Panniers, front AND back needed?

imagesinthewind

Does one NEED to have both front and back panniers for more stability?
Will having only back panniers make going up hills less stable?
Thanks!

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Ginny in Denver-ish
05 Specialzed Sirrus Comp

blackbird05

Hey Images,
The short answer is yes, to increase stability you do need front and back panniers. I've tried both ways, and am a big fan of both front and back panniers. There really is a difference in the stability of the bike while you're riding it, not just in terms of reduced shimmy but also in terms of being able to predict the way it will act if you break quickly or hit a slippery surface for example. Also (and this seems insignificant until you've had to pick up the damned beast for the 50th time that day after it crashed to the ground while leaning againt a tree) the bikes rest better when resting against stationary objects.
That being said, if you're worried about spending money and willing to put up with some shakiness, you can do the tour with only rear panniers. I spent the first two months of my tour with only rear panniers and managed just fine. Remember though that all your weight is in the back, so don't haul your bike around by the handlebars when you're walking beside it - keep one hand on the rear seat for the sake of your bike frame. Also remember that you're riding an uneven load, so use reasonable caution when faced with uneven/slippery road surfaces.
Cheers!

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davef

Having just finished 1000kMs without front panniers and 1000kMs with them, I found the following:

rear panniers only no problems, stability or otherwise

as soon as the front panniers went on BIG stability problems. Had to shift all the heavy stuff to the back to regain some measure of steering stability.

I think the actual placement of the weight over the front wheel, with respect to the front axle, must be very important and that I got it wrong.

Any movement of the front panniers caused by steering changes at low speed and/or standing up to sprint over the top of a hill was also unpleasant.

If you are going to use front panniers I would suggest that you carefully research the best way to do it.

philso

touring for over 30 years with rear panniers only. no problems so far.

rcrampton

I have done long distance tours both ways. My Mt Bike has a suspension front fork and I didn't put a rack on it. Everything was on the back. Loaded bike weight was 75-80 lbs and I had no problems. For road touring I use 4 panniers. That way I don't have to strap on so much stuff on the outside.

I am more comfortable riding at speed with 4 panniers and hence the better weight distribution. But I am not hesitant to tour with everything on the back.

Velotour

I tour fully loaded---two panniers in the rear, two in the front, handle bar bag, and camping gear piled on the rear rack.

If there is a problem fully loaded it is having more wind resistance. Spreading out the weight takes weight off the rear wheel and decreases the incidence of broken spokes on the freewheel side. When cycling, the fully loaded bike
feels more stable. Once you are stopped and handling the bike it is a very different matter and it can get away from you on grades and in other places, not to mention falling over if not properly handled. But four panniers will catch a lot more resistance from a side wind than two panniers.

It is important to even out the weight. Try to have nearly or exactly the same weigh left and right front and back. Ideally we do this but in reality it is only approximate.

I have not noticed any appreciable difference between the low rider
racks and racks that mount over the wheel. I use four panniers even when carrying little equipment because I hate to even think about broken spokes in my rear wheel on the freewheel side. On my last tour I broke only one spoke and that was at about 1600 miles on the free wheel side.

xilios

I have read in the book, The Essential Touring Cyclist by Richard A.Lovett, that a true touring bike is more stable when loaded front and rear, and I have to agree with him. Mine and my wifes bike seem very nervous when unloaded, but once the bags go on they get very stable.
On day rides when we pack a picnic lunch and some other essentials only on the rear, the bikes still seem to be a bit nervous.
On tour we both carry front and rear bags, handle bar bags and camping equipment on top of the rear bags.
cheers

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