If you've got the touring bug, be careful about skimping too much. $200 should get you a reliable rack and nice bags. If this is to balance the load, that's good. If to carry more gear or look like others, maybe not so good. After all, you've already completed a tour with it all on the rear. Was there a problem?
I once went touring with 4 panniers full of stuff. When I got to the start point, realized I'd left the front rack off the bike. I managed to move most everything to the rear. Had no handling problems, tho I still preferred a more balanced load.
Since switching to a bent, I've learned to pack with two panniers and a neat rack pack. Without missing anything I really need. Did this by
moving to a single walled tent and eliminating most of the kitchen. I could restock the kitchen if need be, but then the rack pack would not be quite so neat.
Last edited by Cyclebum; 03-25-12 at 02:28 PM.