Frame mounted gearboxes

[lornac]

Have just seen G Boxx and V Boxx on Google: seem too heavy AND expensive at moment but are they the way forward for touring bikes as well, to give a better balanced layout ie weight better distributed?

[jawj]

They are very pretty and neat aren't they? They're designed for mountain biking and are certainly the way forward there where the 'extra' weight of the Rohloff is moved forward into the centre of the bike.
Honestly though, for touring, would you really notice the weight in one place or another when your bike is loaded with panniers and all your gear?