Originally Posted by
bikemig
How did you like the handling of the bike? You had most of the weight centered over the front wheel which is a bit unusual. Is there a reason why you chose not to use rear panniers? I've been thinking of using a carradice camper in the rear and front panniers on low riders. I like how the bike handles with low riders and the camper is roughly the weight of a rear rack so it's a decent trade off weight wise. I've been thinking of getting an enlightened equiprment quilt as well.
I'm thinking about doing a cross country or at least a ride from the west coast home to Des Moines.
I'll butt in and say that loading over the front wheel is extremely
under-rated. I carried a tent, sleeping bag, and gear like that for a 3 day trip, and would do it for a 7 day, month long, or cross country trip. With a low trail setup, and loaded down in the front, you can stand and climb without the "tail wagging the dog" that you get when loaded in the back.
8 out of 10 of these bikes are headed out with low trail on a trip last year. Some of the riders mounted their lightweight, bulky sleeping pad in the back. I put a 3 lb tent in the back of mine (middle of the picture with khaki panniers)
