Dang, 53 weeks, but I'm gonna necro...
I just discovered the Pack Rat in my search for a new commuter/gravel/recreational ride. I must have skipped over this bike before, but now it's looking kind of good.
(Mainly because there's one available in my area! There's just crap for bikes around right now, very frustrating.)
But, yeah, the front-rack thing is kind of weird. I commute with two rear bags right now, but I could be convinced to go forward. But I like that it still has rim brakes. And I use sort of small bagson the back, so I might be OK.
So, did the OP ever get one of these? Has anyone?!