I have a set of Ortlieb panniers, but often find that I don't have enough stuff to fill more than one pannier.

Is it a bad idea to only fit a single pannier for balance reasons, or is this a reasonable option?

At what weight load is bike handling and stability noticeably affected?


Thanks!

John

If the pannier is at the rear (rack mounted), it won't make too much of a problem. Riding without hands on the bars will show bike steering to the loaded pannier side, but otherwise, it will be reasonably neutral.

Depends on the weight and what kind of rack you have.

I try to keep the weight below 10KG in my panniers.

I've noticed my (cheap, fairly weak) rack bending to one side, when only using one pannier.

I use 2 panniers to balance the weight better if I'm going to be carrying any significant weight.

On the back, not really a problem as far as I'm concerned. I've probably had 20 pounds in one pannier before. You just wind up leaning a little, usually not even enough to notice.

I've been commuting with one pannier for 25 years, with varying weights and no issues. It's an easy experiment to try. Just load up your pannier and see how it feels. You'll get the answer for yourself a lot faster than asking a bunch of strangers.

Once I thought I could detect a certain bias in the wear pattern of my rear tire. Presumably from only using one pannier. But since I hadn't noticed while JRA I opted to ignore it with determination instead.

Same here, years of commuting with one heavy pannier without any ill effects. Non issue.

That would be a good thing. My rear tires always wear out right down the center line. If a heavy pannier shifted the wear significantly to one side, I could alternate which side I hung a pannier on and double the life of the tire.

I once took a car battery home in one, 40-45 lbs? Crazy lean angle /handling for the 3 miles. My commuter just has one bag, 10-20 lbs no issues.

It's not a problem. I ride to work every day with this kittier on the left side




I have brought in fairly large amounts of food (canned) in to work, to make that thing weigh at least 40 pounds. Imbalance was no issue, although crawling uphill sure was!

My pannier is on the left, which would suggest that I would have to ride leaning slightly to the right, which would cause my tire wear to be off-center to the right. But instead my tire wear is off-center to the left, I think because the slant of the crowned asphalt surface is more significant.

Fair answer! I did notice the difference with about 5kg, particularly at speed or going around corners. I wouldn't say it felt like I was going to lose control, but it was definitely less stable. This is on a Trek Crossrip.

I was just curious what most people are doing.

John.

Think this answers the question! I like the 'U /Me" stickers :-)

John

Imbalanced weight is unconsciously compensated for by tilting the bike slightly so the center of gravity is over the line between the contact patches. We don't think about this, we just do it, and unless the needed tilt is severe will not notice. Keep in mind that most of us spend most of our miles riding across the slope of cambered roads. (check your tires and note that they are worn slightly off center.

So, go ahead and ride with the single pannier holding whatever you need to carry. 2,000 miles from now you might be replacing your tires a little bit sooner than otherwise (maybe).

I have just one pannier for about 8 months out of the year. It usually weighs close to 20 lbs. I've had no issues.

I really don't even look (or care) to see what I'm hauling. My tubus rack is rated for around 100 lbs and I commute with an ebike. In the winter I add another pannier full of clothing (layers, extra socks and extra gloves.)

Right up to the limits of th rack, no problemo.

When I used to do this on my motorcycles I'd fill the right side, made it easier to tilt the bike up off the kickstand.

Thanks! I carry that beast around the office (well, to my desk in the morning and out in the evening), and when people ask, I say it's a helpful reminder for any cars that aren't sure where they should be driving.

The stickers are extremely reflective, and I like to think that a little humor mixed in the message helps to not antagonize drivers but make them sympathetic.

Where'd you get those stickers? I sure need some.

I crafted it from a meter or two of Conspicuity Tape and an Xacto knife. The white around the top and bottom is ripped off of a safety vest I found in the road. It's been probably 3 years now, the tape has adhered very well, no peeling at all, even though there are some sharp corners on there. And it's very reflective. Every time I drive into the garage at night, my headlights really light it up and I feel reassured that drivers can see me really well.

Groceries are heavy, the Ortliebs are Fine, for grocery runs, I dont weigh them.

Front there needs be balance, rear it matters less..





;|

tonight i carried home a gallon of milk in one of my rear panniers, the other side was empty. Didnt have any problem with that much weight on one side.