Originally Posted by
staehpj1
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.
Bingo. One of my options is to put my panniers on front, and hang one of the trunk bag/pannier combos on teh back. Still minimal weight, plus balance, plus it meets the 60-40 tenet of the Blackburn 'study' (in quotes because it is not scientific, but more experiential). The problem is, as slovenly and badly evolved humans, we tend to fill all available space. That is an axiom of backpacking, traveling with your wife, and (I assume) touring as well. So get the stuff you need, and only teh stuff you need, into the smallest practicable space.
In backpacking, you go after the lightest weight..... OR, just take what you want and train for it. And be prepared to carry it. Having backpacked with up to 55 lbs, I can sincerely say I am in the former camp.