24 mile round trip commute here. I started with a backpack and liked that the bike was not encumbered and was lively to ride.
I sweat a LOT so I figure I'll be soaked no matter what. It does get old to have a drenched backpack stuck to you.
Heavier loads dig into the shoulders, heavier loads also take a tole on MY sit-bits as all the extra weight and pounding goes through the saddle.

Decided to give a proper rack and trunk with fold out panniers a try (hello fenders too). Like that the weight is off ME and I get a nice breeze to dry the sweat. Also got used to the bike weight and feel fine riding it but started sitting and spinning more to keep the bike steady. Now the out of saddle hard charges feel odd on my lighter roadie.

Now my commute is going to be 4 miles round trip starting August. I think I'll go back to a backpack or mess bag for the shorter ride. This'll get me back on a lightweight bike I can toss around and let me take off after work without my gear to hammer out some longer road miles and not be stuck on my heavy commuter.


Either way, glad i'll still get to enjoy riding a bike. May even change around my bike builds to usher in the new rides.