My daily ride got 12 minutes faster after I stopped wearing my backpack

For like a year I carried a backpack with my laptop and lunch and all that, then I finally got panniers and a rack for $60 off Craigslist. The difference in balance and wind resistance is wild, I get to work way less sweaty now. Has anyone else noticed a big time drop from ditching the backpack?

2 comments

2 Comments

hall.charles21d ago

I think the time drop you're seeing is probably more about aerodynamics than balance. I've read studies showing that even a backpack that's not too heavy can create enough drag on a bike to slow you down by a few percent over longer rides. But you're not wrong about the wind resistance thing - it's a real factor. The less sweaty part makes sense too, since a backpack traps heat against your back. Just wanted to mention that balance isn't really the main issue unless you're carrying something very heavy or uneven.

kimr3320d ago

Wait, has nobody brought up how much a backpack messes with your center of gravity when you're braking hard or taking tight corners? @hall.charles is right about the aero stuff for sure, but idk, I feel like having like 10-15 pounds sitting way up high on your shoulders makes you way more wobbly when you have to stop really quick or lean into a turn. I used to panic brake all the time with my backpack and almost eat it, but with the weight down low on the rack it's way more stable. Plus I can actually throw my leg over the back of the seat now without smacking into my laptop every time. The wind resistance is a bonus, but the handling change is the real game changer for me.