Originally Posted by
Walter S
My rule of thumb is to load the front end - but not too much. Putting weight up front somehow makes it easier to carry. But if I overdo it the front end gets shaky or wobbly at low speed. It can be difficult to control on a steep hill in a slow gear.
+1. Also, I think a handlebar bag is no place to put 5kg; too much weight, too high up. I used mine for light items. However, I saw some FastBikingGirls who each had one Ortleib pannier on one side of the rear: they shared a pair. They didn't seem to have a problem. My riding companion had large panniers on the rear, a rack trunk bag on the front and had no problem. I used 4 medium sized panniers (Seattle Sports Fast Pack), 750 cubic inches each and also a rack trunk bag on the rear rack. I like a balanced bike.