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I actually have a herniated lower disc in my back which may be something to consider.
@andyp @psee The forks are steel Marin butted cromo disc. I would most likely go for a Blackburn Outpost front rack, possibly the ti version.
I’m planning on going upto Hollyhead and over to Ireland so will be going through Snowdonia, so quite a lot of climbing. Is it better to be pushing or pulling the weight? The frame (Four Corners Elite) is incredibly stable, the wheelbase is crazy long and has thru axle’s with hydro discs so should hopefully be very solid on descents if front loaded?!
LeChef-
So for reference - I have had S1-L4 spinal fusion (there is a thread) and a few years ago I moved to commuting with a front rack to get away from ruck sacks/messenger bags all the time.
Personally, I find the bike better balanced with the weight over the front wheel. It does make the steering sluggish but, meh. I like it more than I like having a back heavy bike.
I prefer climbing with the weight up front but that is London commuting inclines, not Snowdonia. You can't really get out of the saddle with a laden bike but if you have to, it is better with the weight up front, to me at least.
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If you're going up hills I would assume you'll be out of the saddle and, as others have said, having loads of weight on the back is quite sketchy in that case. What are you bringing with you? You could put panniers on the back and e.g. your tent on the front to even out the weight a bit. Or front panniers and a bikepacking saddlebag.
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Sounds like front loading might work better in that case, although I'd be wary of putting 40L of stuff on the front, it might climb well but it'll probably steer terribly unless you're packing candy floss.
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In my experience climbing with load front VS rear it doesn't really matter. At first you'll have to get used to the effect on handling, mind
Aroogah
frankenbike
atk
Heldring
Good core and upper body workout if you've got weight wangling around on the back though...