Originally Posted by
mm718
Thanks... I think the stem could be worked out but I am worried about heel strike. I have big-ish feet and the clearance doesn't look good. I am thinking by next summer the smaller Bridgestone might be a good fit for my son and my wife could ride the larger one... I'll try to post some pictures next week when I get the second bike.
It's not necessary to use large rear panniers or any rear panniers to carry a touring load. You can load front panniers on a top mount rack or low riders. Check out Jandd saddlebags for decent heel clearance, they aren't tall.
http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FSBP