Originally Posted by
Coldhands
Why do many tourers load up at the front and avoid rear panniers?
Reasons:
The front wheel carries less weight, since your body is over the rear wheel (maybe... 60/40 split or so).
The front rack can mount the panniers lower to bring your center of gravity further down. The rear rack has to stay over the derailleur.
On many bikes, especially bikes with a "low-trail" fork and geometry, a load in the front smooths out the steering and improves handling
Non-reasons:
It's a hair more aerodynamic
It looks cooler