What's The Best Bag For Commuting By Bike? Saddle Bag Vs. Panniers Vs. Backpack
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 25. 07. 2024
- What's the best and fastest way to commute to work by bike? We went to the wind tunnel to find out...
What do you want us to test next? Let us know down in the comments.
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Thanks to Stefano Giappino and the team at the Politecnico Milano.
Commuting to work by bike is great. You'll save money compared to the alternatives. Plus, you get to ride your bike, making it a win-win in our books.
But, let's face it; most of the ways of actually carrying your work stuff aren't exactly aero-looking. Your bike can be as aero as possible, but, if you have your work clothes and laptop in a huge backpack, could that be holding you back?
We wanted to find out, so we pitted the backpack vs a full bike packing setup vs panniers. If you've read this far before watching the video, comment with your predictions.
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link đ gcn.eu/yI
To find out more about the fastest way to commute, check out "Pimp My Commute" here: gcn.eu/yK
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
When Emma said the top tube bag "looks like a triathletes lunch box" it proved she was the perfect choice for a GCN presenter
I was thinking the same thing!!
gazzervw did any other presenter leave? Or is she just an extra one
Thijs van den Broek as far as I know she is an extra face , they haven't mentioned anyone leaving . So let's hope no one has
Except she has won the Alpe D'Huez TRIATHLON at least once! ;)
mike dew yes
Obviously the most aero way to transport my luggage is in my giant basket in front of my Dutch city bike. Duh
Nina same as my bike
Can I ride in your basket ? :)
@@jjjj2411 that's cringe mate
@@jjjj2411 sorry, weight limit is 15kg đ€·đŒââïž
I miss Amsterdam. That's where I rediscovered the joy of riding bicycles!!
I work from home so my commute is really simple, I do like to use an aerohelmet to get to my desk tho #Aero
SwedishHouseFifa in Hawaii aero helmet is a must always windy af
I work from home, too. However I go downstairs and I havenât figured out how to bunny hop stairs. :/
And you can get out of bed faster if you sleep in one.
@@LaughingSaint66 Too embarrassing. Tons of people in Hawaii wouldn't wear one unless they were racing.
I have a hard time understanding why any cyclist (who lives a reasonable distance from work) doesn't commute. After getting into cycling I've noticed more and more how awful sitting in traffic is for my mood (and physical health). It's just so claustrophobic. Great video. More on this subject please
Always when im in a city im the fastest person by far.. cars are so slow and you get stopped by red lights all the time.. it's just as Quick riding your bike on bike paths.
I agree, however, it depends on your job... Commuting by bike is not really practical when I have to show up in a suit every day.
do you have a locker or a place to keep a change of clothes? In my last job I had to wear business clothing and used a locker and took a few changes with me
I tried cycling to school for a while, but the drivers are so bad in San Diego, not to mention the sidewalks are way safer than what little bike lanes they have here... Been hit too many times, decided it just was not worth it
I can't comprehend people who sit in traffic by choice.
Emma, youâre doing a great job!
such a GCN mum
I use a milk crate, securely zip-tied to the rear rack. I place everything I want in my backpack and put the whole thing in the crate. Super versatile.
#bodge
I specifically selected my current apartment so I could commute by bike. I have one question for Si and Emma to consider (maybe for a follow-on episode): which method of carrying gear is safest in the event of a crash? If I'm carrying my laptop and I go down, I'd really like the laptop to survive.
Bobble-be!
Your laptop is 90% a goner if you go down on a bike, best thing to do would be to make sure it is well padded
Jeffrey Williams try and roll instead of going straight into your head, that's what I do. ;)
Priorities Jeffrey. Laptop before personal survival?
CnE every time- I get sick pay, but I'd have to pay for the laptop
Go commando at the office. Pants and socks = wasted watts.
CnE ha ha!
Only Cipollini is worthy to do that.
Is cycling naked better than clothes?
Not only is Emma a pro cyclist and great presenter, she is also a scientist with a PhD in something earthy and very technical . Her skills come in handy in videos like this that involve real science.
One more huge thumbs up for Emma. Great to see her on the GCN team. Fantastic addition. Also great and informative video. Love it.
You should do a commuter video putting a bike, an ebike, a driver, and public transit against one another. I'd love to see the Orbea Gain or a Focus Project Y in action. I like the idea of ebikes as replacements for cars
Spencer Lemon And a runner. My friend uses his 10 km commute as half marathon training.
That has been done in FlorianĂłpolis Brasil. Motor bikes win, bikes next, running third, then everything else. Usually yearly a group of volunteers go from federal university to central bus terminal in rush hour using different routes for each transport mode, and we compare later!
@John We had skaters on that test. Also inline skaters, e-bike, runners, walkers, people taking bus, car, foldable bike etc etc. Each transport mode had 2 or 3 people going by different routes. It's called "Desafio Intermodal" or "Intermodal challenge" I'm pretty sure this wasn't "invented" here and must have been done in big cities around the world. Maybe google for it?..
Also, even though FlorianĂłpolis isn't NYC, I'm pretty sure it is quite representative.
@@peter_smyth Your friend is a fucking mad man
I use all of them simultaneously - including front panniers from time to time ;) - Fantastic videos by the way - Thank you very much for all the information in your super well produced and presented videos!
Off the back of this video I ended up ditching my pannier and moving to a large saddle bag (14L) which fits just about everything I need for my commute and has left my bike feeling a lot nippier and more responsive on the roads. Great video, thanks for putting the time into this subject.
Emma's an absolute natural! Great job getting her on board: Really excited to see more content with her in it!
First off, well done Emma. You already look like a natural fit in the team and a welcome change to the GCN sausagefest.
On to the video, Whilst in pure aerodynamic terms the saddle bag might be quickest, attaching the weight that high up on the bike will act like a pendulum every time you get out the saddle making the bike feel less stable and little bit unnerving unless I am always seated which I don't like because my backside needs relief from time to time. I have found that a rucksack is not comfortable on my back or my shoulders over any reasonable distance and exacerabates back sweat. Meanwhile the panniers may not be the most aero I personally find them the most comfortable way to commute and in the real world are not any slower compared to the times I have commuted with my rucksack. I have tested all the above and found the wind speed and direction played a much bigger role in the time it takes me to get to work compared what type of bag I picked.
shenava do you not like sausage?
Putting backs at the front makes you more aerodynamic. It's an argument Jan Heine from bicycle quarterly uses for randonneurs
You get used to the subtle movement of saddle bags. As long as its cinched up real tight and not overloaded (Tailfin marketing blurb did an embarrassing biased test loading it only with heavy bottles of water) they're excellent. For touring though. Too much faff for a daily commute. As Emma pointed out.
The quality seat packs are extremely stable. Just like anything you can overload them but day to day I actually forget I have one on there. They do sit some what high but they are also very central so they are way way more stable than panniers and much more comfortable than backpacks. I don't get all sweaty and my experience is that they are actually really easy to pack. They are just large bags after all.
There are solutions for improving the stability of extra-large bikepacking saddle packs. Here's one as reviewed by Russ Roca of Path Less Pedaled
czcams.com/video/XeE-hgSPGMo/video.html
Fantastic video as always!
I didn't know that we can commute without compromising aero! Chapeau to Emma and Si for covering this topic!
Emma is a rising star! Great to see that her sense of humour shows through - the look when Simon mentioned commuting on an aero bike was priceless. You lads better get her a proper fitting sweatshirt. Looks like she's wearing one from Matt's hand me down bin on entrance steps! No way to treat a rainbow band winner!
Great video and Emma is a great addition to the GCN team. One note of practically, I changed from a rucksack to a giant saddle bag because after a few hot journeys the smell from my sweat absorbed rucksack made me very unpopular with my colleagues in a very small office.
Good video around a very interesting topic, please keep adding more :)
I used to commute with a taekwondo backpack and panniers. After a couple months it became apparent it was faster if I put more in the backback with no pans, but I did have to support the weight... I like that I can hear her over the music. I realize sound reinforcement isn't easy across venues and you guys and lady try very hard. Thank you for an excellent channel.
Surely you should always ride with panniers and then have an extra free 20 watts to enjoy during races or club rides?
I commute on mountain bike, with panniers. When I get on my carbon roadbike, it feels amazing.
Well done. Very interesting investigation. I will stick with my rucksack because its more practical. Ty
Great video! Feels weird seeing you in a place I know so well, I often have lunch in front of that jet!
I think I'll stick with commuting in my normal cloths and use a backpack and save myself as about 10 minuets on packing what I need to bring and also getting changed when I get to college. No unsightly giant saddle bag needed
John O'Brien there is real truth in this. If you can wear normal clothes and ride slower you can actually save time by not needing a sponge bath and costume change. You can even wear the same shoes!
Fantastic work, thanks for this!
Doing great Emma! Great addition to the team!
Very informative and, guess what I was already looking for a saddle bag. Your video convinced me to swap my rucksack for a saddle bag đđŒ
Btw great to have Emma part of the team đ
Things I didn't know that I needed to know. Thanks gcn!
Another great job, Emma. You add some beauty to these guys.
I really enjoy Emma on the last vids, her warming personality and cycling expertice, plus She's lovely
Carradice Camper, Nelson etc are the way to go. I rode "fully loaded" across the USA using a Carradice Camper and an handlebar bag so they can carry lots....another vote for Emma being a great addition to GCN.
Great video. Osprey Radial 26 works for me. Holds my clothes, shoes if I needed (usually leave a pair at work), computer, small stuff, optional gear, rain cover and vented. All with some space left over in case I need to bring something unexpected.
Im planning an unsupported long distance ride, so this was super helpful and consequently Im going all-in for the giant saddlebagđ
Go Emma! Great to see a new presenter, especially such a lovely, cool person like you!!
Rucksack - sweaty back
Saddle bag - too small
Panniers - the past, present and future
Train heavy, race light!
Ps you can go with 1 pannier for less drag.
Ser Garlan Tyrell agree - with 2 panniers they are comparing a larger volume to a smaller volume rucksack. They should have run the test with a single pannier bag. For me it is not about the wind resistance though. I mainly use panniers because I want to avoid biking with stuff on my bag - I agree that panniers look silly on a bike but I can live with that.
MrUlski gigantic bum bag, err, saddle bags look silly too. You have to embrace the commuter/tourer look.
That said some of the ortlieb stuff recently just looks like a shoulder bag that just happens to clip on to a rack.
Ser Garlan Tyrell ortlieb ftw. The good thing about ortlieb is that you can trust that your clothes says 100% dry in there
Unfortunately it works both ways, as if you have to put wet clothes in them; that moisture ain't going anywhere!
Why would you go in circles?
I have the exact bikepacking bag setup from this. Makes intervals and long extended commutes far easier than a rucksack! It just means you need to plan ahead a bit with bulkier items and a laptop is a no-go.
Exactly my sentiments on the laptop. The bikepacking setup is out if you really need a laptop with you. Panniers can work, but the backpack is the best option for your laptop's health, especially if your streets are crappy.
Since I'm commuting at roughly half the speed on average and I also prefer a sweat free bag I will continue using my one pannier. Why? It fits everything I need, transforms into a backpack in seconds and it's just so convenient!
But nonetheless interesting video! Nice work
Hi, cheers from Buenos Aires. I found my best commute kit is a messenger bag, It keeps my bike pretty, and my back almost sweat free. I guess on the wind tunnel it would perform similar to the rucksack.
The trick is in leaving as much possible at the office.
Lovely work from Emma Pooley. Am surprised how quickly and naturally she fits into GCN hosting duty - three videos in and she feels like a pro at it. Well done ma'am!
At 5:57 "That does look a little bit like a triathlete's lunchbox really, doesn't it?" LMAO!!!
REALLY lovin' the new stuff with Emma! Great stuff, GCN!
Emma is a natural; "see the back of this door" and "fannage" are going to go down in GCN folklore. Well done Emma, brilliant video!
1:59
I bet Si slid the editor a couple of bucks for that clip
Hahahaa, I think so too!!
paid him more like!
Lol!!
Iâve been rocking the big saddlebag since 2009 on my 60km round trip commute. Formally a vaude 10+2 and latterly a Carradice SQR Slim. The carradice is very heavy though, so might try one of these new fangled things. They donât look very quick release though.
Happy to see I found the right option early on, disappointed to see I canât make it an easier.
I love these kind of episodes ! đđ
Excellent video!
wow what a fun and well done video!
That's interesting about the ruck-sack being less aero. On motorcycles we have speed humps on leather jackets for improved aerodynamics. Maybe they could design and aero-sack that would function similarly. Maybe its a difference of speeds too. Awesome content!
I've always gone with a backpack, as the drag from saddle bags is self evident. I don't opt for any bag that sits under the seat, because I keep both my bike lock, as well as the most attention getting tail light I could find, which I attach to the seat post. Thank you very much for this video, it confirmed what I had already assumed to be true.
I bought a bicycle messenger bag, not the most elegant one, but it really fits in a lot.
I have commuted ~10km every day into central London for the last two years. As a uni student, I've found that the best set-up involves:
- Wearing cycle clothing to and fro - changing in a large, accessible toilet upon arrival and before returning home.
- Keeping large textbooks/items in locker at uni.
- Carrying (in an ordinary backpack): day clothes, large laptop, books, 2 inner tubes, multi-tool, tyre levers, allen keys, mini-pump, etc. The extra room in my backpack allows me to buy groceries. I prefer backpack to panniers (haven't tried saddle-bag because it's volume is inadequate) because I don't have to worry about leaving my laptop and any other valuables unattended. Having waterproof panniers isn't that impressive because keeping the contents of your backpack in 2 layers of plastic bags is just as good. Also, panniers make general balance and filtering through traffic more awkward.
- Showering at uni - keeping towel and toiletries there. *Find somewhere at work/uni/school where you can let your wet/sweaty/dirty cycle clothing and towel air out/dry during the day, unless you want to ride home in sweaty gear or casual clothes.
- I have two U-Locks (ABUS GRANIT XPlusâą 540) attached to my seat tube which take the weight off my back. I really recommend this set-up because it allows you to safely cycle anywhere without your backpack.
- My Cannondale QUICK CX 2, which has wide 700x38c tyres, suspension and hydraulic disc brakes, makes me have a lot more control and confidence on some of London's busiest and most poorly surfaced roads. I very rarely get punctures too. To go faster, I've attached Specialized Dirt RodzTM Bar Ends to help get a lower and more secure body position. Also, cycling into uni in my day shoes with flat pedals seems much more practical than carrying an extra pair of shoes everywhere and struggling to clip in and out at the ~15 traffic lights along the way.
I'd say that my "set-up" is suitable for commutes shorter than 20km. Any longer, I'd swap to a road bike but I'd still keep the backpack. I'd only use panniers if I was working somewhere more remote/safe. As for the saddle bag, it would be hassle having to take it off all the time and carefully pack it. Any Q's let me know!
Most paniers just clip off and have a shoulder strap which would allow you to do the same thing without the weight on your back. In saying that I've been doing what you do for 10 years & am going to try panniers, the older I get the harder it is to carry the weight on my back.
Ms Pooley is a great presenter, very efficient in her presentation style, information clearly and logically presented. And, she has what is much needed in a presenter; she has a personality.
Great to see Emma - perfect choice! A witty foil for the chaps. May be a rush XS GCN kit order is pending??
Iâm a (2) pannier man myself. I need more luggage than I can fit in a rucksack - but I donât mind the extra drag/wattage (and boy, can I feel it) as a) Itâs good training into the wind, but b) I barely need to peddle with the wind behind me. Win Win.
Emma - youâre bloody brilliant. What an asset.
Nobodyâs saying it, but Simon is awesome too.
Still super stoked for the fact that Emma's presenting for you guys now. She's doing a great job. The colour and contrast in this vid is looking super, also. NGL, would be nice to hear from Neil, too. Big love!
I work a suit&tie job so I have to be dressed sharp at the office. Not going to work with either of the options presented in the video. So I don't know how aero the bag I use is, but it is definitely the best bag I ever had when it comes to doing the job - getting my suit to work without wrinkles. So yeah, it's a Henty Wingman. Absolute beast. Love it. And no, I am not working for them.
So if you wear a suit and commute to work - Henty's bags are the way to go. You heard it here first.
Iâve just started riding to work on my TT bike and Iâm so glad I found this video! Iâll be happy to swap out my backpack for a saddle bag, and Iâm hoping to grab a disc wheel soon to make my morning commute even faster!
You're a beast
Like many commuter cyclists in New York City, I prefer a satchel / messenger bag with a single strap, diagonally across my chest. While riding, it allows me to keep it behind my *lower* back, thereby minimizing drag; when conditions change, I can easily swing it to my side and grab something out of it- say, a pair of sunglasses when the sun comes out or a pair of gloves when it gets chilly.
Panniers have a noticeable advantage in giving me a wider profile from the rear view. Thus most drivers choose to *change lane to pass* and I get more space on the road. I need them anyway for the amount of stuff I must carry.
Plus the Ortlib panniers have a reflective shape on them.
Emma vs door
Wonder how many watts needed to close the door?
rincewind4 above her FTP thatâs for sure
Carradice enormous saddlebag on a quick release frame under the saddle. Carries plenty with no need for a rack. Perfect. +1 for Emma, great addition to the team!
And I would like to say that I, too, appreciate the addition of Emma to the team of presenters. And all the new presenters, for that matter, such as Steve at EMBN.
After a quick search for a saddle bag I see that their carrying capacity is much lower than a pannier. As a commuter cyclist, this is significant. I'll still pick a pannier
Emma is such a delight. Great accent, great pronunciation of foreign languages, great dry humor and rapport with Si, smart as a whip.
Great vid - thx!
Thanks Brian
I ordered a saddlebag in the middle of watching this video when it was first uploaded.
Best thing I've done for my cycle commuting, I've squeezed trainers, beer.. You name it, it's been stuffed in.
An sometimes be a bit weighty behind but generally feels sound as.
My bike is my car/transportation. For me, speed is not the issue. On the last bike, I had the nice waterproof panniers mostly because I did lots of camping in Seattle. Now, I just have a standard rack on the back of the mountain bike with a milk crate zip-tied on the top. The milk crate proved its superiority on a recent 6 hour ride when I stopped into a store for something to eat. I could not resist the box of chocolate croissants which fit perfectly in that crate. That was one of my best rides ever riding across Lake Washington at sunset while eating chocolate croissants.
I use a Topeak rack bag with stowable panniers. Pretty similar to a giant saddle bag with the panniers stowed but with the benefit of them being there if I need them. Perfect for this time of year when you need a big coat in the mornings but not in the afternoon!
Iâve always used panniers for commuting as they are so easy to use. I have some vintage Carradice canvas large and small. No sweaty back. The rack deflects most of the spray and road grime whilst the pannier bag with reflector gives the bike a wider more visible imprint on the road. So much so that it is noticeable that cars give me more space when they pass. Panniers are easy to pack and pull off the bike too. For mountain biking a small backpack with a few essentials is ideal. Under seat mini bags and dummy water bottles are great for carrying a spare tube and tools. I think bike packing gear is a great idea in some settings, but might be too much hassle for commuters to pack and remove from the bike.
You guys are so delightfully British! I actually had to look up "sartorial". That is not a word used often here in the States. Love the channel!
Messenger bag with support strap đ back doesn't get sweaty and more out of the way from the wind!
Great video (as always by the way). Anyhow I'm gonna keep my backpack I think. A big saddle bag could be a dirty solution in our often bad weather here.
Ferre Franckx big saddle bag is much cleaner. Acts as a fender.
Yes, but not so easy to clean every day (when it's bad weather). Using a real fender is cleaner. But that's of course my thoughts :)
No argument from me about real fenders. But you're not exactly making a fair comparison since you could still use a fender with either bag.
Let's make a deal : you use your saddle bag and I use my back pack, everybody happy :)
Emma/Si, you can get seatbags that have, essentially/literally, a holster which allows you to remove the bag and easily take it with you. That evens out the convenience factor and makes seatbags the clear winner!
Good video. Do a follow up video to see how they feel when riding regards to balancing, cornering, climbing and descending. What's most aero might not feel the best when the bike is leaning and other angles. I am sure there are others like me that incorporate training with their commute.
Danget Si! I needed the results of that Top tube bag!
Just to annoy you speed freaks even more. I use front panniers too!
i've tried them once, they threw me out of balance completely (on a XC bike, commuting to work, can't use anything without front suspention in this city)
There are ways to combine front suspension and front panniers.
7:01 haha Emma looks like a hobbit next to the giant Si on his bike standing on the platformđ
Simon is rather tall and Emma is rather short, together they make quite a stark contrast!
Lmao, she is really short indeed
Glad to see Emma appearing in more videos!
The slowest part of my commute is the dismounting, locking up, and stripping my bicycle of all valuables including lights and saddle bag. That is one reason why I prefer a backpack; however, I do keep the saddle bag on my bike to reduce the weight from my back. If I didn't have to do all of that, I'd save 5 minutes.
noticed a videoquality improvement. Am I the only one? Great :D
content good as always :)
Very interesting. I am curious about safety. Years ago a coworker told me that rucksacks are dangerous in a crash, as they crash with the rider and can swing toward the head (especially since I carry a laptop each day). I have always used panniers because I think they are safer, and I hate the back sweat noted by others.
No fenders on your commuter?
That was eye-opening, never knew about giant saddle-bags before. I hate how bumpy my racks make the bike but hate back-sweat more, so will definitely look in to saddle bags.
I also dislike the higher centre-of-gravity of backpacks (I pack about 4kg to work), the bike feels more stable with panniers - would love to see a road test comparing the luggage methods.
I've seen aero backpacks for motorcycling. I'm now tempted to try that, in place of a lightweight backpack.
I'm not a regular commuter as I'm based at home. But ride to meetings etc most days. Panniers always win for load capacity, waterproofness and convenience. Except like today when I used my Bullitt Cargobike with lockable aluminium box.
Get them all. I have x2 sets of panniers city ones, and big ones for camping/touring, backpacks and just got a handlebar roll bag.
Great video, GCN !!!
Very useful !
What model was that Topeak saddle bag ?
Great info. Would have like to see results for a handlebar/rando bag.
Fannage, brilliant word!! I had better not say any more!
not sure if that really convinced me to ditch my panniers but great video & info
I dont commute but when out on a family ride with small kids, i tend to use all three depending on what i need to carry.
Panniers are great for picnic goodies which keeps the kids happy and the ride enjoyable. The amount you can pack in them is worth the extra weight.
Only half-way through he video, so you may still mention this - but for commuting, the ruck-sack/back-pack can offer spinal protection during falls, and especially when being hit from behind. That's why it used to be my choice when I cycle commuted. Ideally it would be a sack with a belt strap to help keep it in place when tumbling/falling/getting thrown.
Great video
This would depend on the distance traveled and which item you plan to carry. I occasionally commute 75km to the office and carry a laptop and computer stuff. Never put these in panniers or saddle bags. Too much vibration. A well-designed rucksack is ideal for such. Clothes, shoes and other stuff could go into the rucksack if you can handle the weight, or in a separate saddle bag. So for longer distances the combination of a rucksack and saddle bag is ideal to me.
Great vid. As a follow up you could see how much of your daily commute luggage you could fit/bodge into a TT bike with dedicated storage. I'm thinking the on bike storage of a Cervelo P5X. Laptop in line with the wind...
I would like to make a case for panniers. Aero notwithstanding, panniers allow you to avoid having a sweaty back, improve your ability to see behind you if you use a helmet mirror and give you extra room for things beyond the essentials. I live in the hot humid southeast United States and riding with a backpack is just unpleasant many months of the year. Panniers also give me the flexibility to stop on the way home and pick up small items from the store. I vote for a more comfortable and safer commute than just speed or aero alone. Thanks for the interesting video.
I used a top quality hiking rucksack, that has a frame built in. This holds it off your back allowing air to flow through, and stops the contents poking you in the ribs.
Despite any fantasies I may have, 90%+ riding is commuting, so this video gave some food for thought. After 10 years at 28km/day:
Back sweat is nasty, so forget the packs.
I'm rather happy with the Tubus Fly classic (lightweight and gives a bit of an aero angle) paired with the Ortlieb Vario, which quickly converts to a backpack when needed -- a very handy feature when the weather gets nasty for the ride home.
A giant saddle bag is tempting, but can it clip on and off easily?
Anyhow, an excellent video -- please more of the same.
Loving the videos with Emma. She's great for the channel.
Personally, I love panniers. I used to run a small pair out back, 10L per side. They do mean you need the added weight of a rack and that you lose the ability to bunny-hop, but having freedom from strain on your back and/or strap breakage on a backpack is awesome. Only reason why I don't run them any more is my pannier set sprung leaks and holes from use.
This is a super great idea for long distance races too! I'm surprised it's never been done before