Originally Posted by
Chilepines
I have not ridden a tandem with panniers, but we have ridden steep pitches pulling the trailer. Last fall, a couple of gaps in Vermont with 12+ percent grade for 1.5 miles. It was not what we would call fun - but I doubt it would be any easier with the same weight loaded on the frame compared to the trailer.
I'm curious to know if anyone has done both - seems to be mostly 2 camps on which is better.
The two teams I mentioned above rode with panniers until they decided to try trailers. They liked the trailers better, including Hwy 1 down the coast.
BOB trailers weigh 19 lbs. Our all up weight with panniers is ~370 lbs. ~5 of that is the panniers. If we went to a trailer, we'd be adding about 4% to our total weight. A good question would be: Is the bike, free of panniers, 4% more efficient to pedal with the trailer?