Too much is when you can't control the bike. For light to medium touring I'd try two methods, small panniers or no panniers. Small panniers might do fine on the rear. I've got a CrossCheck and found narrow Axiom Streamliner rack with smaller Ortlieb panniers was better than a wide platform rack. Once the weight approached two six packs it handled better with weight forward. For no panniers a small front rack, rear platform rack would work well.
This Velo-orange rack has worked well

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ront-rack.html

for the Cross-Check this rack is great for heavy loads like an 18pack of beer, it handles better up front than back. While low riders are more stable I've been able to mount Ortlieb up front on the steel platform rack.


since yr on a budget I'd get a ToPeak rear platform rack and a Nashbar six pack front rack and no panniers.