I got a rack and never looked back. Waterproof panniers, most days I just pack one of them, but if I have extra stuff I can carry both.AlexHuggs wrote:I don't know if I need a rack. On a 35+ degree day pushing against a hot easterly I'd rather not be encumbered by a backpack, but I guess I can try it and add one if I need to.jasonc wrote:do you really need a rack? I ride with a backpack and have for 5 years now
It is so much more comfortable without the backpack, and the panniers don't slow me down at all.
My gearing is 46/38 with an 12-32 Cassette. I used to run 50/34 but found the 34 too low and the front shifting was awful. With a 46/38 up the front, I spend most of my time in the middle of the cassette and get much more even use. On the motorway shoulder I am in 46-12 and doing a comfortable 55km/h. I don't need anything more on the commuter bike.