Originally Posted by
steedjerald
Ok here is the question. Same rider, bike, backpack, all the same and they ride same route, and weather/temp. And all identical but 1 trip the weight load is in backpack and the other trip the same load is attached to rack. Total weight both times are same just distributed different either on rider and bike is light or on bike and rider is light.
The weight doesn't matter although the aerodynamics do. Speed differences and a little back-of-the-envelope calculations suggested a 20% CdA increase from my one Arkel Commuter pannier.
That said it's MUCH more comfortable than a backpack and entirely worthwhile.
Out of the saddle the weight is more noticeable on the frame but you get used to that.