Question about weight, tire size, and load for commuting.
 

Hey everyone,

I am currently commuting 32 miles round trip between 2-4 days a week and need some advice. I am currently using a messenger bag which I feel is great when I am not carrying too much weight (less than 10 pounds or so). I decided to order a Topeak Explorer rack and their compatible MTX EXP bag. Now, my question comes down to weight. I currently have 700x23 Conti UltraGatorskins and I weigh 130. My question is would the inclusion of the bag with basic equipment (tools, lunch, shirt or two, towel, etc) push the limits of the tires? Meaning, will the weight cause more flats? I am wondering because I don't have the money to upgrade the tires now and riding on very straight, average road I figured wouldn't be a big deal. I was just wondering what everyone thought or if I am just being paranoid over nothing. This is my first time getting commuting gear, so I'm a tad worried about spokes/wheel/tire issues. Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about it too much, the back will wear much faster with the extra weight so you will want to keep an eye out for that down the road.
What spoke count are you running?

Unfortunately, I am not near my bike but I am about 95% sure they are either 32 or 36h.

I wouldn't be particularly worried about overloading anything, unless you are commuting with machine tools.

That's good to know. Thanks for the quick replies. I can not commute in peace.

130 lbs...You have no problems... Have fun commuting.

+1,000,000

I've got a Topeak Explorer rack and a Topeak rack trunk (mine's DXP I think) w/ fold down panniers. I think you'll be happy. It's very convenient.

I've got 100 lbs. on you and my 700x23 Gatorskins are holding up great. Ride with no fear!

The only way I would be worried is if you had some of those 14 or 18 spoke wheels

Yeah, I'm 195-200lbs and I carry at least 20lbs of stuff on cheap frame and $120 set of wheels and I used all kinds of tires. I wouldn't worry at all if I were you. Man, I wish I was 130lbs...

You will love it, and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Like others have mentioned I wouldn't worry to much about the weight. You are adding about 5lbs to the total weight of your bike.

Lots of commuters weigh twice what you do; I don't think you need to worry.

This is great news everyone! Thanks for the replies! I have been commuting for a year now and am looking forward to experience a rack and bag/panniers. The reason for my cautiousness is that most commuters I know use 700X28 at the very least. I rarely run into rear rack/bag commuters on 23s. But this is great to know! Thanks again! I hope the Topeak combo is as good as people on here say it is!

I have the same rack/bag you do, run 25c gatorskins, weigh 185lbs and commute 36 miles RT. My last rear tire lasted for over 4000 miles without a flat and I only replaced it when I ran over some metal and put a cut into the sidewall (the tube bulged out a bit but did not flat). Probably could have gotten another 1000 miles out of that tire...

You'll be fine.

Figured you all deserve to see the finished product:

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ycle/photo.jpg

Nice:)

130 lbs -- Ha!

There are guys who weigh more than you, your bike and everything you carry and use tires that size.

<Wait, I now take back my original statement. You will definitely break the bike. You should send it to me for safe keeping.>

Beautiful bike, enjoy the ride.