I would like to commence a thoughtful discussion on the pros and cons of front versus rear cargo stowage.

I'll begin by sharing that I'm an Xtracycle owner and I love that thing. Obviously it is rear stowage.

On the other hand I really enjoy the milk crate I have on one bike. It is right there in front of my bars. I was riding one time and I got hot, so I stopped and threw my jacket in the milk crate. Took like 5 seconds and I was off riding again. Wouldn't have been so quick with my Xtracycle.

Another thing I like about front racks/baskets is that I can keep an eye on my load. With cargo on the rear of the bike I'm frequently concerned whether it is staying secure or whether something is coming lose. One thing I do about that is to wrap things in bags, so there is nothing hanging out. But its a pain.

Well, I hope this hasn't already been hashed over and I'm repeating. I would appreciate folks thoughts.

Well, how about an Xtracycle with a front basket? :D

I personally like having some weight on the front end, I think it helps with handling. Too much though, and it starts to feel too sluggish. Worst yet is if you put something on the front of the bike and it starts moving around on you, shifting its weight about. On the Xtracycle though, I understand that you're already situated farther towards the front wheel, so how about a system where you carry your heavies in the back, and anything for convenience in the front?

Well, how about an Xtracycle with a front basket? :D

I personally like having some weight on the front end, I think it helps with handling. Too much though, and it starts to feel too sluggish. Worst yet is if you put something on the front of the bike and it starts moving around on you, shifting its weight about. On the Xtracycle though, I understand that you're already situated farther towards the front wheel, so how about a system where you carry your heavies in the back, and anything for convenience in the front?

You know I think I WILL put a front basket on my Xtracycle! I'm happy. Discussion closed.
Kidding.

Totally agree. Loading the pivoting wheel is tricky. I actually don't like my my front milk crate bike because the milk crate is a large one and heavy and so even empty it mucks up steering. I just wanted to try carrying stuff up front and I overkilled it (I tend to do that).

Indeed, light handy things up front and the heavy stuff in back.

It's all about weight in motion. On the front or the rear makes no matter
as long as the weight carried does not swing side to side.

There are cycle that carry lot's of weight on the front that use a platform
seperate from the front wheel that do well but if a basket is attached to
the bars then the weight carried better be low or you risk having the weight
dump you in a hurry.

On the rear you want the weight low and as close the axle center line as
it can be or any weight up high will also dump you due to balance issues.

like I said.....It's all about weight in motion.