Rack/Pannier weight

[bikerHen]

The Tubus Logo (chromoly) or Cosmo (stainless steel) are great racks. Very stiff and with a lower bar for mounting paniers. And fender mounting holes on the rack.

The Cosmo is what I have and it's very solid, strong and lightweight. I haven't really loaded it up yet, except for a run to the store. I ended up carrying two half gallons of milk, one half gallon of orange juice and other assorted items. Not really sure what I was thinking. I had more trouble fitting everything into the panniers than the actual carrying for the 3 mile ride home.

Fenders are a must have on any commuter bike, IMO. I really labored over putting the back rack on the Surly because of the extra weight. Since I took the plunge and did it, I'm very happy with the rack/pannier option. And no, there is no difference in handling. The Surly's are made to carry a load and actually seem to handle better when loaded down. Except of course if the wind is blowing!

[shootingstar]

made to carry a load and actually seem to handle better when loaded down. Except of course if the wind is blowing!

When it is windy, I prefer my bike is abit more loaded on the bike, especially on a descent or on a bridge. Otherwise I feel as if am pushed sideways by wind. My partner thinks I'm paranoid re my light body weight under wind conditions since I'm short and hence closer to the ground, and at a better advantage in terms of bike balance. I dunno.

I've only cycled with a bike without a back rack when I was a teenager. I don't know any better in terms of bike weight, which can't be a terrible thing if I've gotten this far and still like cycling often. Ignoramus me.