the rack is well built, I just think its trying to do too much with the design. Not trying to be a hater, just critiquing i guess. For example, I'd rather have a set of tubus duo lowriders for when I want panniers (which are lighter and removable), and a simple porteur rack for when I want to carry a stack of newspapers or whatever. But that wouldnt have the same handbuilt cache or whatever. And water bottles under the platform? Really? Aside from the fact that they will probably fall out on bumpy roads, why would you want this? What the hell are the huge porteur bags and front pans for if not to carry something like a water bladder? Gimmicky.

Also, cramming it onto a crosscheck is really silly, since the bike will handle like crap with a huge load up top and up front, unless the person also decreased the trail of the fork.

Part of what makes the classic french porteur bikes (the inspiration for cool racks coming back into vogue...) so appealing is that they are maximally functional, while removing all unnecessary features and weight. They are designs which have been distilled to the extreme. Its not just the cool racks, lights, and fenders that make a herse or singer touring bike so special, its the fact that they are able to carry a touring load securely, while weighing in at 18-20 pounds. I bet that rack alone weighs 5-6 lbs.

and to anyone who says "a touring bike is already heavy so it doesnt matter" is missing the point. Yes, they are, but why add grams, ounces and pounds that are not DOING anything?

anyway, its just my opinion. I'm not trying to be mean or anything- The guy building the stuff clearly has good brazing skills...