I got the bike used and it came to me with the cross rack and Zootr pannier. Recently I put that set up back to make some minor mods. I made minor mods to the to the Brompton block ( drilled holes to make the bag release better) and changed the headset to cartridge bearings. To be honest I can't really tell that much difference in the handling. The load is about the same but I have I like the Brompton bracket better. I prefer to carry bat in the front. I should take some recent pictures of the bike. Knock on wood, the seat slippage has not been issue for me.