Originally Posted by
fishboat
I think lower(lower center of gravity) will improve handling, but..there's always a but, it depends on where you're riding. The low pannier on front rock-brush strike issue is always raised in discussions like this. I have to wonder just how many people actually run into exactly this same issue when riding. If one is riding an open area trail or gravel/fire road, then I'm not seeing any obstacles to get hung up on. If the intent is to ride more technical single track then clearly low front panniers aren't the best choice. In town, low panniers can brush curbs depending on how low the panniers are..just being mindful solves that.
The (one) alternative of course is the bikepacking route where everything is mounted up high on the frame. This solves the technical single track issue, while trading off a much higher CG..and experiencing any potential associated handling issues everywhere except on technical single track.
..the right tool for every job..
In 1986, I did a tour on a very similar bike to wintermute’s, although I don’t recall having a fork rake quite like that one. I used a top mount deck which worked well enough. I would normally have used a low rider but I was also concerned about clearance with a low rider. The rack was similar to
this one.
I’ve since tried trailers.and bikepacking gear. Both have their issues. Trailers are heavy and can cause handling problems, especially on steep downhills...they lift the back of the bike. Bikepacking gear tends to ride rather high, like you’ve said, which also causes some handling problems of their own. I have used low mount small bags on the fork legs (see below) but I haven’t made up my mind if they are useful or not. There is also the issue of carrying them around. If you have to take the bags off, there are several bags that are awkward to carry. Panniers are easier.
But bikepacking bags are more secure to the frame so they don’t bounce off like panniers can.
They worked well enough on smooth off-road. But on more rugged single track riding, they are more of a problem than useful. I rubbed a small hole in them by banging them against rocks. The bags also get moved around even with the clamps very tight.
For wintermute’s question, I’d probably go with a high rack with panniers as a cheap solution, if you have the panniers already. Bikepacking gear can be rather expensive because of the number of bags you need.