Rack/Pannier weight

[Zen]

When I add fenders/racks to my LHT, will I notice a difference in bike handling due to the weight?

No.

[Catrin]

No.

Thank you - I was just trying to decide if I needed to put off the racks for a time - but it doesn't sound like I need to. I have heard good things on the Surly racks so will start with one of their rear racks, and should I decide to do real touring in the future will follow that up with front racks. It makes sense to just start with a strong rack.

[malkin]

I'm more klutzy walking with my bike with loaded panniers.
Can be embarrassing in the hall at work.

Topeak rear rack
Deuter panniers

I rode once with front panniers and thought it was kinda funky and visually distracting, but that was decades ago.