Originally Posted by
Jonahhobbes
I tried panniers for about 6 months last winter, I hated them I think having them just gave me the reason to fill them up with tools and stuff I would never use. The weight on the back of the bike was astonomical and it cut down my handling big time; also carrying the mountain bike, complete with large 12v battery, (strappped to the frame), and the panniers was really heavy.
Backpacks are not ideal either and I will switch to a smaller cycling backpack again soon, as the one I have is massive, (40litres), and cuts out the vision if not properly packed from my mirror.
I can live with the sweaty back as I shower at work and when I get home and I can carrying up to 10kg without noticing it on my back, its when you pick up some groceries and get over 15kg it starts to become problematic, but by the time I hit the supermarket I usually only have 5 miles or so to go.
The panniers I bought were old and and second hand I had to figure out away to attach it to the stem, so I'm wondering if smaller more modern panniers might work but I'm in no real hurry to find out.
Wow that is really true! I love using my backpack for running around town. Getting small things like toothpaste, shampoo, or just my laptop and lunch to work. But when it comes to going grocery shopping it really blows. Light loads are very manageable, you might get a sore back for a while due you those muscles getting stronger but that will go away. Over loading though just ruins it all. Too much weight flopping around. I find my self concentrating more on keeping the food in check rather than anything else.