My sister and I busted our folders (Novarra/Dahon-hers, Swift-mine) out all over Manitowoc, WI last week. I had some extended testing opportunities for loading the Crossrack in front position. We did the longest rides that I had ever done on the Swift with varying weights on the Crossrack. I still didn't get to your weight and size Noteon - and I don't think I would want to after our rides - but somewhat regardless of the weight it seemed to be much more critical for the load to be symmetrical on rack and the bike. Obvious, I suppose. But even the lightest loads arranged asymmetrically caused me problems. My largest load - still not more than 10# - I spent a little extra time arranging things in the bag and had no noticeable steering issues.

On return home I loaded my Ortlieb Office Bag on the front - which has kind of a angled mount for rear rack/foot clearance. The angled mount has all my gear sliding to the low side of the bag - it was immediately noticeable on push off.

By the by, the Swift seemed to just roll and roll next to my sister pedaling and pedaling the Novarra/Dahon thing. The Swift is still so quick off the line and so smooth on the climbs. It's still just a dang fine bike.