Tailfin Pannier Rack Chiner Version?

[CycOps]

Is there a reliable chiner version of the Tailfin Pannier Rack or something similar? I was browsing AliX but wasn't getting any results.
Thank you and Best Regards CycOps

[hubba]

I've been searching for similar rack too but ended up buying the Ortlieb quick rack and their thru axle. I guess there's not enough demand for them so no point making cheaper copies.

[TonyM]

maybe as an alternative

https://a.aliexpress.com/_msdOUvB

[Tijoe]

I have never seen a "Bikepacking" suitable rack for sale through Aliexpress.   

[alfiomotrambo]

You got something like this https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005007100058126.html, wich is te most ordered one, but i dont know if it's suitable for bikepacking

[Scott902]

Topeak has a new Zi:rak but I havent seen it for sale anywhere yet

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/439-Zi:RAK-Series

[vietmunki]

When I looked into this a few months ago I think the consensus was that manufacturers dont have any interest in making these. I cant wrap my head around this because i think the demand would be so high. I'd assume the majority of us would be interested in getting one if the price is right.

[Tijoe]

You got something like this https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005007100058126.html, wich is te most ordered one, but i dont know if it's suitable for bikepacking

That design is a boat anchor!    When the frame I have been using on my bikepacking adventures weighs under 1KG,  using a rack that weighs 1,1kg seems rediculous to me.

[Tijoe]

I believe that in the last thread, or another forum, I commented that I built my own carbon fiber based rack.  It has held up for 2 sub-800K rides.  This iteration of my rack weighs in at 600 grams.

When I first started searching for a "universal rack" to fit my first bike camping adventures,  I didn't really know what would meet my requirement for the gear I would be carrying.   I am a firm believer of using a dropper post, so this pushed me away from using a large seat-post bag.

I started out my first few 2-week long bike camping adventures using a modified 30-year old blackBurn rack fitted with left, right and top panniers.   I learned to hate riding a bike that weighed around 60 pounds total, when I rode my first bikepacking BKT event. 

Over the past few years, I migrated to running dry-bags, with my tent on the front, below the bars, and a frame bag.  I have been able to reduce the weight down to around 46lbs, (food and water capacity = big weight variance. )

From my perspective,  every bike camping adventure I ride, seems to have different packing needs and weight, so I have self determined that no single "rack set-up" will ever meet a specific ride's requirements. 

I believe that most of the bikepacking rides in the US and Canada have been converging on around 800km or 500 miles, in order to accommodate riders who have at most a week to get out there and ride a "published route"  or participate in a mass start event.    It becomes a different ballgame for rides like the "Tour Divide".

Therefore, if you want to sell racks,  the market that Tailfin and other more application specific rack builders participate in is still a very small market.  (To me, Tailfin is too heavy, and costs too much, but is very durable.) I spent about $60 on off-the-shelf carbon fiber plates and tubing, spent some time on my mill machining the parts, added some epoxy and rivets, and put mine together.

My winter plans to build a few more experimental racks has been delayed because my next order of carbon plates and tubes was lost and refunded, and to place the same 11-11 order is costing an additional $50 over what I originally paid, and I can't get an of the current coupons to work with my next order.  (venting) 

[CycOps]

Hi Tijoe, would you mind to share some pics of your self build carbon rack? Having some experience in composite boat building, I'm thinking of building a carbon rack myself for quite a while, but never really gave it a go.

[sh]

Hi Tijoe, would you mind to share some pics of your self build carbon rack? Having some experience in composite boat building, I'm thinking of building a carbon rack myself for quite a while, but never really gave it a go.

Same here. My biggest sticking point are the tailfin-specific thruaxles. There isn't really much stopping me from machining custom thru axles other than having to give up a hex socket for less than elegant wrench flats :/

[TonyM]

The Tailfin replacement of the original thru axle is complicated imho.
You could just have a rod inside the thru axle.

[Tijoe]

Hi Tijoe, would you mind to share some pics of your self build carbon rack? Having some experience in composite boat building, I'm thinking of building a carbon rack myself for quite a while, but never really gave it a go.

Here is a pic of my first generation carbon based rack.   My first build used aluminum machined side supports from a modified OEM Aluminum rack that kept breaking. The side rails have since been replaced with carbon fiber based side supports that are lighter and stronger. For now I don't want to show pics of the side supports because they have some unique features and I need to load them up more on some longer trips to see if they survive.

I am using an Old Man Mountain thru axle.  They are easy to use and almost affordable.

[CycOps]

Thank you for sharing @Tijoe!
@sh - there are several thru axles on the market that have rack mounting options, search for Old Man Fit Kit, Ortlieb Thru axle M6 connector.

To all of you a happy new year!
Cheers from snowy Berlin
CycOps

[cyruscycles]

I've been considering building my own as well with carbon tubes, wax, and pre preg UD strips to join the tubes together. I'll post on the forum if I end up going this route. Doesn't seem too hard