P5150111 by Matt Gholson, on Flickr

That was my setup last year. I was planning on installing my front rack on the nashbar touring this year, but having second thoughts. As you can see those rear bags are really packed and stick out alot. I was really surprised by how slow I was on the flats and how wide my bike looked from the rear.

I'll have a similar load so I know I can take it all on the rear rack, but maybe with the sacks cinched up tighter and less wide I'd be better off.

Also second question. Me and a friend are driving to our starting point and making a big loop, any good suggestions where to leave the car?