Don't be too overwhelmed. I have a Blackburn EX-1, had it for 4 years, groceries, loaded tours, as much firewood as can handle in a cargo net, 2 medium pumpkins, gravel roads, singletrack. Its fine. Remember this: whatever rack you choose will still only be held on by two stainless steel M5 bolts. Working in a shop for 9 years, I have seen only 2 racks break in a heavy commuting area, and these were rugged commuters carrying books and everything else on only the cheapest racks, probably doubling the weight listed.