I had a rear rack installed on my Pake SS commuter by my favorite mechanic in my favorite LBS yesterday I also got myself a Jandd Duffel Rack Pack and a Delta Metro Elite Pannier. This morning, I loaded up the duffel pack with my camera equipment (SLR body, a couple of lenses, flash, batteries, etc.) and some cloths for a gallery opening this evening. I didn't use the pannier because of the windy forecast. I threw the pack on the rack and off I went. No more heavy messenger bags! The bike handled a bit less nimble but no biggie. It's a pretty tame commute. Got cut off while riding on the bike lane once. Two cars made illegal U turns in front of me caused me to stop. One car used the bike lane to pass the cars waiting for the light then blew through the red. Just the usual stuff. No one honked at me and everyone who passed me gave me plenty of space.