Originally Posted by
ypsetihw
Welp it's Friday night and I've had a couple beers, and instead of going out into the world to socialize like a normal adult, I turn to my old standby . . . bikeforums
I will try to frame this question quickly and then give a little more for those who are interested: why do people seem to prefer racks and panniers over trailers for light or even weighted touring?
I use a BOB almost daily. This last week it felt heavy on the way back from the grocery store. So I weighed it. Trailer+Load=72lbs. Paved roads without problems.
It it's just occasional, a good trailer costs less than good racks and bags. Carries at least as much, probably more than you need.
Straight ahead, down the road, aero effects are probably of no concern at touring speeds. Ft. bags are in the way, but not as much as YOU are. Rear bags are behind a pair of legs pumping pedals. They aren't in clean air so.....probably don't make much of a difference. I'd think that a trailer would be the same.
Crosswinds-----bags suck and trailers suck.