Originally Posted by
taylorgeo
So if the rider weight is 355 lbs. and is carrying zero pounds of luggage, same difference?
No, because the extra 55lbs is not carried at the rear dropouts. Think of it this way, 55lbs load on the rear rack goes down through the rack stays straight to the axle of the wheel, via the drop out. The stays from the rack to the seat stay just stop the rack moving around. 55lbs extra rider weight could impinge on the frame at the seat, the pedals or handlebars.