Luggage by Chicken (BXB) Tail Seize Evaluation

compose Miles Arbour
time Dec 14, 2022
remark 3

Perhaps it’s the intense new store or one thing within the desert air, however Tucson, Arizona-based bag maker Luggage by Chicken (BXB) has had a productive previous few years. It’s laborious to consider proprietor/operator Jay has solely been in enterprise for about 4 years now, particularly contemplating the younger model is already chargeable for a few of our favorite bikepacking baggage. What began with the favored Teardrop handlebar/saddle bag has advanced to incorporate body baggage, a wide range of different lengthy flap-style bar baggage, and my beloved Piccolo brief flap bag, which snagged a spot in my 2021 Editor’s Dozen gear picks final 12 months.

BXB appears to have discovered a candy spot in relation to in-stock baggage and made-to-order wait instances, whereas nonetheless discovering time to design and develop new merchandise. They got here out with the Higher Half Framebag in 2020, the Piccolo Brief Flap in 2021, the Bernie Bar Bag this summer time, and the brand new Lil’ Tail Seize and Large Tail Seize handlebar baggage this fall. Every part BXB releases is exclusive, thoughtfully designed, and exceptionally well-made, so once I had the chance to take a more in-depth take a look at the brand new Tail Seize baggage, I jumped on it.

The BXB Lil’ Tail Seize was first out the door, taking design cues from their Bernie Bar Bag however incorporating a rider-facing opening for faster entry. It’s a easy bag with a single exterior stretchy pocket out entrance and a single foremost compartment. The Large Tail Seize was launched a few month later and is the bigger sibling of the 2, providing barely over double the capability, two facet pockets, and a further entrance pocket with a bungee/hook closure.

BXB despatched over a coyote X-Pac Lil’ Tail Seize and a customized Purple X84 X-Pac/Marigold X50 X-Pac Large Tail Seize so I might take a more in-depth look. With temperatures dropping and precipitation at a max right here within the Pacific Northwest, each baggage have been semi-permanently connected to our bikes for the final couple of months. Discover my ideas on each beneath.

BXB Lil’ Tail Seize

The BXB Lil’ Tail Seize is a small handlebar bag with a rando-style flap that opens towards the rider. The lid secures across the again of the stem or stem bolts utilizing a bit of adjustable stretchy twine, making it simply accessible whereas on the bike, even with one hand. Whereas it’s about the identical dimension as their Bernie Bar Bag, the design of the Lil’ Tail Seize covers the center of the handlebar, making it much less splendid for individuals who have lights or bike computer systems mounted close to the stem. Whereas this design is likely to be a deal breaker for some, I’ve discovered that the flap opening gives strong climate safety and stability for the setup.

Like their different baggage, the Lil’ Tail Seize has a number of Hypalon strap factors on the handlebars, again, and backside of the bag. It attaches to the bar utilizing two Voile Nano Straps with non-obligatory foam spacers and across the headtube utilizing a stretchy twine. Between these and the inflexible physique liner, the bag stays in place and holds its form irrespective of how a lot you stuff inside. The Lil’ Tail Seize is clear and easy with only a single extra stretch pocket created from a technical nylon/Extremely PE ripstop materials—one of many lightest, most sturdy stretchy mesh materials on the market.

At simply 3L, the Lil’ Tail Seize probably received’t be changing any larger-capacity baggage for bikepacking, however it’s definitely a slick choice for on a regular basis use and massive day rides. It’s barely bigger feeling than your customary burrito bag and far simpler to entry and stuff an additional layer into as a consequence of its distinctive closure. With the addition of a padded insert, it could make a fantastic choice for carrying a small mirrorless or point-and-shoot digital camera, and having the stretch pocket out entrance is nice for multi-tools, snacks, or rubbish.

BXB says about 7″ of clearance is required between the handlebar and entrance tire when foam spacers are getting used, which is beneficial. For stems with out bolts, BXB suggests utilizing a big zip-tie or Voile Nano strap wrapped across the stem column to offer a spot for the stretchy twine to loop onto. With this in thoughts, I’ve discovered the Tail Seize works higher with no high tube bag in place, as it will probably make accessing the stretchy loop fairly awkward.

• Capability: 3L
• Materials (as examined): Coyote X-Pac X50
• Weight: 226 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Arizona, USA
• Value: $105 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: BagsxBird.com

BXB Large Tail Seize

Whereas nonetheless on the smaller finish of most high opening handlebar baggage, the BXB Large Tail Seize is over double the dimensions of the Lil’ Tail Seize. At 6.5L, it’s not fairly as huge as your customary handlebar roll/bag for loaded bikepacking, however for light-weight overnighters or ultralight bring-only-the-essentials sort of rides, it might work.

The Large Tail Seize shares an analogous total design as its smaller sibling, however there are a number of key variations. First, the handlebar attachment factors are bolstered with a wood dowel, similar to their bigger baggage. This provides extra rigidity and stability to the bag, whereas making it higher suited to heavier hundreds. On the exterior, the stretch mesh entrance pocket is changed with a flap lid and bungee/hook closure, impressed by their Higher Half Framebag. The lid will be opened and closed with one hand and supplies correct safety from the weather, not like the mesh pocket. There are two extra stretch mesh pockets on either side of the bag which are good for stuffing a multi-tool, snacks, or perhaps a small digital camera. The stretchy material BXB is utilizing for these pockets feels technical and sturdy and appears to be holding up nice after some use. If all that isn’t sufficient, there’s a bit of shock twine alongside the highest of the principle lid for lashing down a lightweight layer or spare gloves.

At 10.5″ broad, the principle flap closures eats up a major quantity of handlebar actual property. Even for people operating broad bars, you’re solely left with a number of inches on both facet for mounting lights or GPS units. Once more, for commuting and day rides, it’s most likely not that huge of a deal, however it is likely to be an element to think about for loaded journeys. I’ve discovered each baggage eat up much less of the cockpit space when paired with an extended stem, permitting the bag to rotate additional below the handlebar, creating much less overlap on high. In my eyes, each baggage arrange higher with stems which are at the least 70mm lengthy, however they’ll nonetheless work with brief trendy mountain bike stems.

Just like the Lil’ Tail Seize, the Large Tail Seize is designed to be run with no rack or supporting system. Because it’s larger, BXB recommends at the least 9.5″ of clearance between the underside of the handlebar and the entrance tire. Additionally they embrace a number of foam spacers and a set of Voile Nano Straps for a clear setup. My solely actual criticism could be the shortage of inside padding to accompany the laborious plastic liner, which supplies construction however not a lot in the way in which of safety for delicate electronics or cameras. Because the fast entry, rider-facing opening, and dimension all make sense for hauling a small digital camera, it could be actually cool to see BXB provide some non-obligatory padded liners in some unspecified time in the future.

• Capability: 6.5L
• Materials (as examined): Purple X84 X-Pac/Marigold X50
• Weight: 453 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Arizona, USA
• Value: $160 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: BagsxBird.com

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