The crosscheck is an awesome do-all bike. Only reason I got rid of mine is because I needed a travel frame.

If heel strike is an issue you just mount the rack on an extender, end of problem.

I used mine for commuting, century rides, double metrics, bad weather, good weather, carrying stuff (case and a half of soda for the snack fund at work) and everything in between. Trust me, it can carry a load.