Wolfvegas

I never really noticed as I have always rode with my backpack, I went without one today and I went way faster and it was way easier on me. It was like only an extra 7-8 pounds but still im amazed.

cyclist2000

that why you need racks and panniers, get the weight of the back and on the bike

Mondo734

I couldn't agree more. My backpack weighs about 15lbs and it makes a huge difference in speed and fatigue. A ride that normally takes me 22 minutes (4miles) with my mtb commuter bike and backpack takes only 18 minutes without the backpack. And without the backpack on my cx bike it takes me 14 minutes. Not to mention I barely feel fatigued after riding without it but with it I am a little short of breath.

devianb

It is strange how lugging an extra 10-20lbs feels different on your back verses being attached via the bicycle. I would still take the back pack since it is just easier.

a1penguin

That's why I leave clothing at work. I'm lucky as my workplace has shower facilities. I stopped toting my laptop to work too. I was also afraid that if I went over, I would break my back landing on the laptop. If you are going to carrier stuff, panniers are the way to go. The stuff on your back can make you feel less stable on the bike if you are toting 15-20 pounds.

Bob Ross

Usually when I commute I can fit my clothes in a fanny pack, but just yesterday I had to bring a bunch of stuff home with me so I used a backpack. Probably had 12-15lbs worth of stuff in it. What was most noticeable (besides how hot my back got) was how dramatically that impacted my balance on the bike: Riding straight with both hands on the bars was fine, but as soon as I took one hand off the bars, or leaned into a corner, or tried to look over my shoulder behind me, the bike became incredibly unstable! Not fun.

brentirvine

Panniers & racks.

B

chasm54

Backpacks aren't easier, they make you sweat, give you a sore back if you're going a distance, compromise the handling of the bike. Panniers, saddlebags, bar bags are all just as convenient and far better on all the above points.

Buggington

I don't know, I cycle 60+ miles with a reasonably heavy backpack on and don't suffer. Then again, I'm only seventeen

I like being able to keep the weight on me instead of the bike - I think it would feel quite a bit more sluggish (even for an MTB) if I put 7kg on the frame.

JanMM

How would that work?

Weight is heavy whether on the bike or on the person. You got to haul it around either way.

Velo Dog

That's why I don't use a Camelback.

cyclist2000

I don't understand it how it would feel better to have weight on your back vs weight at the wheel height . The difference with the center of gravity should improve feel and handling of the bike.

no1mad 

Not from my experience. I've worn various backpacks, a mess bag, or a sling bag on me while riding. I've also ridden with said bags on the top of the rack or shoved into a basket on the side of the rack. I've also used saddlebag panniers and currently a trunk bag. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Unless you're willing to drop some major coinage for something that works well both on and off the bike, you gotta compromise somewhere. The cheapest route (and arguably the most versatile) is a backpack placed in a basket while riding. Get to your destination and everything is right there in a wearable form factor. Hit the store on the way home and run out of room in the backpack? No problem, just wear the pack and put the overflow in the basket.

ratdog

Last time I had a backpack on it was fully loaded with over 20lbs of stuff. The weight expectantly shifted on a slow turn as I was looking over my shoulder at traffic and I went down. That was the last time I used a backpack.

billyymc

I ride all my commutes with a backpack. No issues.

Mondo734

I have never had any issues with stability while riding my bike with my 15-20lb backpack. I am as I previously mentioned slower and more fatigued when riding with it though. And as for sweating due to the bag, yea I get a little more sweaty than I would without it but if that were a huge issue there is always the option of going slower and exerting myself less.

WickedThump

I ditched my Jansport backpack for a Columbia Mobex. This is a pack made for exercise. It's very lightweight on it's own, has a place for a camelbak, the waistbelt doesn't bind, and finally the back is very well ventilated. It looks like you're carrying a small tent on your back though. I don't like carrying a pack while riding, but the Mobex is a lot better than any others I've used.

http://www.columbia.com/The-Mobex-%7...efault,pg.html

Burton

Actually I find a backpack is a pretty good way to carry stuff. But if you had an issue with less than 10 lbs, try carrying a backpacl with about 30lbs of tools around for a while!

Chesha Neko

I stopped carrying anything heavy on my back. Carradice SQR Tour.

billyymc

A pack that fits you properly, and rests in the correct spot on your back instead of straining your shoulders, will not cause any fatigue or pain even on long rides. Load the heavier stuff at the bottom, make sure the pack rests in your lumbar region, and you're good to go.

If you try to ride with a pack that is being supported by your shoulders you will hate it.

cehowardGS

Just like another very smart and intelligent poster posted, I have changes of clothes at work. In fact, a couple changes.

Also, on the backpack, I do carry one. I have found out that a QUALITY backpack makes the load feel ighter..

In addition, all my road bikes are racer type and look the part. No panniers, baskets, luggage racks, etc..

Buggington

But the bike is free-er to move around under me, which is handy on tight trails etc

no1mad 

+1

Beachgrad05

I use my FX for commuting and I put a topeak rack on it and use a topeak trunk bag with panniers to haul my stuff. I prefer it to having a back pack with my stuff. Found that I feel more in control of the bike and my center of gravity is better. Plus my back doesn't get all sweaty like it did with the pack. I carry a change of clothes and sometimes keep clothes at work when I know I will be commuting several days. Once when I was riding my MTB (before I got my FX), I crashed and went over the handlebars with my back pack on (with my older Macbook Pro in it)...for the most part both myself and the computer were unscathed.

hueyhoolihan

no backpacks for me, but i like to have a few things "on me" when i'm off the bike. so i use a small fanny pack with just the essentials. if i need more room it will go on a rear rack/pannier or a handlebar bag or under top tube bag.