The Giant does take a rear rack but someone said my heal would be hitting a pannier if I used it. I'll have to check out the Casseroll from Salsa. I'd never heard of the brand so I was a little hesitant.

My problem with the Cross Check may have been size. I was sent out on a 50cm but today I started chatting with someone who was on a 46cm and she let me take it for a spin. I think that felt better. Now I'll have to take the 46cm for a longer ride. The problem w/ the CC is it has a dual chain ring in front. I'm looking for a triple. I guess that can be changed but all the add ons are going to start costing. *sigh* What's a girl to do.