Quote Originally Posted by Jolt View Post
Maybe I should look into a different rack if loads like this are going to become a regular occurrence (usually my grocery loads are more like 15 pounds). Would having it attached lower on the bike rather than to the seat post make a big difference in the handling when loaded? The load would still be up fairly high because I put it all in that plastic crate that I've attached on top of the rack (today it was piled quite high, which didn't help the weight distribution).
I carry my stuff in Axiom Seymour panniers. Most of the weight is balanced along the axle. Looks a bit like Geonz's Extracycle, but without the extra wheelbase.

I find the handling does change. The bike feels more stable in back, and I have to give the rear wheel a bit of help with curbs and stairs. The front does start to feel twitchy if I'm near max load. My rack can handle up to 70 lbs, but that's assuming I have a front rack on the bike... the 45 lbs limit I use is more reasonable for it as a single rack. If the back were loaded down with 70 lbs, it would be really easy to pop a wheelie that I wasn't planning on. Not good.

I haven't used anything like a basket on the back. I'm not super flexible, and I'm clumsy, so I'd probably kill myself trying to get a leg over a milk crate . When I was poking around, most of the commentary on baskets made it clear that they were not a good solution for the kind of weight I haul.

If I start to haul more than 45 lbs at a time on a regular basis, I'll look at a different solution. My partner bikes too, so a rack on his bike would increase our hauling capacity. We may get a trailer. I may end up on an Extracycle or with a touring bike eventually, since both of those have better capacity than my mountain bike. I may also be able to replace the front fork on my bike to get rid of the suspension and get eyelets for a front rack. *wanders off in a fog dreaming of the ultimate utility bike*