I used (and still own) a set of Topeak Versacages in Badlands 2023. They worked very well. Both had large neck, Elite water bottles in, initially with powders and food in and then drink solutions/ water later in the event to suit resupply. Worked very well on a SID fork. Slight rotation to the rear on both during the event, but no mounting height (level) loss. They are very versatile as they use what is basically a composite jubilee (hose) clamp to mount them. Therefore bigger fork legs or frame tubes can also be used. No complaints and very versatile. I thought the price was competitive. You can also use the cages on their own on bottle mounts or mounting points on your frame, as they come as a complete system. Thanks for this review! Cheers, Tim
It’s always amazing to me how many people rig up stuff on their fork haphazardly. I just feel like spend the $$ on the proper setup, it’s not worth ruining your trip or yourself. I used the old man mountain axle pack on divide this year and was impressed.
Looks like they use a similar "V" shaped rubber piece as the top tube and downtube bags? Seems like this is the secret sauce that makes them so rock solid in use! I'm super impressed with all the Tailfin bags I've used so far, and they're based in my home town which is cool. Another great video, keep up the good work! 🙂
I bought the Tailfin SFM a few months ago and haven’t have the chance to test them because I have the ortlieb fork bags mounted on my suspension fork and they have been working flawlessly, ortlieb is pretty solid and I was very skeptical initially but they do hold up well, the ortliebs comes with a plastic support and 2 metallic band and they have the possibility to mount a third so I ordered an extra one and they are super easy to dismount and you can carry things that would be damaged by compression straps like food foe example. Next year I’m going to the AMR and will probably switch to Tailfin because they will allow me two water bottles and the extra carry capacity. Tip. Instead of using electrical tape I use a tape that has a stick on both sides so stick to the fork or handlebar and whatever you are mounting, I guarantee you that thing won’t slide or move at all, just add locktite 242 to screws and its not going anywhere Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴
Old Man Mountain. Great solution! But you are into buying an axle too. I think this is definitely the best solution for permanent mounting. I use their rear racks on full suspension. Unparalleled! Cheers! Tim
Looks a great option and going to go for the stainless option (cheapskate!). Can you tell me the name of the blue re-inforced bag you have mounted to the rack? Fab video, thanks.
This is a very nice product that is well thought out, but it is expensive! If you are going to use a dual cargo combo, make sure dry bags you are using are tall and narrow. I have water bottles and big river dry bags, and I'm always worried they will be pulled into the spokes. I'm sure that there are many thin/tall bags are a great choice for this mount.
I noticed that for the CTR you did not carry anything up front. I did some bikepack racing (MTB style), with and without a front roll, and I decided I don't like the weight on my front-end. It makes handling slower, which is an issue on singletracks. Does having the weight lower on the fork legs feel different than high on the bars? Why didn't you use the SFMs on the CTR?
Correct, I didn't carry anything upfront on the 2024 CTR. I used an SFM on the 2023 CTR and AZT300... worked fine, having the weight low does not affect handling in any noticeable/negative way for me. I didn't use SFM this year on CTR because I wanted a didn't need the water bottle, wanted a completely clean and light front end for lifting up and over rocks during HAB, nothing to rattle around on techy descents, etc... I chat more about it in the FAQ video - ride on! th-cam.com/video/Nsfg4y4oOdI/w-d-xo.html
@@DirtyTeethMTB thanks for sharing your experience! On a side note, I am too a big fan of the Forkaster Gen 1 at 2,35". Simply put, the best XC front ever made. I'm not sure why Maxxis made it so heavy in gen 2. They should totally bring it back as "Forekaster Race" 🙂
Tailfin is definetly a good but premium product. Plenty of option out there to to the job but if you want spend money and have a uniform kit, prob a great option
Used the carbon versions on a recent 7 day San Juan Huts trip to carry a 1.5L Nalgene water bottle. Worked awesome. Great review!
Great to hear, thanks for sharing!
Another Great video and your analysis was very thorough.
Glad you liked it!
I used (and still own) a set of Topeak Versacages in Badlands 2023. They worked very well. Both had large neck, Elite water bottles in, initially with powders and food in and then drink solutions/ water later in the event to suit resupply. Worked very well on a SID fork. Slight rotation to the rear on both during the event, but no mounting height (level) loss. They are very versatile as they use what is basically a composite jubilee (hose) clamp to mount them. Therefore bigger fork legs or frame tubes can also be used. No complaints and very versatile. I thought the price was competitive. You can also use the cages on their own on bottle mounts or mounting points on your frame, as they come as a complete system. Thanks for this review! Cheers, Tim
Thanks for sharing your insight :) Ride on!
Another great video. Thanks
Thanks for watching! Ride on! 🤙
Video starts @9:23
You actually made it that far :) thanks for watching and commenting
Very nice setup. Thanks for the video and take care, Al
Glad you liked it! 👍 ride on :)
Great review! Very helpful!
Thanks! Ps - shipping the shirt on Monday - ride on!
It’s always amazing to me how many people rig up stuff on their fork haphazardly. I just feel like spend the $$ on the proper setup, it’s not worth ruining your trip or yourself. I used the old man mountain axle pack on divide this year and was impressed.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Looks like they use a similar "V" shaped rubber piece as the top tube and downtube bags? Seems like this is the secret sauce that makes them so rock solid in use! I'm super impressed with all the Tailfin bags I've used so far, and they're based in my home town which is cool. Another great video, keep up the good work! 🙂
Yes, the V is very similar - thanks for watching and sharing your insight :)
nice piece of kit, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
I bought the Tailfin SFM a few months ago and haven’t have the chance to test them because I have the ortlieb fork bags mounted on my suspension fork and they have been working flawlessly, ortlieb is pretty solid and I was very skeptical initially but they do hold up well, the ortliebs comes with a plastic support and 2 metallic band and they have the possibility to mount a third so I ordered an extra one and they are super easy to dismount and you can carry things that would be damaged by compression straps like food foe example. Next year I’m going to the AMR and will probably switch to Tailfin because they will allow me two water bottles and the extra carry capacity.
Tip. Instead of using electrical tape I use a tape that has a stick on both sides so stick to the fork or handlebar and whatever you are mounting, I guarantee you that thing won’t slide or move at all, just add locktite 242 to screws and its not going anywhere
Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴
Thanks for sharing your insight :) Ride on!
got an an Old Man Mountain rack for my giant reign, works awesome, bomber
Good to hear! Ride on :)
I hope you get the chance to try the ones which use the front axle to help support it.. great channel
Old Man Mountain. Great solution! But you are into buying an axle too. I think this is definitely the best solution for permanent mounting. I use their rear racks on full suspension. Unparalleled! Cheers! Tim
Thanks for commenting and watching! Ride on :)
We need to try these out on an inverted fork, so the mass of cargo is on the unsprung part of the bike 😁
Yes we do! Ride on :)
I have a set on my Salsa Fargo Rode the GDMBR this year they are the dogs bits worth the money they just work .
Thanks for watching and chiming in 🙌 ride on!
Which drone did you use for the opening shots? Either way, awesome video! Planning on checking these out for my full-sus.
Skydio 2 - thanks for watching :)
Just wondering if the Tailfin downtube bag would be secure mounted to a suspension fork leg? Have you tried this option?
Good question :) I did think about it but Tailfin doesn’t recommend using them on fork legs, so I stuck with the SFM- ride on 🤙
Looks a great option and going to go for the stainless option (cheapskate!). Can you tell me the name of the blue re-inforced bag you have mounted to the rack? Fab video, thanks.
Thanks for watching… that’s a nuclear sunrise fuselage bag- ride on :)
This is a very nice product that is well thought out, but it is expensive! If you are going to use a dual cargo combo, make sure dry bags you are using are tall and narrow. I have water bottles and big river dry bags, and I'm always worried they will be pulled into the spokes. I'm sure that there are many thin/tall bags are a great choice for this mount.
Thanks for sharing :)
I noticed that for the CTR you did not carry anything up front. I did some bikepack racing (MTB style), with and without a front roll, and I decided I don't like the weight on my front-end. It makes handling slower, which is an issue on singletracks. Does having the weight lower on the fork legs feel different than high on the bars? Why didn't you use the SFMs on the CTR?
Correct, I didn't carry anything upfront on the 2024 CTR. I used an SFM on the 2023 CTR and AZT300... worked fine, having the weight low does not affect handling in any noticeable/negative way for me. I didn't use SFM this year on CTR because I wanted a didn't need the water bottle, wanted a completely clean and light front end for lifting up and over rocks during HAB, nothing to rattle around on techy descents, etc... I chat more about it in the FAQ video - ride on! th-cam.com/video/Nsfg4y4oOdI/w-d-xo.html
@@DirtyTeethMTB thanks for sharing your experience! On a side note, I am too a big fan of the Forkaster Gen 1 at 2,35". Simply put, the best XC front ever made. I'm not sure why Maxxis made it so heavy in gen 2. They should totally bring it back as "Forekaster Race" 🙂
@@zvikico I agree 100%
Tailfin is definetly a good but premium product. Plenty of option out there to to the job but if you want spend money and have a uniform kit, prob a great option
I still think the diy hose clamp option is best bang for buck…
@@DirtyTeethMTB agreed
Your Furr Baby was not entertained at all 😅
🤣🤣 nope, not one bit :)
This kinda looks like a bougie version of the Topeak one
Thanks for watching and commenting
They are the 'Dogs' as are all Tailfin products...
Thanks for watching and commenting 🤙