Originally Posted by Machka

All my tours have been with one set of panniers, with the exception of a few days when I mistakenly thought I needed a second set of panniers because I was travelling for 3 months. I quickly corrected that problem and continued the trip with one set of panniers.

I have ridden with my one set of panniers in front ... and in the back. For me, there wasn't really a huge difference ... the bicycle possibly felt a little bit more stable with the panniers in front.

But keep the rear rack. I used mine for my Carradice, and it was also nice to have the extra room to carry a few groceries between shop and campground.