Thanks for the welcome! My bike is a 48cm, and for some reason my LBS (Wheelworks, for those in the know) sells them for way less than anyone else in the area.

The cage rocket is a neat idea, I might just look into that option. I have definitely though about getting panniers, but I've already surpassed the budget I set for myself for 'extras'. My birthday is in a few months... so it's going on the list. I think I want an Ortlieb, heard great things about them. For my first ride yesterday, I used my favorite messenger bag, and it definitely didn't work out. It kept sliding to my front and interrupting my pedaling motion.