Tom Harriman wrote:- In my experience I find the old saying to be true, when loaded touring it's best to have the heaviest items at the lowest point on the bike. and Ray Green wrote: Maybe it depends what is meant by loaded touring but in my view you get the best handling with the luggage high ie in a Carradice camper longflap saddlebag.
I tend to agree with Ray but would stress that the heaviest items must be at the front. I seldom use front panniers, but always put my heaviest items in the handlebar bag (tools, food, liquids etc). The weight helps maintain the balance and eliminates the 'death wobbles' when descending the Alps at 60+ mph. I don't know if the height makes a lot of difference, but I know that laying into tight hairpins with a fully-laden touring bike is a lot more solid (and fun) than bouncing around on a lightweight frame with no packs. Of course you've earned the right to enjoy it after lumbering all that kit up the other side!
Michael McGrath
Sydney, Australia