Bike Forums - Weight Balancing / Load Distribution

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Machka (Post 19179206)

Exactly.

It all comes down to personal preference so my suggestion is, as it always is, go on short tours to find out what works for you.

I have tried riding with a heavier load, and a really light load, and have settled on something in between.
I have tried riding with 4 panniers, with panniers just in front, and with panniers in the rear, and I now have a setup I like.
I've got the gearing I like and when we tour, it is a style I like.

And I assume that everyone else touring has gone through the same process and has decided on what they like. The OP is now going to have to do the same.

100% with you on that. I want to be reasonably comfortable both on and off the bike, with the balance somewhere in the middle. Don't want to do without clothing, electronics, food and other gear on a vacation, but also don't want to carry so much that riding the bike becomes a chore. That balance can only be found by trial and error, because everyone's comfort zone is different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvXtrm (Post 19179213)

That's more my thinking on it right there. I'm going to start out with front panniers some bags on-top of my rear rack, and if I need more space, which is pretty likely, only then will I get rear panniers. My thought is to but the smaller heavier items in the panniers up front, and the lighter bulkier items on the rear.

Many years ago I remember reading that weight up front in front panniers on a low-rider rack makes climbing easier than if the majority of the weight is on the rear of the bike.

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miele Man (Post 19180010)

Many years ago I remember reading that weight up front in front panniers on a low-rider rack makes climbing easier than if the majority of the weight is on the rear of the bike.

Cheers

I don't have a low-rider rack, but I'll pack my heaviest items at the very bottom of my panniers, which should have a similar effect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvXtrm (Post 19180123)

I don't have a low-rider rack, but I'll pack my heaviest items at the very bottom of my panniers, which should have a similar effect.

I ran my bags on the higher setting and also on the low rider height and couldnt tell the difference. Its a matter of 6-7" and I couldnt tell a bit of difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstateglfr (Post 19180286)

I ran my bags on the higher setting and also on the low rider height and couldnt tell the difference. Its a matter of 6-7" and I couldnt tell a bit of difference.

Same here. I can't tell the difference. In fact, my current feeling is that I prefer higher because the low-riders put the bags at a height such that they are easily damaged by curbs, rocks, and other ground obstacles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvXtrm (Post 19180123)

I don't have a low-rider rack, but I'll pack my heaviest items at the very bottom of my panniers, which should have a similar effect.

Always a good idea to pack heavy items at the bottom of all panniers to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.

Cheers