Thanks so much for your input.  That's helpful.  One of the things that concerns me over the design is the moment-arm that's created without any type of "stay" (maybe from the outer bar down to the fender bolt on the fork crown).  But you are the second person who has stated that it's secure - i.e. that there weren't any problems with it rotating down under hanging gear weight (or up when gripping the bar ends).  I imagine that special attention to how tight the stem bolts are is part of the key to that.  So, that's encouraging.   

Side note:  I read over your account of your 6-day adventure a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it.  Thanks for taking the time and sharing it!!

So, this maybe a weird question, but I've been searching around on-line ever since I discovered BarYak bars for any type of "review" of Joe's invention.  They seem like a great fit to my needs (I would like to have some room above for GPS mount, light, phone, etc - plus have a secure attach point that moves the gear out away from my cables).  However, there is nothing (at least that I could find).  Is this because they are so new....or because Joe is still "fine tuning" his design and doesn't want to have them reviewed just yet, or....??  They look super nice - but I'm just not ready to commit to ~$300 outlay without some more research and testimony.  So, I'm curious, have any of you guys used one?  Are there other options for front carrying systems?  I'd be interested to hear your take.