cheesesandwich

I have recently added a rear rack and panniers on my hybrid commuting bike for groceries and stuff. Just 1 ride, I do not like the heavy feel at the back. They added about 2kg, with groceries perhaps 10kg. My main concern is the rear wheel as Its only 24 spokes. I'm worried the weight will be too much that the spokes and also tire will fail and wear at a faster rate. I don't use it everyday, perhaps twice a week and the distance from market to home is roughly 4km. Or is that all fine and I'm thinking too much?

10 Wheels

Do you have some pics or a LINK to the bike?

cheesesandwich

I can't right now. But I can give some details. It's a Giant CRX, as below. The the wheels have been changed to HED ardennes LT 18/24h. The rack and panniers are from decathlon.

https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/giant-crx1

Reflector Guy

I tend to think the added weight is just a small fraction of what you and the rest of the bike weigh already. In other words, it'll be fine.

10 Wheels

May want new wheels for carrying loads. Touring Wheels?

You Have A.
"A light weight bike that is best used for around the city and leisurely rides."

trailangel

Those HED wheels have a weight limit of 225 lbs. 22 for the bike. 23 for your rack and groceries. That leaves 185 lbs for you. Cutting it close?

mr_pedro

All is fine, you are thinking too much.

rydabent

Having only 24 spokes might be of some concern. However cross country cyclist put very heavy loads on their rear wheels, and have no problem.

msu2001la

The HED Ardennes is a great wheelset that can withstand a lot of abuse, but 18/24 spoke count is aimed at saving weight, which reduces the wheel's strength. If you'r total load is under 225lbs, it's probably fine, but you're definitely at a higher risk for breaking spokes.

YMMV

mstateglfr 

You cant really get rid of the heavy feel when you are carrying 20-25# of groceries in 2 bags. Thats a lot of weight, so its normal for the bike to feel heavy.
You could look into moving the weight up front with a front rack(and use the same bags). That may help- you have to balance the weight, but when done properly, it can reduce the heavy feeling. It also slows down your steering.

Your wheels arent intended for heavy weight use, but if you are light enough, its fine.
I personally wouldnt get low spoke wheels for a commuter, but im not a featherweight.

Koyote

Everything he wrote.

Another idea: add a front rack (or even a basket) and move some (not all) of the cargo up there. That will not only spread out the load and perhaps help with the bike handling, but it will take some of the strain off your rear wheel.

But, as others have suggested, you don't have the right wheelset for this kind of use. When fully loaded, ride gently.

CAT7RDR

Pop any spokes? Raise yourself off the saddle when going over rough spots.

indyfabz

Get a beater/second bike with stronger wheels for shopping/errands.

cheesesandwich

Yeah. I'm very close to the weight limit with all that. I have thought of getting front rack too and ride slower with load. I wonder if having larger tires could help to relief the stress. The bike allows for 38mm tires and I'm running on 25

mstateglfr 

yeah...there is really just no benefit to running 25s for commuting/errands if quality 35/37/38mm tires can fit.

alo

My fat bike wheels are stronger than the wheels of many other bikes. It's probably because the tires absorb bumps better, and spread the forces out. Some may want to get a fat bike for carrying heavy loads.

Wanderer

Isn't that weight per wheel?

veganbikes

I would run wider tires regardless of anything at least up to a point. In terms of your loads it seems like you are running some lightweight wheels not designed for load hauling. You might want some stouter wheels. At least 28 spokes handbuilt (because really all wheels should be handbuilt and tensioned) with quality components. You could add other racks but it doesn't seem like the bike is designed well for racks it looks like a flat bar road bike which is great for riding but hauling groceries and errands not so much. You don't need a super heavy duty bike to do it but something a little better for carrying front and rear loads could be handy. Typically front load carrying bikes will have what is called a "low trail fork" which is common on randoneurring bikes and might be just the ticket for you. You can build up a nice fairly light rando bike that can still handle some loads.

For probably the nicest rando bike out there:https://theradavist.com/2018/02/2018...es-randonneur/

ClydeClydeson

If I am not mistaken, HED wheels are generally intended for racing. It is possible or likely that an extra 10kg of dead weight over the rear wheel will significantly reduce its life. Bikes designed for carrying cargo or touring generally have aluminum rims with higher spoke counts.

trailangel

I believe the weight limit is for the wheelset.
Larger tires would be good... and "ride light"... some riders know how to do this.