I actually just bought a rack and a set of panniers from Treetrunk's
store. I knew next to nothing about touring stuff, but I knew that
that LBS specializes in commuting & touring stuff. In the end I got a ton
of help on what I needed including how to install my rack (plus a few
bits & pieces to make it work).
Just now I checked online and the LBS sold the panniers at a lower
price than online and while the rack was a bit more it was definitely
worth the extra dough getting help in rigging it. Further I know for
sure that I would've bought inferior products if I depended on just
the internet. Also I'd rather spend my weekends riding instead of
sitting on my computer like I do all week.
cheers,
jeff