I should qualify my statement about clearance with the panniers (mine are older Ortleib ones), turns out you do need to push them as far back as possible. On the rack I purchased this makes it so the rear pannier hook that holds the pannier to the diagonal rack brace doesn't quite attach. Not a problem for my commute, but maybe for longer trips or light loads.

Also I got a flat on the way home after pumping my tires up to proper pressure (maybe over). Was only a mile from http://www.recycledcycles.com/ and was able to purchase some velox tape and patch the tire. Glad one of the mechanics removed the tire for me -- its not easy!