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[J4CKO]

Came home tonight with my normal gear, 17 inch laptop and work stuff, 2 litres of milk and 2 big bottles of beer, couldn't really lift it but it didnt make much difference to riding it, a bit more pendulous but speed wasn't a problem, amazed me how much you can carry on a bike and sill tank along, certainly wouldnt want to walk with the panniers, would have pulled my arms off.

Anyone carry heavy stuff on a regualr basis ?

 

[fossyant]

My rucksack weighs a tonne most of the time - two locks in it to start, but if M&S are doing the meal deals - I'll pick that up too (usually a slow Friday ride back).

The rucksack is plus 10kg's most of the time..... ultra gravity training !!! - but that's lighter than your panniers..........

 

[J4CKO]

My rucksack weighs a tonne most of the time - two locks in it to start, but if M&S are doing the meal deals - I'll pick that up too (usually a slow Friday ride back).

The rucksack is plus 10kg's most of the time..... ultra gravity training !!! - but that's lighter than your panniers..........

The panniers seem to make the weight almost insignificant*, the lower centre of gravity and the fact its not on your back makes a hell of a difference, though I did go through "Separation Anxiety" from my rucksack after six months of using it, don't miss the sweaty back and swaying if its heavy, pannier are quite liberating and excellent for trips to the chippy and off licence, there is no finer vehicle for getting beer and chips, the car is too unweildy and it seems bad to warm it up for a mile and a bit, walking is too slow, so the panniers are a god send.

Might go back to a rucksack if I get a light roadie as I think aero wise they are better and I wouldnt want a gimpy rack on a nice sexy road bike.


*except when lifting it over a Styal on the way home.

 

[fossyant]

It's hard work with a rucksack, but mine is a Decathlon Air type - i.e. sits on the back on big cushions, air going through and it's pretty snug/secure - OK for mild sprints......... but heavy..... I like it, certainly saved me in my crash before Christmas.....

 

[mickle]

I moved home with four panniers and a touring bike once upon a time, everything but the furniture. The record collection was the killer. With the last load, got to the new address, lifted the back of the bike up the kerb by the saddle and the rails pulled out! Madison G11; great as a saddle, crap as a handle for lifting half a hundred weight of LPs.

 

[Neddy]

I quite regularly stop off for milk/beer on the way home from work. I sometimes get funny looks at the checkout when they ask if I want a bag and I say no thanks and hold up a pannier!
As you say, the extra weight doesn't make much difference once you've got going, but it can feel a bit wobbly at low speed. The extra momentum can also affect stopping distances, so be careful if you're carrying a heavy load.

 

[threefingerjoe]

Touring cyclists carry heavy loads all the time. The only time it makes a difference in speed is climbing hills, or, while accellerating. Once you're up to speed, you barely notice the load at all.

 

[Arch]

Time to post this one again....

I buy stuff in a sort of co-op with some friends, froma wholesaler. It gets delivered to one place and we take it from there. The panniers and box contain 6 jars of pasta sauce, three large boxes of teabags, several bags of oats, rice or couscous and a pair of riding boots (it was riding day, as well, hence the helmet and whip..)

 

[Amanda P]

Quite regularly get a major shop using a bike and a trailer.

Once I did this and also took the opportunity to buy a cheap petrol hedge trimmer at Aldi, plus bought one of those 25kg bags of dry dog food.

I was once loading up a bag of cement and another of sand into the trailer outside Wicke's. Three people asked where I was going with it and offered to take it for me in their cars - until they found out where I was going with it. Too far for them!

 

[asterix]

Occasionally..

 

[Davywalnuts]

I carry my beer gut... but I am trying to sort that one out!

I always carry my gym type bag on my back, less sweaty than a full rucksack. I did buy a Bergaus Air Flow back pack, really comfy and cool, but returned it as its not good when leaned over on a racing bike as it comes up too high and digs in my neck, great bag though!

But twice a week at least I do my food shopping and carry it home, double bagged, on my wrists. Normally both sides with 1 to 2 bags each, evenly balanced, but really kills my hands and wrists. And yes, I do recycle those bags!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Came home tonight with my normal gear, 17 inch laptop and work stuff, 2 litres of milk and 2 big bottles of beer

You could always chuck the laptop and work stuff - only the beer is worth saving and maybe a bottle of milk for the morning tea

 

[Amanda P]

Oh yes, and I spent ten days hauling this lot around South Africa recently...

 

[Brains]

I got odd looks on carrying a 2m tree in full folage in a large clay pot filled with earth the 7 miles back home from central London, it was'nt the weight that slowed me down so much as the drag from all the leaves! Recon I must have had busses slipstreaming me

 

[Origamist]

Lovely Moulton, beautiful scenery and great weather - I'm envious.

Oh yes, and I spent ten days hauling this lot around South Africa recently...