Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)
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I only used rear panniers back in the days when I was too poor to buy much. I sewed my own panniers out of packcloth. I tied my sleeping bag between the drops of my handlebars with nylon cord. I toured on an old Raleigh Gran Prix 10-speed with steel rims, cottered cranks, and a big stem bolt sticking up to gouge your knees when you went over the handlebars. (I know because I did it once.)
It worked. That doesn't mean it was an ideal setup. Now I have a dedicated touring bike and use front and rear panniers (plus a handlebar bag.) It's WAY better. I wouldn't go back. My bike handles lots better. I can carry more (although I don't have to), and I'm less likely to break rear spokes because a lot of my weight is up front.
You can tour with just rear panniers. But if you had the choice, why would you? Simplicity I guess. Cost savings. Weight savings (a front rack and front panniers do weigh something.) Not because it's "better".