Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

^^^^^What's the thinking behind the front-heavy loading on those bikes? Wouldn't they handle better evenly loaded?

Has been discussed mannnnnny times already, looking at the Vaya in particular, the fork has been altered (increased rake) to handle better with the front load. Some people prefer to load evenly, some like to ride with weight at the front. If you load front and low, your bike feels nice and 'planted' on both climbs and descents, rather than the swaying effect you get with rear panniers/large saddlebags when out of the saddle as the weight is generally quite high.

The Elephant's area also designed (afaik) with a low trail to handle larger front loads.

Final + for front loading, you can reach stuff nice and easy. Nutella butties, cameras, beer etc.