i also prefer clean bike lines aesthetically that a rack takes away from, but i had to try one out as riding with a bag on my back was really taking a lot of the positives out of riding. just that feeling of being encumbered on your back made the freedom feel of riding less there.

heavy or not, the bag just makes it a sweaty mess back there on hot days, and the more you carry, the more uncomfortable the ride gets.

only had the rack on one day so far, but i am surprised about how good the bike still looks, ill post a picture later when i go on a ride and take one. and i can say from a test ride that yes, i'd rather have the weight on my back from a center of gravity position, but it's not better than having an uncomfortable back.

for some rides i will just bring along my maxpedition jumbo versipack and just strap it to the rack. for others the topeak bag that clips in. others nothing at all. just cause the rack is on it doesn't mean i have to use it every time so it's fine.