Originally Posted by
tandemania2
I'd go with the rack. I have a faired bike. I don't think the fairing helps that much unless you reach speeds of 18+mph. My commute involves city streets and intersections. That means lots of stops and starts. I never reach speeds that would take advantage of the fairing. Your commute may be different, of course.
I don't know how effective the fairing may be on the Vrex.
I think the fairing effectiveness starts to kick in at around
15-16 mph for my Tour Easy.
Remember that it's the combined air speed that determines
how effective a fairing may be. Around where I live, 15-20mph
winds are not uncommon. Even at only 10 mph bike speed,
with a 5-6 mph headwind I feel the difference with the fairing
on my Tour Easy. The fairing is always on my bike.
I have an underseat rack on my Tour Easy when I am touring.
It is much better than rear rack mounted panniers for carrying
loads. I have a rear rack that stays on the bike all the time,
but I generally use it only for light items on top.
Iy you regularly carry moderate to heavy items in panniers,
then the underseat rack is probably a big win in terms of
imporved handling.
Jon