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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/71252573
Frannie is a 2019 Salsa Vaya.
Steel frame with a Shimano 105 drivetrain. We roll tubeless. She typically hauls between 20 and 40 pounds of gear depending on the season. I used to ride carbon, but once I hit my 40s every ride started to hurt a little more, so I moved to steel. Unloaded, the frame weighs about 19 lbs, but it handles smooth as silk.
I would spend 8 hours a day on this thing if I didn't have a job.
Dat azzzz
Less than I expected them to, but I definitely take tight turns more slowly when they're on.
It's more a weight distribution thing than anything; if I've got 30 lbs of gear in those rear bags and nothing up front, handling gets super hairy on hills, gravel, or rain/snow. Fishtailing on a bicycle at 20+ mph is fucking terrifying.
If the weight is spread out, it's significantly smoother. And the low center of gravity is great for gravel.