It seems OMM and tailfin and the go to racks when it comes to rear rack bikepacking options with no actual mounting options. I run a full suspension AND a dropper post (so I'm specifically interested in those experiences). I'm sold on racks for bikepacking on a mountain bike, enough that I want to switch over to a rear rack when I'm doing gravel bike trips.
I am currently running the OMM elkhorn. It's good, not great. I don't like that it's a bit of a pain to install/uninstall on the bike. And if you want to use it on a different bike, you need to get another fit kit ($80). I also don't love that it mounts to the skinny carbob seat stays of my bike (unlike the tailfin that connects to the seat tube).
What I do like is that the rack runs pretty far back, so I can freely use my dropper and full travel without issue. It kind of looks like the tailfin is a bit further forward, so not sure if that would be an issue? The rack makes the suspension feel lackluster, but that will probably be the case with any rack + weight (although Im interested if there is an improvement with the tailfin having that pivot off the seat tube).
That's a lot of rambling to say, does anyone have any real world experience with both of these? I already own the OMM, but if it is going to make switching between bikes better, better trail experience, and a universal fit, I'm willing to sell it and pay for the tailfin. Pics for attention!
by map274
4 Comments
If you go for the tailfin, the weight will still be anchored to your axle, so it’ll basically feel the same in terms of suspension sluggishness and unsprung weight. I see them as relatively equal (weight/price being a difference), but I only have an oldmanmountain and have not put it on a full suspension (although I have put it through some real hardtail mtb abuse)
The new Ortleib racks will also work, they were announced at Eurobike for 2025.
https://bikerumor.com/ortlieb-new-2025-line-of-products/
OP, i use the Elkhorn on my hardtail, but put a Salsa seat collar on with rack mounts. This allows it to mount like the Tailfin does with just a $30 upgrade.
That said, would a Tailfin (or my seat collar solution) even work with full suspension? I think you’d need movement between the rear swingarm and the seat post or collar…
Also my riding buddy runs the Tailfin and loves the integrated bag. My only complaint about the OMM is the short deck. I’d love about 4 more inches toward the back. I’ve even suggested it to them as an aftermarket purchase, since all the parts are just bolted together.
Edit: just read that the Tailfin has a pivot, missed that first time around. That would be an argument for the Tailfin for sure.
Thule pack n pedal if its an aluminium bike https://www.pushys.com.au/thule-100090-pack-n-pedal-xt-tour-rack.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADzNv7eQqC3XkeDXQtD-0sGTvJQ_M&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImcj_7se5iAMVNaNmAh0uWTF8EAQYASABEgKhOvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds