Pannier question rear only or front as well?

[Ice2911]

im doing LEJOG in 5 weeks. I was going to just have rear panniers and my bar bag. Riding tonight someone said it would be better to split the load and have some weight on the front. So my question is, is it better to have front and rear panniers or just rear? I have a small light weight tent 1.5kg for top of rack, lightish sleeping bag, small lap top, and minimum of clothes but will have waterproofs just in case. I'm not intending to cook anything and hoping more to stay B and B. Tent is just in case.

 

[Vantage]

Front and rear setups are mainly for big loads to distribute the weight evenly between the wheels.
For all you're carrying, as long as it isn't going to be silly heavy, rear panniers and a bar bag will be plenty.

 

[Hill Wimp]

^^^ this

If by chance you do decide to use front planners as well ensure you ride out a couple of times fully loaded before you actually go to appreciate the difference it will make on your steering and general bike handling.

 

[mjr]

Short answer: it depends on the bike but I'd expect rear and bar is good enough. If you get front ones, get a rack that goes over the wheel so it's harder for them to twist.

Long answer: http://www.cyclingabout.com/best-carry-load-bicycle-touring-front-rear-panniers/

 

[psmiffy]

im doing LEJOG in 5 weeks. I was going to just have rear panniers and my bar bag.

What you are proposing sounds dead right for you - horses for courses

 

[Debade]

This looks like a fairly comprehensive review http://www.cyclingabout.com/best-carry-load-bicycle-touring-front-rear-panniers/

 

[Profpointy]

how about 1 front and 1 rear; on opposite sides obviously as you don't want it unbalanced.


....you're welcome

 

[iandg]

I've only ridden up to 5 day hostelling/B&B trips carrying minimum kit (spare clothes, wet/cold weather gear, evening wear, sleep wear, toiletries, spares and tools) and think that rear pannier/bar bag combo works well.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've only found rear only a challenge when not actually riding the bike. Or on steep off-road NCN type stuff. The weight distribution is a challenge until you get used to it.

 

[robing]

When I tour fully loaded ie all 4 panniers it's because I'm taking all the camping and cooking gear (mostly goes in the front panniers + tent on rear rack).
If I'm not camping then rear panniers only.

 

[jay clock]

I have the full set of 4 Ortliebs and have given up on the front. Just the empty front ones and the rack add 2kg before I have added the extra kit. I now just use an Appkit dry bag for the tent and can cope for 2 weeks in Spring/summer/autumn

 

[Heltor Chasca]

And on the Continent you see some riders with front panniers only. I've met a guy near Bristol light touring in the same way. Horses for courses.

 

[psmiffy]

Horses for courses.

Eeeer now - thats my line

 

[MikeG]

If you provide the space, you'll fill it. Limit yourself to 2 rear panniers and a bar bag, and get disciplined with what you carry. That's certainly all you need for Lejog. In fact, peer closely at my avatar, taken somewhere on my Lejog, and you'll see just that. The bar bag was brilliant: maps, snacks, camera, compass, first aid kit and wallet, all easily to hand. That way, you shouldn't need access to your panniers during the days ride.

 

[rich p]

I agree with most on here that rear and a bar bag is enough but why don't you try out both options and see what you think. There are bound to be differing opinions if you ask a group of people on the internet.