Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
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Back in the early 1980s there was a bicycle touring boom. At the time it was standard to have most stuff in a handlebar bag and two rear panniers. Then came the French method of using two panniers up front as well as two panniers on the rear. Too much weight in a handlebar bag can really affect steering even whilst seated. then Jim Blackburn came out with his front low-rider rack design for panniers which was said to increase directional stability by a lot. Some bicycle tourists prefer to have most of their weight in the FRONT panniers rather than in the rear.
You need to try different configurations and then use what's best for you for the type of riding you do on the terrain you ride.
Cheers