Panniers - Wind resistance

chronyx
chronyx Posts: 455
edited April 2008 in Commuting chat
I did try searching for these terms but couldn't find anything!

Do panniers cause much wind resistance? I want some, the sort of stuff I normally carry wouldn't be heavy enough to slow me down, but not sure about the drag from them.
2007 Giant SCR2 - 'BFG'

Gone but not forgotten!:
2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport - 'Red Rocket'

Comments

  • Cunobelin
    Cunobelin Posts: 11,792
    Most panniers (except the very big ones) are behind the profile of your legs so the effect is minimal
    <b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
    He that buys flesh buys many bones.
    He that buys eggs buys many shells,
    But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
    (Unattributed Trad.)
  • DavidTQ
    DavidTQ Posts: 943
    I notice very little drag related affects from the panniers but I can sure tell when Ive carring a full load compared to nearly empty :D

    of course they have one very good use apart from load lugging ability! They normally come with magic car repelling devices installed, I get a good 2' more road space from overtaking cars when Ive got panniers on the bike! its got to the stage now where Im so used to the extra space that I dislike riding without them due to the closer overtaking!
  • Shadowduck
    Shadowduck Posts: 845
    DavidTQ wrote:
    I notice very little drag related affects from the panniers but I can sure tell when Ive carring a full load compared to nearly empty :D

    of course they have one very good use apart from load lugging ability! They normally come with magic car repelling devices installed, I get a good 2' more road space from overtaking cars when Ive got panniers on the bike! its got to the stage now where Im so used to the extra space that I dislike riding without them due to the closer overtaking!
    Ditto, to the extent I'll ride with an empty pannier on sometimes!
    Even if the voices aren't real, they have some very good ideas.
  • tardington
    tardington Posts: 1,379
    There is a wee bit more wind resistance, but really only from the side in a crosswind. I like to use a rucksack once in a while as the bike feels more lively, although the actually effort involved is the same! Also, sweaty back, ick. :x
  • chronyx
    chronyx Posts: 455
    Awesome 8) Thanks guys
    2007 Giant SCR2 - 'BFG'

    Gone but not forgotten!:
    2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport - 'Red Rocket'
  • skyway
    skyway Posts: 24
    I've got one of these and its brilliant....it's a big hard sided bag with 2 soft drop down sides with built in bungeeswhich hook onto the frame to make temporary soft panniers

    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 119c003124

    Hope that helps ;)
    2004 Specialized Sirrus XL
    Cane Creek Ergo II
    Orlieb 2.7L Saddle Bag
  • chronyx
    chronyx Posts: 455
    That's pretty cool - and a good price too! Cheers skyway
    2007 Giant SCR2 - 'BFG'

    Gone but not forgotten!:
    2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport - 'Red Rocket'
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Get "some panniers" like this, and you'll go a tiny bit faster:

    http://www.londonskaters.com/cycling/im ... 240425.JPG
  • Totalnewbie
    Totalnewbie Posts: 932
    I feel faster when I take off my pannier, but if I'm honest that's probably because the pannier is heavier!
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/ ... 400572.jpg
  • Adamskii
    Adamskii Posts: 267
    I ditched my panniers about a year ago. I realised that I really wasn't carrying enough stuff to justify the extra weight so I bought I light weight rucksack instead and it's loads better.
    It's all good.

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