CliffordK

Bikes wear with use, whether it is 100+ mile rides on weekends, or 10 mile commutes on weekdays. There are consumables. Brake Pads, Handlebar Tape, Chains, etc. Worn handlebar tape isn't the end of the world.

Years ago I decided to use my old Colnago Super as an all around rider, commuter, errand bike. Most of my miles have been commuting and errands. It hasn't been stolen with decades of commuting and errands, but I'm picky at locking it.

Over the years it has had a lot of wear. I wish the bike was still as nice as when I bought it, but I don't regret choosing to ride the bike I loved, vs a "commuter" that I hated.

As far as a rack, I have had one mounted on the Colnago for eons. I carry a backpack at times, but "loads" vary. The rack mounts using adapters for the old Campy Style Dropouts.. It is a bit low, and not perfectly level, but it is strong.

InTheRain

I hope I wear out all my bikes... and the best one first. There is no question that I enjoy riding my road bike more than my touring bike. When the "loads vary" or the weather isn't cooperative (no fenders on the road bike) I know the touring bike can handle anything. But I look for every opportunity to ride the road bike. Yes, things wear. I just replaced a chain and rear brake pads this weekend on the roadie. I've already got my eye on a new road bike... it's going to be hard to justify, because as much wear as I have on my new road bike... it's still in excellent shape. I'd much rather have wear on my road bike knowing that I've enjoyed many hours and miles on it, than have it sitting in the garage in pristine condition waiting for that perfect ride on a weekend of sunny weather... it just doesn't happen a lot around here.

This is what I have my eye on next... and it will take full fenders!

Domane 6.9 Disc - Trek Bicycle

However, by the time I'm ready to replace my current road bike... I have a feeling that there will be many more bikes with all these options that I'm looking for (hydraulic disc brakes, Di2 electronic shifting, comfortable & light performance road frame, and the ability to take fenders and larger tires without a whole lot of hassle.)

vol

Are you still around? The rear rack on your red bike looks like the one on my bike that was put on by the LBS. I wanted to look for it online but don't know the maker/brand. I like it's lightweight. Do you know the brand?

tarwheel 

You can commute on any bike using a Carradice bag and rack. I commuted a number of years riding Eddy Merckx and De Bernardi racing bikes. A Carradice Barley or Pendle has room to carry all the gear needed for commuting and neither necessitate having a rear rack. Carradice makes a rack that attaches to the rails of your saddles, however, and that is recommended to keep the bags from swaying and hitting the backs of your legs. Fenders are another issue with commuting on a racing frame, but you can find fenders (such as Cruds or Race Blades) that will fit most bikes.

RubeRad

I happened to be walking a few blocks in downtown San Diego on Saturday, and I spied through a locked glass door (entrance to a walkup apartment) a carbon cyclocross bike, black on black, disc brakes, 1x drivetrain, and a rack only on the front. I tell you whut, it looked badass. Whoever owns that bike is an urban-commuting ninja.

Standalone 

I love to ride with a nice messenger bag and no racks. More flexible. More agile on the bike. It just works.

Long rides can be a bit hard on the butt with the extra weight, but for me the trade off of mobility is worth it.

Other advice in the thread is good, too.
https://www.baileyworks.com/home/ourbags.html i have a super pro. excellent bag!

tFUnK

Lots of good suggestions already but if it were me, I'd go with an Axiom Streamliner rear rack on a sporty-ish road bike. I don't mind a backpack or messenger bag for short rides but if 10+ miles and I'd rather have the load in a pannier bag.