stability - panniers or top box

[donkster]

which do people find the most stable, panniers or top box. Even with my top box empty I still get head shaking, no problem if I take it off, which suggests its some sort of weird aerodynamic effect rather than just weight?

[bandit]

Hi donkster I also find my Alp less stable with my top box on but fine with my panniers on, all three boxes on is also fine.
I use top box for day to day running to work but tend to use panniers or all three for longer trips.
My top box is a GIVE MAXIA52 which is a big box and dose catch allot wind.

[donkster]

I have a maxia 52 too

[phil w]

A top box will have a bit of a parachute effect, but then I rekon a good screen helps to illiminate some of that.

[Raven]

I find the bikes handling much better with the panniers on and no top box. With just the top box on on its own makes a noticable, negative difference to the handling. Also I find the topbox makes sidewinds a problem where they aren't without the box on. But panniers can be so wide....

[BIG D]

I prefer Panniers without a topbox I have never liked topbox's for me they ruin the look of a bike I know they are practical and you can shove your helmet in most of them, But I still think a bike looks and handles better without a topbox [also I need to lift my leg higher to overcome the box and being a older git you know] so thats my preferance.
BIG D.

[Krtek]

You want the weight to be as close to the center of the bike, weight-wise, as possible. That would be, close to the engine (as that's the heaviest bit).
Panniers are, seen from the side, much closer to that. So that is why they don't influence stability as much.

I hardly ever take mine off, that's how well the bike handles with them on

[Rubberchicken]

You're just showing off your Africa map.

(But yeah. You want the weight as far forwards as is practical. In front of the axle at least. Lots of top boxes stick out way back...)

[Falp]

which do people find the most stable, panniers or top box. Even with my top box empty I still get head shaking, no problem if I take it off, which suggests its some sort of weird aerodynamic effect rather than just weight?

Top Box are much more practical for everyday use but shake many more and are very sensitive to side winds... work better with two on the Bike.

This years's Lisbon Bridge winds got me afraid of riding to work for a few days until I got the Top Box off...

Side panniers gravity center is better, but are wide and expensive if not travelling and I wouldn't pass by many cars commuting with them..

[Krtek]

You're just showing off your Africa map.

True dat.
Wouldn't you?