Originally Posted by
TiHabanero
What is the thinking behind running only front panniers and a standard saddle bag? Why not mount the panniers on the rear and out of the wind?
Back in the olde days..there was a theory that low rider front panniers were more aerodynamic because they created an area of less turbulence behind them for the pedals to rotate. Some people are still promoting the concept.
My mind rolled back 20 years to the forgotten, but still significant ZZipper Tailwind Panniers from 1982. These panniers, wind tunnel designed and proven, made your bike up to 7% faster through the wind than a bike without panniers. ANGLETECH, with the blessing of Glen Brown and Karl Abbe reintroduce these very modern and ultimate panniers as the ANGLETECH TECHWIND™ system.The basic philosophy of the system is:An aerodynamic shape that reduces the drag of your bike by 7%. ANGLETECH TECHWIND’S™ maintain their shape whether full or empty, always delivering the speed and good looks. The rear of the ANGLETECH TECHWIND’S™ are square profile to catch those tailwinds and blow you down the road.
I don't know if this is proven to work, I suspect not, and I have no association with this product and make no recommendations.
If you don't have tons of gear, low riders up front and a saddlebag allow you to balance the load between front and rear and the keep the front load low which is more stable.
I have toured that way and liked it, but I usually have more stuff so prefer front and rear panniers.