Originally Posted by
thbirks
Weight: 13.5#
capacity: 70#
5700+ cubic inches
cost: $289 msrp
Jannd setup from Jandd.com; expedition rear rack, front lowrider rack, pair of mountain panniers, pair of mini mountain panniers
total Weight: 4972 grams or 10.9#
Capacity: racks rated at 75# (50# rear and 25# front)
6276 cubic inches
Total price: $322
I think the biggest disadvantage of a trailer is that it has so much capacity that just cries out to be filled with stuff. So you end up taking more stuff than you need to be comfortable and haul too much weight to really enjoy the cycling. So given a choice between a trailer and panniers I'd pick the panniers. However, panniers are themselves very heavy and find most setups restrict me from getting out of the saddle on climbs so I go with a saddlebag and a small handlebar bag and simply strap my tent and sleeping pad to the racks. My bags weigh less than 2lbs.