Oxford Tank N Tailer First Time Luggage Review

By Sharon Parker

Review Date August 2014

I already own panniers for my bike but have been looking for something a bit smaller for everyday use. I fancied the idea of a tail pack but with my seat on my bike being a pain to lock back into place once removed I was reluctant to get anything that would require removal of my seat.

Eventually I spy something that looks perfect for me. The Oxford Tank N Tailer is a tank bag and tail pack combined. To convert it to a tail pack no additional base kit is required and it is secured onto the bike by using its own attached bungees. This bag really appealed to me as not only did I get to fit it with bungees so no need to remove my seat but if I ever needed additional load space I could also use it as a tank bag. So without further ado I purchased one.

Oxford Tank N Tailer - Compact and easy to fit

They retail on average about £50 but if you look around you can pick them up from £35 on Ebay.

With a capacity of 18 litres this little bag is not for carrying a big load. But is is perfect for day to day items and a extra bit of storage if travelling. The first time I fitted it to the bike I did find it a wee  bit difficult to stretch the bungees onto the bike. I also had my panniers fitted to the bike at the time so had to fiddle about getting the bungees underneath the panniers, so this made the job  that bit more awkward. However I soon got the hang of it and within a couple of goes I could then fit the bag onto the bike with or without panniers quickly and easily.

The bag has two side pockets for quick access items and comes with a carry handle and detachable strap. Unlike the Oxford panniers the included rain cover goes completely over the top of the bag so the rain cover works effectively in keeping everything inside nice and dry. It passed the test of torrential Scotland rain during a thunderstorm.

Plastic top for map storage

The model I bought OXFOL425 comes with different colour swatches that you can insert into the sides of the bag to customise it to the colour scheme of your bike. The top of the bag is clear plastic so great for map storage.

As with any luggage I put on my bike I always place runner matting underneath the bags to protect the bike's paint work. I have used the bag for only one holiday as yet and only as a tail bag. I have not yet tried it as a tank bag. So I will have to give you update later on about that.  But first impressions is that this is a great bag. Easy and quick to get on and off the bike. Waterproof once it has its rain cover on. You get all this with the benefit of it being both a tank bag and tail bag combined in one nifty little bag.

Underneath the bag with its clever bungee system

Open the clip to reveal the next layer.

Unzip the next layer and behold the magnets to convert to a tank bag.

I am very happy I bought this bag. No complaints so far from me just one happy biker.

Rating 10 out of 10 
As a tail pack only as tank bag option yet to be tested

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