Earlier I suggested to utilize the fork and mid braze-ons for low rider panniers but wouldn't make it the rule.
One really needs to experiment, depends on the planned excursion (majority of terrain type and realistic carrying weight). The fork is a suspension, so when one makes truss supports and fuss with various rack mounts, you might be surprised and become sensitive to differences.
If your carrying the wife's extras, kitchen sink and neccitates the rear cargo, no way am I riding the compliant steel.
Although I enjoy a nicely setup '87 Trek 520 (extensively changed from factory equipped) with fork mid-mount, its not even close to what my 20+ yr old ally Cannondale offers. My first loaded trip on the legendary 520 with a standard front rack was a handful, especially on steep fast descents. Its now improved with a mid-fork mount rack but still a noodle.
Learned by lucky chance but acquired this ultra budget 'hybrid' ..... yes, a hybrid flat bar with Marzocchi guts Headshock fork. Swapped to shortened stem, drop bar and dual controls, front pannier rack easily mounted to the suspension fork, meaty fast and reasonably supple 700c x 42 Continental Speedride tires.
(By the way, 27 inch rubber is NO longer common available or are very limited. Every bike shop to Wal-Mart stock 700c tires. Also suggest to predrill rims for Schrader valve.)
This bike is an ugly beast, heavy handling slow feel but it just 'plows' over the worst of roads and ultra plush- it makes touring a joy. I'm
stoked how awesome these Cannondale hybrids can be.
