I haven't had a front rack on mine either but it seems like it would only make it more stable. When I have the back loaded and sit more upright the front gets a little loose. I have thought about getting one just for stability.

My trekking bars were from Nashbar ~15$ 2-3 years ago and I wouldn't trade them. Changing hand positions on a long ride is a must for me. I used the original grips then taped the rest. My LBS says its the ugliest thing he has ever seen, but he has never toured. He is going on his first this July and I am wanting to see how much of his balls to the walls road bike mentality goes away. He has already been asking what kind of brooks to get.



And just for the record, yes that is a garage door opener by the stem.