Riding with front panniers is really no big deal at all, unless the bike has crazy geometry or something. I routinely ride my commuter (which happens to have an LHT fork) with 20-30 pounds in the front panniers. If anything, the bike is more stable loaded up like that. A decent touring bike can handle lots of luggage without much trouble. Many actually handle better (my Miyata and Univega are much better when weight is added).