On the comparatively unassuming orange alloy Mason Bokeh of ultra-distance racer Josh Ibbet at Traka over the weekend, we noticed a complete vary of Tailfin & Hunt prototypes. Most stunning was in all probability the Tailfin R&D Division rackless saddle bag, an enormous shift from their iconic rear aero pack & rack answer. However simply as attention-grabbing was a brand new Tailfin cage mounting answer and a tweaked toptube bag design. Plus, Josh raced Traka on a barely up to date pair of aero carbon Hunt wheels, tweaked for journey racers…
Tailfin R&D Division prototype rackless bikepacking saddlebag
This prototype saddle pack appears fairly comparable in format to many rackless bikepacking saddlebags we’ve seen from a number of completely different producers. After all, Tailfin is most recognized for his or her gentle & aero pannier racks that connect to your rear axle and seatpost for stability. However for using with much less gear, typically these racks might be overkill. And so it appears like Tailfin is growing an ultralight answer for these circumstances.
Labeled as a Tailfin R&D Division prototype, this simplified saddle pack incorporates a thicker, extra structured black cloth for the decrease portion of the bag that contacts the saddle and seatpost. After which, the higher portion of the bag seems to be a a lot thinner, lighter, and perhaps even translucent ripstop.
Attachment to the bike takes cues from Tailfins present toptube or on-frame luggage. Structured, rubberized ft sit between the bag, seatpost, and seatpost rails, offering a stable level to safe the baggage with Tailfin’s stretchy TPU (Voile-like) straps.
One longer strap secured the bag to Josh’s saddle rails, permitting him to cinch down the most probably gentle and puffy further clothes he would have been carrying inside in case of fixing climate situations throughout longer ultra-distance racing.
Past the fabric itself, the prototype saddle pack makes use of a traditional rolltop format for adjustable quantity. And it options an attachment loop on prime, presumably to both safe a taillight when totally rolled down, or to connect some light-weight gear to the highest of the bag.
Tailfin prototype cage mount & up to date toptube bag
Along with the R&D Division ultralight saddle pack, his Mason Bokeh additionally had an additional bottle cage put in on prime of the toptube, simply in entrance of the seatpost. The Bokeh already matches 2 full-size bottles inside the principle triangle with a partial body bag put in, and may run an extra cage underneath the downtube. However with the specter of sizzling and muddy situations looming, including an additional bottle on prime of the toptube behind the rider’s legs meant easy-access to water, and certain a cleaner bottle cap, too.
The prototype Tailfin cage mount appears to be 2 items – a major plastic physique on prime of a rubber foot that adapts to the body tube form for max grip & stability. Then a pair extra of Tailfin’s sturdy TPU straps safe it in place.
There are a number of strap slots obtainable. And Josh manages to share the forward-most slot along with his Tailfin partial body bag. Paired with a Wolf Tooth cage that gives loads of mounting holes, Josh was capable of place the cage virtually all the way in which towards his seatpost (with out it touching) and it held the full-size bottle securely over the tough Traka 200k gravel racecourse.
One final Tailfin R&D Division prototype is that this barely modified toptube bag. It appears to make use of the identical ultralight ripstop cloth as the highest of the prototype reckless saddle pack, as a substitute of the heavy-duty cloth of Tailfin’s customary luggage.
However what’s actually new right here is the addition of a wrap-around mesh exterior pocket not included on the usual present luggage. Particularly essential at a race just like the Traka the place racers have to jot down their race quantity on all of their trip diet, this appears like an answer to simply stash your trash whereas racing.
Hunt 40 Limitless Journey Gravel Aero wheelset
As for Josh’s new wheelset, he was racing Traka on a soon-to-be-released set of Hunt 40 Limitless Journey Gravel Aero wheels.
There’s not any actual revolutionary tech right here, however it’s a brand new match of Hunt’s quickest aerodynamic carbon gravel rim, with a extra strong construct tailor-made in the direction of bikepacking and journey racing.
The large change with the Hunt Journey naming is a transfer to conventional J-bend spokes for simpler serviceability and better doable rider+bike+gear system hundreds, particularly essential at extremely races far off the crushed observe.
And paired with that, the rear wheel now steps up from 24 to twenty-eight spokes with new rim drilling, constructed more durable for heavier riders, but additionally for the extra rearward weight steadiness usually seen with loaded down bikepacking setups.
Altogether, the Hunt 40 Limitless Journey Gravel Aero wheelset will in all probability solely add round 100g to the wheelset weight, however must be more durable and extra well-suited for journey racing duties.