seatpost clamp
- Additional mounting points for accessories (3 on each side)
- Exceptionally high stability off-road
Technical specifications
- Weight (ready to ride / rack only): 818 grams / 756 grams
- Maximum payload: 32 kilos
- Max. tyre width: N/A
- Suitable for hardtail / 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)
Tailfin Journey Pannier Rack – Review & Verdict
| Grade | |
| Assembly (10%) | 1.0 |
| Handling / Loading (30%) | 1.0 |
| Handling / Stability (30%) | 1.5 |
| Versatility (20%) | 1.3 |
| Weight (10%) | 2.5 |
| BIKE-NOTE | 1.4 |
With the Journey Pannier Rack, Tailfin has achieved an impressive balance between low weight, high load capacity and maximum versatility. The well-designed quick-release fasteners, its exceptional stability off-road and the numerous expansion and mounting options make this rack one of the most flexible systems on the market. Particularly impressive: even when fully loaded, the rack remains torsionally rigid and has a neutral ride quality. Anyone looking for a high-quality bikepacking rack that covers virtually every scenario, from road bikes to full-suspension bikes, will find the Journey Pannier Rack to be one of the most compelling solutions in its class at present – test winner!
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Very quick to assemble and dismantle; can be stored to save space
- Extremely high load capacity (up to approx. 30 kg)
- Very sturdy construction
- High-quality aluminium loading plate
- A wide range of options for securing luggage and an extensive range of accessories
- Can be extended using side mounting points
- Rubber-coated, frame-protecting fastening
- Also suitable for full-suspension bikes
Disadvantages:
- slightly heavier than some of its competitors
- A loading platform offers less stability than systems with a loading tray
Stefan Frey
Editor
