i was thinking about a crosscheck but i don't think the fork has braze-ons for a front rack, i could be wrong though (i been wrong before!).
I was thinking about the motobecane jury also, but i read the rear brake has some issues with needing a drop bolt or some jibberish like that (what the heck is that anyway?), and it needs long reach brakes like the tektro R556, and I don't think the fork on the jury has braze-ons for a front rack either (am i wrong?)
also, thanks for the sizing tip...i'm pretty sure i need to get sized up at a shop before i make a decision.