Originally Posted by esrevernitlepS
If you take a 160-lb rider, and put him on a 30-lb bike, is that the same as putting a 170-lb rider on a 20-lb bike?
I ask because I'm wondering if it's better to put equipment in a bag, or on the bike itself.
The lighter the bike- the better it will ride uphills or on the flat. Subject to being better made and set up.
Taking it that you are talking about carrying a 10lbs weight of tools or spares about. For comfort I would try to put it on the bike, but this affects the handling of the bike. I carry around 10lbs (Tools,spares, food and clothing)in a top bag on a pannier on my long rides. This does make the centre of gravity higher and the bike loses some of its stability. Then again 10lbs in a back pack may not affect stability, but on a long ride it would make my back ache.Bum bags I do not like- frame bags are better but you cannot get 10lbs in them.
Back pack or bike- Take your pick- neither are good, but sometimes necessary.