Originally Posted by
the sci guy
Maybe it's just because my load of clothes and shoes for the workday isn't heavy enough but I'm curious about what all this talk is about rear racks and loads making the bike harder to handle? I've never experienced this.
The best I can describe it, a front load is easier to control in the way its easier to push a wheelbarrow than it is to pull it, keeping in mind I'm talking about heavy loads and a frame mounted front rack. Heavy loads will always adversely effect a bikes handling, but with the right setup and bike, it will have less effect up front.
A heavy load on a fork or bar mounted carrier will also work well if the bike is designed for it, but most aren't. I have a porteur rack on my Ross MTB, and it works well up to about 15 lbs, but much more than that and it becomes awkward.