Originally Posted by
astroman
thanks for the feedback. so, i guess my fantasy of a carrying system that has no impact on handling and bike feel is just that - a fantasy. maybe i'll get used to having something dangling from my bike in a few more months...i must admit that the first time i tried the saddlebag it really sucked and i promptly took it off, and have been off and on with it on each bike trying for a nice solution over the last while. oddly, a solution might be an IGH for the singlespeed since carrying stuff on that feels best! or, gearing down from 50/18 to something more moderate.
for the DL and Intherain who ride with saddlebags do you have very stout frames, and which carradice do you favour?
You will adapt. When you first try riding a fully loaded bike (front and rear panniers, handlebar bag, tent, sleeping bag, etc., etc.) in the 65-85 lb range, it's a bit of a chore. When you adapt to it, it's nothing at all and you have the peace of mind, knowing that someone not used to riding with a load like that, doesn't have a chance in hell of being able to ride off with the bike.