Crikey! That is some extreme bikepacking! The rear pack looks like some sort of hideous giant insect. Are there any downsides to having the weight there?
Eta: and that would seem to be a Topanga Diamondback with Biopace...so it must be very old, but it's in beautiful condition. Pls tell us the wheel and tyre specs.
The rear saddlebag was a bit of an eyesore, but there's next to no weight in it, just a sleeping bag. Bike handles great with all the weight low down up front. Really surprised with it to be honest considering its humble beginnings. Got some Ortlieb Front Rollers on the shopping list and with a bit more experience/practise with packing I'll hopefully lose a bit of bulk from the saddlebag too.
Yep, an all original, barely used 1991 (I think) Diamondback Topanga for the princely sum of £17 off ebay. They're the original wheels (Exage hubs, unknown single wall rims). The cups and cones are looking a bit pitted so wheels are on the shopping list too. The tyres are 26 inch Halo Twin Rail 2.2. Not the first choice for a touring tyre, but I had to have fat gumwalls for the hipster points, and these were within budget. They're pretty fast rolling and comfortable and with a shot of Stans in the tubes they've yet to meet the fairy. Tempted with some Compass Rat Trap Pass when they wear out though.