Sportsman9
06-20-07, 01:17 AM
Is there an advantage ergonomically or physically, to having a given amount of weight carried in a front basket versus a rear rack?
Hybrid bike with suspension.
Hybrid bike with suspension.
Recreational & Family - Weight distribution
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HardyWeinberg
06-20-07, 01:49 PM
How much weight?
Sportsman9
06-20-07, 09:24 PM
A pretty full backpack with miscellaneous items in it. I'm asking because I find the front basket more convenient, but wonder if weight over the front wheel is a good idea. I'm buying a new bike soon and will probably go with one of the 2 add-ons.
mirage1
06-21-07, 01:57 AM
Is there an advantage ergonomically or physically, to having a given amount of weight carried in a front basket versus a rear rack?
Hybrid bike with suspension.It seems like I read somewhere (and it made sense, or I wouldn't have remembered it!) that weigh on a rack is preferable, if there's a choice. If it's on a front basket, it'll affect your steering and handling.
Hybrid bike with suspension.It seems like I read somewhere (and it made sense, or I wouldn't have remembered it!) that weigh on a rack is preferable, if there's a choice. If it's on a front basket, it'll affect your steering and handling.
andymac
06-21-07, 03:49 PM
Weight up high on the front of a bike (in my experience) does wreak havoc with the bike handling. When you go to execute a turn, particularily a low speed one, the bike will fairly abruptly drop to the side. At higher speeds it is much more predictable. If the weight is carried lower down in the front in panniers it has much less impact.
Wearing a backpack (I have been using a pack on my 35 mile round trip commute for years) or using a rear rack, puts a lot of your weight over the back wheel. This has little impact on the bike handling but is much harder on the rear wheel. If you are not that big in the first place this will not likely be a problem.
Probably the best set up would be to split the weight front and rear, with the weight as low as possible.
Wearing a backpack (I have been using a pack on my 35 mile round trip commute for years) or using a rear rack, puts a lot of your weight over the back wheel. This has little impact on the bike handling but is much harder on the rear wheel. If you are not that big in the first place this will not likely be a problem.
Probably the best set up would be to split the weight front and rear, with the weight as low as possible.
masiman
06-21-07, 04:21 PM
Weight up high on the front of a bike (in my experience) does wreak havoc with the bike handling. When you go to execute a turn, particularily a low speed one, the bike will fairly abruptly drop to the side. At higher speeds it is much more predictable. If the weight is carried lower down in the front in panniers it has much less impact.
Wearing a backpack (I have been using a pack on my 35 mile round trip commute for years) or using a rear rack, puts a lot of your weight over the back wheel. This has little impact on the bike handling but is much harder on the rear wheel. If you are not that big in the first place this will not likely be a problem.
Probably the best set up would be to split the weight front and rear, with the weight as low as possible.
+1
If you need a handlebar bag keep it light. Otherwise, keep it close to the axles.
Wearing a backpack (I have been using a pack on my 35 mile round trip commute for years) or using a rear rack, puts a lot of your weight over the back wheel. This has little impact on the bike handling but is much harder on the rear wheel. If you are not that big in the first place this will not likely be a problem.
Probably the best set up would be to split the weight front and rear, with the weight as low as possible.
+1
If you need a handlebar bag keep it light. Otherwise, keep it close to the axles.