Racks are great. I don't know why people hate racks and fenders so much! I have a rack on my flite 100 track bike, and (I think) it makes everyone jealous. I carried a case of beer and a giant watermelon on it at the same time. If heel clearance is an issue get a trunk pack or something. I ride to work without my messenger bag to avoid a sweaty back and just shove everyting in the trunk pack and strap it to the top of the rack. I don't find it much harder to skid with a loaded rack, but back pedalling to stop when you have 50 pounds of groceries is alot harder.