Center of gravity?

[Jackdaw]

I see a lot of set-ups with a big full handle bar bag and a big full seat bag, often without a frame bag. Why put all your weight so high? I understand if you really have to have the clearance for rigged burly singletrack but wouldn't you want to start with the frame bag?

I'm really just asking, I don't have a set-up for a mtn bike yet so I'm looking for answers.

Thanks!!

Jackdaw

[THE LONG RANGER]

Frame bags really don't hold all that much, compared to a seat bag, or handlebar bag.

[AZTtripper]

Yep and a lot of FS bikes don't leave much room at all.

I've never felt like a bar/seat bag system adversely affects handling. Sure it's a bit high but it is centered R to L. Once you ride a loaded bike for a few days it feels normal, and then when you day ride empty the bike feels weird.

[Area54]

Most frame bags are suited to smaller modular items like food, stove, tools and spares, leaving barbag/seatbag for the bulky items like a packraft or arctic layers and sleeping bag. As noted too the duallies have even less frame space.

[bicyclehobo]

Regardless of how I spread the weight around the first day or so on a tour has a learning curve. The first big climb and descent are treated with the utmost respect. I think about this until the bike, gear, and effective handling become second nature.

The same is true when I find a place where i will shed the bags for a couple days and ride around 'naked'. The bike instantly handles different and before I start ripping around I take a moment to run through some 'drills' to get a feel for the bike and it's new found handling.

[sfuller]

The other trick is to try and pack your seat bag and handlebar bag so they weigh about the same if possible. Definitely helps with the bike balance.

[Dumpster Juice]

Plus frame bags are mostly custom fit for your bike, so if you change bikes you have to get a new frame bag whereas seat bags and handlebar systems fit other bikes...If you have more than one bike it can get expensive.