Originally Posted by
HobbesOnTour
Good for you!!
Every time I get on my loaded bike it "feels" too heavy. then it "feels" normal. then I get on my MTB commuter and it feels as light as a feather!
What I'm suggesting is that before you start changing racks and panniers, start getting used to the bike loaded up. Pick quiet roads, places that are familiar. when you've done a few days of that and it still "feels" heavy, then start looking at alternatives.
I've no idea of the weight differences between the different racks and bags. Unless it's significant it seems more like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic - not saying that you're doomed
- just that it seems a little pointless? What's significant? Will a bottle of water exceed the difference? If yes, then it's not significant.
I've no idea if the dry-lites carry more. The advantage of rollers is that at the end of the day you can load up with shopping.
I use an Old Man Mountain platform rack on the front. It means the bags are carried higher than a low rider. I've no issue with that set-up except when going off road. The steering can be a little stiff and slows me down off-road. However, the higher clearance is very handy off-road! On regular surfaces it's not a problem.
"Old" Jandd racks? Are they damaged? Are you afraid of failure? In my basic experience, you'll see signs if a rack is going to fail. Paint wear, cracks forming etc. If they look good, the chances are, they probably are.
To be honest, I think you're suffering from a case of pre-tour jitters. they're a biatch!
On the one hand you're asking about losing weight, on the other if one pannier carries more than another.
Racks and bags would be the very last place I'd look to lose weight.
You haven't said where you are touring?
If it's in civilisation, I'd say set off as you are. If you find it's not working, just buy whatever will suit your needs on the way.
If you're going off-grid, then do a couple of shakedown rides first to test everything - packing list as well as bike/racks/panniers.
And 35 lbs??
I'd love to tour that light!
Don't worry - once you're on the road you'll wonder why you spent so much time stressing over all this!
To the fellow who asked the original question--this fellows comments are good ones, especially about how a loaded bike always feels weird at first for someone who hasnt ridden loaded before, and yes, after just a few days it becomes natural and you adapt.
You adapt your riding style, your slower speed, slower acceleration, longer braking--basically its a diff rhythm of riding and thats what it is.
Also, after a week or two, you gradually become stronger and you get used to the weight.
**IMPORTANT--for your first bunch of days, plan short distance days, like 50 or 60km, 30-40miles, and take your time. Listen to your body and dont overpush it, especially not for the first weeks, your knees and everything will appreciate it, not to mention your keester, hands etc.
AND DOWNSHIFT, DOWNSHIFT.
re load + bags weight. I also agree on looking at exactly how much weight you'll save.
and again, 35lbs is a perfectly fine load weight, in fact , a very good one that would be a good target, if its a bit more thats ok too.
re dry lites--I have an early pair, and while I cant account for the volume, do be aware that you have to be more careful with them, both from outside abrasions etc, and also from being careful of not having any pointy stuff inside them rubbing against the sides.
Also, they are a pain in the a to take on and off, which you would not want to do at the end of each day, it would get annoying. Bringing your panniers into your tent is important, from a safety issue, so the ortliebs have that advantage. Easy on easy off is a big plus, just like an easy putting up tent is a plus. On a long trip, we appreciate things going smoothly at the end of a riding day, getting tent set up, stuff inside, and off to the showers and washing your days bikes clothes right away so that they will dry in the sun as much as possible.