I recently added a fork low rider rack to my commuter and moved my gorcery panniers from the rear to the front. I like it better in the front. I do have to lean a little harder to turn, but the steering feels more stable. I definitely have more traction with the front wheel now. The rear tire looks less "deformed" than it did with my gear loaded in back. I think it depends on how much weight you are carrying, how much you weigh, and what the geometry of your frame is. I am pretty sure that I had way too much weight on my rear wheel before and that I am probably much closer to the 40% front, 60% rear distribution now.