I prefer a front rack with a shelf and the potential to be able to mount the panniers high. I normally mount them on the lowrider rack, but on one tour the weather was super crappy and with the panniers mounted low they were getting totally soaked, so raised them up and it helped. I did both road and expedition touring on the same bike for a while, with the low it helped stability, with the load high I had the ground clearance I needed. I also like the front rack for being able to strap a light load on in a pinch, like a big bag of TP when I go to the store.
Aaron
