Weight on front end

[JamesA]

Hi everyone,

I'm after a bit of advice about weight on the front of the bike/general attaching of equipment.

I've been really keen on a freeload for a while and like the idea of getting one a bit cheaper and with freeload on it (rather than Thule). My current set up is Alpkit 8l drybag with pipe dream attached to handlebars with home made strap (don't ask), Pawel bikepack seat bag (stuffed with as much as poss) and everything else on my back. I ride a small full suss so there isn't a lot of room for a frame bag.

So if I get a freeload and attach it to the front suss fork how will it affect the handling? Or should I just get a small frame bag and stuff it as full as possible? I suppose it partly depends on how much (weight) you put on the freeload, but I've seen people with shed loads on the front of the bike and would be interested to see what difference it makes.

Thanks,

James

[Bearbonesnorm]

In general the best place to put weight is the front. I sometimes run a Salsa rack on the front plus a couple of Anything cages, so nearly everything is on the front end. It's never caused any issues with handling.

BTW ... the Freeload racks are great

[JamesA]

BTW ... the Freeload racks are great

I've read your review a few times over the last 24 hours!

Is the only difference between the racks 15mm in width? And the side support bits?

Looks like I'll be spending more money soon!

[Ian]

One aspect that was covered in an earlier thread on freeload racks was that they add the weight to the unsprung part of the suspension system. Generally for maximum suspension performance, the unsprung weight is kept low so that there is less mass to accelerate against the spring in response to the trail surface. That's the theory anyway...