Swapped my backpack for a pannier bag and my back thanks me daily

Used to carry everything on my back in a Jansport for my 12 mile round trip commute in Portland. After 6 months I had constant shoulder pain that wouldn't quit. Last winter I finally bought a $40 pannier bag for my rear rack and it changed everything. Now my weight sits on the bike frame instead of my spine and I don't dread hills anymore. Anyone else make the switch and notice a big difference?

2 comments

2 Comments

victorbutler2d ago

Oh man, totally feel you on that. Switching from a backpack to panniers was a game changer for my daily commute too. I used to get that weird numb feeling in my shoulders after a few miles with a heavy bag, and it just killed my mood. You gotta agree with @finley_wells66 though, it's more about the weight being on the rack than the frame itself, but the difference is night and day. I grabbed a cheap set off Amazon for like 30 bucks and my back stopped hurting within a week. Hills went from a drag to just another part of the ride, no more leaning forward to balance that load.

finley_wells667d ago

Gently point out that most panniers actually sit on the rack, not the bike frame directly, but the weight distribution difference is still huge. Your spine will definitely thank you for taking that load off after a few weeks of commuting like that. Even a budget pannier setup beats a heavy backpack for long rides every time.