Originally Posted by
bikemig
It's funny. Two large bags on the rear, stuff strapped on the rack, and a handlebar bag was pretty much the norm before Jim Blackburn did a study showing how much better bikes handled with a low rider and front panniers.
Two things about that to factor in...
First, it is less and less true the lighter you go. It seemed pretty true to me when I carried 45 pounds, but not since I have gone a lot lighter. When you get to less than 15 pounds base weight where you carry it becomes pretty much a non issue with regard to handling.
Second, it is perfectly possible to use front panniers on a low rider rack with no rear panniers. I have found that works quite well using two small front panniers. Depending on how much gear you have you can put some on the back either on a light rack or just strapped under the saddle.