[Yak] RE: front or rear rack

[Bradford H Miter]

Pete wrote:
>> New to Bike Friday -- I like to tour with only two panniers.  I carry  
them on the front of my large bike.  Does this configuration work well  
on the Bike Friday?  I have an NWT.  I am really wondering if I should  
spend the money for a front rack.  The bike came with a rear rack.

Pete<<

I have not had any experience touring with panniers on a Friday but have
done a fair amount with road bikes, both with just the rear rack and some
with front and rear.  I have read that the normal weight distribution on a
bicycle is 60% on the rear wheel and 40% on the front.  Putting all your
load on just a rear rack makes this ratio even more pronounced.  I found
this to be true.

When I added front racks and panniers, I was told to put your heavy items
(cookware, stove, tools, etc.) in the front panniers and then the rest in
the rear ones.  The handling is much better this way than it is with just
the rear rack.  In addition, someone once did a study riding with front
panniers and found that they act as a bit of a fairing and improve speed.
How much, I can't remember.  I would go for front and rear loading.

Brad Miter