Originally Posted by
Cheeseftw
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Now I'm wondering: I'm planning to take the half-full pannier bag with me when going shopping, because (a) this bag contains my most valuable items and (b) it's where I've left room for food to go in. As it is the bags both weigh exactly 5kg, but if I throw 1-2kg of food into the half-full bag, I'll be slightly off balance (5kg left vs. 6-7kg right). Is this something to worry about or not noticable?
Or maybe a small drybag with your valuables instead of the pannier? Or small backpack if you have a lot of electronics? The drybag or backpack can be inside the pannier on top. I use a handlebar bag for valuables that I bring into a store or restaurant.
I have often ridden around town with one pannier on my bike for groceries, or gym bag or something like that. It is amazing how off balance a rear rack can be and not impair handling at all.
You will need some empty space for groceries.