I am glad not to be a newbie here to gain information. First of anything on the rack that is wider should be fastened back where the straps attach. That way, you're less likely to have heel strike. The importance of the rack for the Brompton is a platform to roll it on. The wheels that it rolls on are small and this makes it very maneuverable. Yes, you could roll it on the two micro wheels it comes with that attach to the frame, but it does not roll nearly as well as with a rack. You can put a cover over it and take the seat off, and it appears to world like normal luggage, using the seat tube to roll it around. I modified my rear rack and the whole thing becomes a foldable shopping cart. I plan to modify the bike in my old age so I can use it as a walker.