Originally Posted by
intransit1217
I wonder how pacelining with panniers works aero-wise.
It works fine. My wife and I trade off regularly when riding into a headwind for long periods. However, she does not cast a very big wind shadow
Where it gets tough with front panniers is in a quartering cross wind. It acts as a headwind and coming a little from the side more pannier surface area is exposed. Depending on the wind's velocity, even a wind from 90 degrees can have an effect.
The disadvantage of drafting is that it takes concentration and you can't look at the scenery. My last attention lapse while drafting cost me 24 stitches when I touched her rear wheel with my front wheel. The person in the rear is the one who usually goes down.