Originally Posted by
thumpism
Jim Blackburn did a study in the '70s for his front lowriders and one of the configurations was with low rear bags that turned out to be not as stable as high (standard) rear mounted bags. However, I suspect that the low rear panniers were considered less aesthetically pleasing than the high. Practically speaking, heel strike might be an issue.
I like that the Bridgestone above is said to have a Huret Albeit rear derailleur. Probably an Allvit.
I was working in a shop and selling touring bikes when that study came out. If memory serves me, the study showed that low rider up front helped with handling but did not do so in the rear. There is little doubt that putting weight down low up front helps the bike's handling.