Originally Posted by LeeG

Nik, first off I suggest you configure your load carrying according to the size of the load. I've got a 56 cm Cross-Check and have tried various loads and racks. The bike doesn't carry heavy rear biased loads well. It's not a touring bike. That said it can carry a range of loads well if you take advantage of front low riders.

If you're considering a touring payload for two large rear panniers get front low riders and small/med panniers instead with a top of the rear rack bag to take the rest.

If you go with front panniers and rack bag the heel clearance issue is moot, and you'll eliminate the awful handling that comes with a heavy rear load especially with your size 14 ft.

With a front low rider for panniers you can get any cheap rear rack, Topeak would be a very good choice. I tried the rear Topeak and a Tubus Cargo with loaded panniers and the handling was iffy with my size 11. Reducing the load and going with a very narrow Axiom Streamliner made riding with rear panniers acceptable but I'd go for lowriders for touring.