Touring - Panniers for mtn bike.

Is there a way I can get some panniers for a mtn bike frame. I am building a touring bike from a mtn bike frame. I know I shouldn't do and should get a touring frame but didn't want to spend the money right now. I did fine with the bike while riding it bud I know my heels are going to hit the rear panniers.

arkel panniers made for mtbs have a larger setback so that they provide lots of clearance for mtbs, combine this with an old man mountain rack which also provides a larger set back, and you'll be sweet ...

i have done a few tours on mtbs, they work fine, so no worries there ...

arkel xm-45
http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/images/XM45_lrg.jpg
And so weve adapted the XM-45s are adapted to the physical characteristics of mountain bikes. The XM-45s offer ample heel clearance which is essential with short chainstays mountain bikes. And the fully loaded overall width of the pair of XM-45s on a bike rack corresponds to the width of standard mountain bike handlebars so that if your handlebar can squeeze between those tight spots and turns, your panniers are sure to follow.

Where can get this set-up

I get plenty of heel clearance with my OMM rack and Carradice panniers on my conventional short wheelbased mountain bike. But on the other hand, I wear size 42 shoes.

babysaph - arkel is www.arkel-od.com
They also stock Old Man Mountain racks - the Red rock ones for the rear.

My first short tours were using a Aventis rack (from Galyan's stores, think they are gone now) and Cannondale rear panniers on a Schwinn Mesa with no problems. In any case, mount the panniers as far to the rear as possible. The Cannondales, though a little lightweight and maybe loosely mounted, are adjustable. front/rear on the bottom of the pannier. I still use the panniers.

Check this rack here (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FREXP). My heels hit my panniers on my other rack but had plenty of clearance with this. Plus it's sturdy as hell. I did my first tour on a mountain bike and had a blast so enjoy!

What about bags for the front? The same kind?

ttt