Maximum weight in bike panniers

What’s the maximum weight of gear I can carry in my panniers: - For a woman on an e-bike - And for a man on a muscle-powered bike Thanks

Hi Didier,

Before you fill up your bike panniers, you first need to know the Maximum Authorized Gross Vehicle Weight (PTAC) of your racks. For example, for Surly racks like the Nice Rack AV AR, the manufacturer states 36 kg for the rear and 32 kg for the front. After that, just weigh yourself with your panniers on a scale, subtract your weight, and you’ll have the weight of your panniers. Your bike also has a PTAC—for a Surly, for example, it’s 136 kg. I weigh 78 kg, and my bike weighs 17.4 kg: (78 + 17.4) - 136 = -40.6

That leaves 40.6 kg for the panniers. All I have to do now is distribute 10 kg in each pannier for good balance.

It’s really important not to exceed your bike’s PTAC, as it can put a lot of stress on the frame, wheels, brakes, and components. This can increase the risk of part failure, which could lead to a serious accident, especially on descents or during emergency braking. Plus, the manufacturer may refuse to cover repairs under warranty.

It all depends on the bike and its components, the panniers, the rack, the rider's weight, the route profile, and also the power each cyclist can generate alone or with the help of electric assistance for e-bikes.

It's such a vague question that there's no precise answer.

Generally, when you're new to bike touring, you tend to want to bring a bunch of things that seem essential, but experience shows you can easily do without most of them.

Gather everything you want to take, do a test load, and if it all fits in the panniers or on the racks, test yourself on a route near home that has the same characteristics as your planned destination.

Hi Didier, When cycling, we’re the engine, so unless you’re only riding on completely flat routes, weight is our worst enemy. I think the better question to ask is: how can I pack as light as possible?

Thanks for your great tips

Thanks! For your advice. The route will be mostly flat.

Thanks for your reply and tips

Hi Didier,

As far as I’m concerned, over the years I’ve drastically reduced the number of things I take and, as a result, the weight.

The photo of my bike on my avatar is from 2010, and back then I was traveling with front and rear panniers, a handlebar bag, and an Ortlieb bag on the rack.

Here’s a photo of my bike loaded for a month-long trip in the summer of 2023:



The main thing is to just set off, knowing that the perfect setup doesn’t exist but telling yourself you’ll do better next time.

Every trip is an adventure...

Happy trails. 🙂

Thanks for the details! This is our first 13-day bike trip planned, with a tent. I’ve got 19 kilograms of gear.

Split between two bikes, it’s still manageable, especially since the route you’re planning is flat.

Each component has a maximum weight limit: - the pannier - the rack - the bike (cyclist + luggage)

It’s essential to bring only what you consider essential.

On my hybrid bike, I’ve gone up to 35 kg—even 40 kg at times.

After experience and cutting back, I’m now down to 12 kg, including sleeping gear, not counting water and food (up to 5 kg).

For example, I ditched the cooking set and picnic for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is just two bananas. Occasionally, I’ll eat at a restaurant for lunch or dinner.

It’s up to each person to decide based on their psychological profile, the type of ride, and their lifestyle, etc.