Exactly! Even with just the 5kg handlebar bag on my test ride with no panniers the bicycle handling felt much more stable and relaxed for the extra weight being forward. My front-rack is cheap and might break (no eyelets, discs, so not many options) but I know at least if the worst happens I can load the gear back into the massive rear-panniers with this newer setup.
Originally Posted by
cyccommute
You aren't quite getting it. Everything that I carry on a bike could fit in the rear panniers. I'm not in need of space. But putting the load over the front wheel makes a large difference in the way that the bike handles. I've used just front bags or two small front and rear bags. I've also toured with just rear bags. The front only or front/rear split is a fast improvement over rear only.