Originally Posted by Jeprox
Would this make sense?
If the weight was on me, say, my backpack, and I was going uphill, I stand on the pedals, all this weight pushes down on the pedals aids me on my climb.
If the weight was on the bike, say panniers, and I was going uphill, I stand on the pedals, I will have a harder time propelling the bike uphill.
Agree?
Disagree. If the weight is on you, theoretically it could help w/ your downstroke, hurts w/ your upstroke. Not an issue, I guess, w/ platform pedals. If the weight is on the bike, it's consistent going up hill, and downhill.
Personally I think weight on panniers is better for standing out of the saddle, 'cause it lowers your bike's center of gravity.
It's possible that weight location vanishes next to the aerodynamic effect of bag shape/volume, but that might only matter >20 mph, not likely an issue when climbing.