General Cycling Discussion - How much do bags slow you down?

So I've added a handlebar bag and one pannier for an upcoming ride. How much slower do you think I will go if I exert the same amount of energy? Are we talking one mph or several?

The extra 10 pounds you'll be hauling in those bags will have much more effect than the aerodynamic drag these bags will create.

So, that said....how much slower does that extra weight make you assuming you exert the same force?

If you need to take the stuff with you, does it matter?

When I switched from a backpack to panniers, I don't know if I was slower or faster...but I FELT faster, simply because I wasn't holding so much weight on my back. If the aerodynamic drag slowed me down in actuality, I don't really care.

So, that said....how much slower does that extra weight make you assuming you exert the same force?

Do 20 miles unloaded, then 20 miles loaded...then you will have your answer...for 20 miles.

You won't notice it as much as you'd think, but loaded down the hills are going to be longer and tougher; 20 miles, you'll loose a few minutes, not many.

lose at any rate.

The weight will slow you down going up hills. The aero issue will slow you down on windy days.
How much? Don't know.

However, I tend to average 15-17 mph on my 28 miles into work. Last week I decided to haul all my clothing in for two weeks using a set of panniers. My average dropped to 14 mph on a non windy day. I really don't think it hurts much around here. I just prefer to have less carrying capacity so I do not have the desire to haul everything in and back each day. Perhaps it is good for training?

A ton. thats what it feels like for me. I always have panniers and a trunk on and fill them with everything from a rain coat to 2 cases of beer. When I take them off I accelerate to 20 faster than the cars and can keep the speed up for miles. That said I don't think it really affects me that much, mainly acceleration and when you get above 25 it feels like someone is pulling you back the wind is so strong. I wouldn't let that stop you though. You do get used to it, and then when you pull them off its like a swimmer training with tights on.

Just tell yourself the extra weight is making you stronger.

I've found that an unloaded pannier DOES make me significantly slower. It'll take my average from 17+ at city cruising speed to 15.5 by a rough estimate. I find it odd, but it's measureable.

I"ve got a huge handlebar bag and a trunk bag with drop down panniers. I lose between 2-4 mph on the flats depending on my energy level and wind. It's most noticable on the hills for sure.

Why would a handlebar bag slow you down anymore than having your body on the bike? Just the weight i would imagine not the bag itself.

Yeah, mostly the weight. I imagine there is some anti-aerodynamic effect, but I don't go fast enough for it to be too much of an effect anyway. The handling on the other hand, is effected quite a bit.

As long as you add 5-10 pounds everytime you ride the handling won't bother you. If you have to have them you have to have them, and you don't want to try a back pack, unless that is in addition to the four panniers. It isn't horrible till you get crazy head wind or are going above 25, which is seldom. PLUS if you get a tail wind it'll help.