Is it really necessary to follow the traditional advice of keeping your panniers as low and centered as possible, or are there situations where having them slightly higher and more forward can actually improve handling and stability, particularly when riding on uneven or technical terrain?
Some argue that the added weight and wind resistance of panniers can make a bike more difficult to control, but what if the weight is distributed in such a way that it actually helps to lower the center of gravity and improve traction?
Are there any benefits to having panniers mounted in a more forward position, such as improved weight distribution or increased stability when cornering or braking?
What about the argument that having panniers too far back can cause the bike to feel unstable or twitchy, particularly when riding at high speeds or on rough roads?
Can anyone share their experiences with experimenting with different pannier mounting positions and how it affected their ride?