Bike luggage question

[silversurfer]

Is it really the case that carrying just one pannier is bad for your bike? Has anybody noticed any additional wear / damage from this?

Thanks.

[malkin]

If it is installed properly and not too heavy it seems ok to me.

Years ago I had those rattley metal basket panniers and loading one side with a bunch of beer and leaving the other side empty was bad for the bike (and the rider) because I couldn't balance. It was way more satisfactory to put a sixer in each side.

[DebW]

I don't know of any issues from carrying only 1 pannier. I carry one on my commute to work all the time, with 12-15 lb. If I'm carrying my laptop also, I carry 2 panniers rather than putting 30 lb in one pannier.

[shootingstar]

When I commute or do light shopping, I'm like Deb: 1 pannier.

No damage. I do tend to overstuff it because I get last minute brainwaves, to go shopping after a ride. When it's true shopping load, it must be divided among 2 pannniers.

[OakLeaf]

I would definitely make sure the rack fasteners are properly torqued initially, and check them more often than usual.

I would also alternate which side you carry the load on, to avoid muscle imbalances in your upper body.

[BodhiTree]

I've used one pannier on the left side (to be wider to cars) for about 35 years. I honestly cannot tell the difference between one pannier on the left vs 2 panniers when I'm riding.

No damage to my bikes, either.

[silversurfer]

Thanks for your answers. Very helpful as usual. Over the years I've swapped sides every few months but just noticed that one of my panniers is now quite worn and I'm thinking of getting one of those office type panniers to commute with instead.