Frame bags and pannier mix?

[nomadsteve]

Hello,

I am getting ready to do the Tour Divide later this summer with my uncle. I also just did a short nine-day trip to check for any bugs with the bike and gear.

I am riding a Salsa Fargo, and I have a frame bag and a handlebar bag from Porcelain Rocket, which both worked really well. I also had front racks, which got shaken loose a bit, which was a pain. Panniers also shook loose, but zap straps took care of that. Otherwise, the bike was extremely stable and rode well.

I was also going to put my back rack from my road touring bike onto the Fargo to strap on my sleeping bag, therma-rest and rain gear, but realized at the last moment that it wouldn't fit, so ended up carrying all of that on the front too. I am thinking, though, that I still want to carry some of that on the back, mainly so I can use smaller panniers on the front, and a little less weight. The question is, do I go again for a rack, or do I buy a seat post bag? (Or is my set-up fine as is?)

My uncle is suggesting the rack so that on rougher ground and single track I have the option of moving the panniers to the back for easier manoeuvring. What do you all think? Are front panniers a liability on rougher, more technical ground? Is there enough of that on the TD to be a concern? How about weight distribution? Are there any issues with having it primarily in the front that I should be aware of? Is it worth having the versatility of a rack vs. a seat post bag?

Thanks.

[Arctos]

I have long been biased toward using front panniers and a dry bag stuffer on top of the rear rack for all my touring on and off pavement. I rode the Divide Ride several years ago on a rigid bike with this setup. With the load relatively light and balanced 60/40 front to back there is less stress on the rear wheel when you lift the front wheel over an obstacle and un-weight the saddle to allow the rear wheel to roll over the obstacle without slamming into it. My wheels last a long time without re-tensioning even though I am a Clydesdale by category. I find handling with front panniers to be quite good as well even on single track with a load.

[harryonaspot]

I rode it a few years ago on my Fargo. It liked being front biased as weight went. Just seemed more balanced.  Did 10 weeks in NZ this past winter with a frame bag, sling and 2 small rear panniers . Worked just fine. Just leave yourself space for plenty of food and water. Better to have a little extra room than 2 little. Harry