Originally Posted by
cyccommute
The other problem with your panniers is that large panniers encourage you to carry more stuff. More stuff moved behind the axle results in more tail wagging. Although you are a bit committed at this point, a larger front bag would be helpful in your situation to help with handling. As it is load the small heavy stuff you might carry into the front bags and keep the rear for light bulky stuff. You might also want to consider a front deck so that you can carry the tent up there to even out the load.
The tent and rear bags with everything the have in them is 18 lbs. I have roughly 10 up front depending on what food is packed up there. I may add a rack up front to hold some more weight up front. I still have to do a test run but the little bit in my yard is world's better that my fuji. Everything is light enough that the bike isn't too cumbersome