Originally Posted by
TacomaSailor
I've never ridden with that much weight above the top tube - what is it like to carry 25 pounds (spread front and rear) above the top tube?
Maybe we are thinking about different kinds of roads - but I'm not sure I'd want that much weight up that high while descending 8%/3 mile grades at 30 mph.
Is it common in touring, even lightweight touring, to carry weight that high?
Just asking 'cause I've never used anything but panniers.
The bike handles well and I do a lot of my climbing out of the saddle. At low speed over rough stuff you notice the weight and it is a bit tippy when you go to get on it, but you get used to that and don't throw it over quite as much when you go to get your leg over the saddle.
Some people will use a couple of small front or rear panniers instead of the saddlebag. I use the saddlebag because that's what I did as a teenager and I like that it requires no eyelets.