Panniers on road bike??

[mikmurray]

is it ok for a rack and panniers set on a road bike?
thinking of getting the full set up on the c2w scheme with boardman road race bike, sick of cycling with my heavy rucksack!!

 

[ianrauk]

of course it's ok.
If the bike has bosses for a rack then fill yer boots.

 

[Becs]

just keep the panniers balanced as much as possible - skinny wheels won't be as forgiving as fatter ones if you just run a heavy bag on 1 side. Otherwise as Ian says . . . .

 

[mikmurray]

will the weight affect avg speed or will it be minimal?

 

[middleagecyclist]

is it ok for a rack and panniers set on a road bike?
thinking of getting the full set up on the c2w scheme with boardman road race bike, sick of cycling with my heavy rucksack!!

Get a Carry Freedom trailer. Just a quick unclip and the bike is ready for the open road when not on commuting duties. And you'll turn heads too!

 

[daSmirnov]

Weight will effect acceleration, but once you're up to speed the difference should be minimum. Bit more drag if they're on the sides. You'll notice it effect the handling more.

 

[slowmotion]

I have a Spesh Secteur Elite and it has rear bosses for a pannier rack. I've loaded them with 15kg and it all works fine. Going uphill is even slower than usual, though.

 

[sabian92]

I've got a rack and panniers on my road bike for commuting to college. Dinner, change of clothes, drink and a few other bits and bobs. Doesn't really affect handling as there isn't a lot of weight in it (apart from picking it up but that's to be expected) but my average speed does drop off by 2mph or so but over my 3.5 mile commute it makes no difference.

Make sure you get a decent rack though. A cheap one will fall to bits - I've got one of these: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tortec/tour-rack-ec005641
And these panniers: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/arran-16-pannier-ec008437

16L each - perfect for commuting. Any more and you'll just pack stuff for the sake of it which is only going to slow you down.

Beware though - it might not fit (mine didn't) straight off the bat. You might need one of these if you need a higher mounting point for the arms: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19012

 

[slowmotion]

The really strange thing about panniers is that your body seems to compensate for uneven loading. Plenty of people think that "single-pannierism" is an absolute abomination and a "style crime" akin to riding in Richmond Park in jeans. You can load a single pannier with at least 7 kg and you won't notice any difference until you try and park it. Most odd.

 

[mikmurray]

I've got a rack and panniers on my road bike for commuting to college. Dinner, change of clothes, drink and a few other bits and bobs. Doesn't really affect handling as there isn't a lot of weight in it (apart from picking it up but that's to be expected) but my average speed does drop off by 2mph or so but over my 3.5 mile commute it makes no difference.

Make sure you get a decent rack though. A cheap one will fall to bits - I've got one of these: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tortec/tour-rack-ec005641
And these panniers: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/arran-16-pannier-ec008437

16L each - perfect for commuting. Any more and you'll just pack stuff for the sake of it which is only going to slow you down.

Beware though - it might not fit (mine didn't) straight off the bat. You might need one of these if you need a higher mounting point for the arms: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19012

Thanks for that info, exactley the answer i was looking for. cheers

 

[Pauluk]

The really strange thing about panniers is that your body seems to compensate for uneven loading. Plenty of people think that "single-pannierism" is an absolute abomination and a "style crime" akin to riding in Richmond Park in jeans. You can load a single pannier with at least 7 kg and you won't notice any difference until you try and park it. Most odd.

I only use both paniers when I'm out with my wife. I just use one for my commute. I hate the ruck sack method, it makes your back sweat and can be dangerous if you fall off.

I have this Topeak rack. Its very good because it has the top load rails that are just below the top plate so you can more easily load a separate top bag with the paniers in place.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_231835_langId_-1_categoryId_236256

 

[CopperBrompton]

Plenty of people think that "single-pannierism" is an absolute abomination

You do not have to say anything, but you may harm your defence if you do not mention now anything on which you later rely in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Come along quietly now, sir.

 

[slowmotion]

You do not have to say anything, but you may harm your defence if you do not mention now anything on which you later rely in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Come along quietly now, sir.

Bloody Style Police.....

 

[Nebulous]

I recently had the same thought and bought a touring bike and a set of panniers from Edinburgh Bike. I'm commuting a relatively short distance with one pannier, but am glad to be clear of the rucksack.

 

[gaz]

I went for a trunk bag (goes on top of the rack) as it creates less drag. The weight still affects you acceleration and affects the handling as the weight is high up.