nd4speed7

I just ordered some panniers this past week and was wondering how much of a difference it is than riding with a backpack. Any tips for starting to ride with panniers?

deanack

They are much lower on your CG so, they do not change the way you ride. Other than you need to mount them so your shoes do not hit them. Pack the heavy items to the bottom too. Watch the curb jumps the weight is now on the bike.

Dean

CommuterRun

They'll change the way the bike handles, but there's not much of a learning curve. The bike will just feel more sluggish with them than it does without.

sumguy

not much handling difference to me since my bikes are a little on the heavy side to begin with. NOT wearing a backpack was very liberating. the panniers with quick release are great feature for when you aren't commuting.

Szczuldo

they'll put a lot more weight on your back wheel, and in turn take a lot off your front, if you attempt to make quick movements there is a chance your front wheel will skid and you'll go down.

FredOak

Also side winds will pull or push you more then without. Part of my ride I get winds sometime 20 -30 mph off Lake Erie and will feel the bike shift.

stevage

Tip: Be cautious until you get used to them. Curb hopping isn't the same. Pay extra attention in slippery mud, sand etc - the bike gets a tendency to want to lie on its side. For straight road riding, you can ignore them.

Steve

cooleric1234

Get ready to be slowed down quite a bit. I finally removed my rack and panniers and started wearing a backpack again. Five pounds later (excepting whatever the backpack weighs) my bike feels like a new machine. The most noticeable difference is in acceleration, as in it's possible now. As someone mentioned, I'm sure aerodynamics is an issue as well as weight.

cyccommute 

Highly unlikely they would cause a front wheel washout but they do have an effect on the bicycle's handling. Lots of people tour with 50+ lb loads on the rear wheel without losing control.

If you load them up with lots of stuff (a distinct possibility), they'll have a tail-wagging-the-dog effect, nd4speed7, especially in out of the saddle riding. It's a little disconcerting but you can get used to it. If you want the best way to handle loads on a bike, shift the panniers to lowrider racks over the front wheel. This handles the best of load carrying permutations. Tourists in the know, load 60% of their load in the front and 40% in the back. The bike handles wonderfully that way. Like here

Flandry

+1

When i wasn't sure i'd make the 50 mile return trip before night on my overnight outing on Saturday (and i had to--staying out another night wasn't an option), i sent my rear panniers (with tent, sleeping bag, pad, and an article or two of clothing) back with some friends and just rode with the front panniers. I'd say go with front lowriders before rear--the ride is very nice and feels steadier. Just go easy on the back-and-forth motion when you stand up.

daaxix

Like others have said, it makes the bike feel a little sluggish at times, and hopping curbs is waaayy different. Other than that though, I hardly notice them now, except the other day when I was going 30+MPH down a long hill, the bike definitely feels less stable at high speed with the panniers.

CliftonGK1

Don't cut corners too close or try to squeak through narrow gaps that you used to fit through.

hornytoad

are they front or rear?

i will be purchasing panniers for the front rack of my commuter soon. i have read that if you ride with only one set, the front is preferred??? ie, only ride w/ rear panniers if there is a load in front. what are others' opinions re this?

CliftonGK1

I use bucket panniers, so I only ride with a rear set.

nd4speed7

Thanks for all of youre helpful tips everyone. Mine are going on my rear rack since I dont have a front one. They are made for both the front and rear racks so maybe I could get a front rack for better handling.

AdamD

Other people have commented on the actual difference in riding, but one thing that hasn't been mentioned is handling your bike when you're not riding.

I tried to do a track stand with 1 pannier, not the smartest thing I've ever done and I ended up on the ground. When I'm at a stop on an unloaded bike it's not big deal, it's like the bike isn't even there. With a pannier(s) that's different, especially if you've got a heavy load. When I'm rolling my bike around and walking next to it with no panniers I usually hold/roll with 1 hand on the stem or bars. With even a slightly loaded pannier this can lead to you dropping the bike. It is better to use 2 hands with one being on the saddle or rack for stability and one on the bars for steering. Once a bike with a loaded pannier starts to go over you probably won't be able to stop it. Just my .02.

kwrides

Totally agree. I'm surprised at how often someone says, "it doesn't have any effect at all". This is just not true. I ride with one pannier and when walking the bike, it is MUCH less stable. It's harder to lean against things, harder to lock up, etc because it wants to fall over. Even when riding, and especially as said above, in crosswinds, I can frequently tell that it's there. I miss riding a lighter, faster, bike with a backpack, but the advantage of not having a constantly sore and sweaty back outweigh the benefit, so I am a pannier supporter.

pinkpowa

Maybe pour some water on your back to compensate for the drastic reduction in back sweat?

modernjess

You'll get used to it quickly , Heck it's like riding a bike.

The alarmists are really overstating it. Just put them on and ride ride ride.

JR97

My back actually feels more stable when I put on the panniers. Maybe my stroke is so powerful I'm always on the verge of spinning out.

Pig_Chaser

I've been riding with them for so long i can't really comment. The only time i've noticed them affecting the handling is when i put a starter motor for an '87 chev R10 in one pannier.

lisitsa

I have a Deuter single side pannier and for light weights (<5kg) I can hardly feel the difference. I can ride with no hands etc.
Of course if I fill the bag up a lot with say 10kg, you straight away find it harder to balance the bike and you feel the bike pushing sideways. I can't comment on using two heavy panniers cause I've never used two at one time.

Its also important to get a solid welded rack. Those ones with the pin joints or really thin tubing will flex etc.

CommuterRun

I think that's backward. Rear first, then front. Heavy in the front will adversely affect steering and braking, particularly heavy braking. But if you want to try it by all means do so. Let us know how it goes.

zoltani

My advise is to just get on the bike with the pannier and ride. It is not hard, and only takes a short time to not notice they are even there. You will notice if you only use one and put a 12-pack of beer and food for a BAR-B-Q in it, but it is still doable.

Just don't forget you have them back there when you make a complete stop because that is when it gets really off balance. Also, don't try riding wheelies when you have your panniers on the rear because you WILL fall backwards.

funrover 

Go out and enjoy, you may have to adjust if your shoe hits.. that is all!