bluemando

I've been considering buying the Soma Smoothie ES frame and, after I put some components on it from another bike, will use it as a commuter/light touring bike. The cs length on the smoothie is 16.93 inches. Will that be long enough to use with average sized panniers? I don't want the heals of my shoes scrapping them. As a comparison, I checked the chain stay lengths of a couple of touring bikes and a cross bike. The cs of Trek 520 touring is 17.7 inches. The Surly Cross-Check's is 16.7 inches. The Surly Long Haul Trucker is 18.1. What cs length should I be considering?

DanO220

I have run a rack and paniers on my CrossCheck without any problems. Of course, longer is better if you're planning on getting some big bags. DanO

roadfix

With shorter stays, your shoe size becomes a factor more than anything else.

Bekologist

you could get a long rack like the Jannd expedition, which is 4" longer than the average rack, I believe. hang those panniers way back.

bluemando

Wow that surprises me! I wear a 10 1/2 shoe and scrape the panniers on my Bridgestone MB, which has --according to my measurement-- 16.9 inch stays. The Surly Cross-Check is 16.7, so I would certainly scrape those. I ruled out the SOMA Double-Cross because, like the Surly C-C, it specs out at 16.7 inches. That's what got me looking at the SOMA Smoothie ES. Those stays are slightly longer (16.93) but, I'm limited to 700-32c tires. That probably would be enough but I'd like the option of going wider. Thanks for your input.

bluemando

That's worth looking into. Thanks!

bluemando

Makes sense... Thanks.

AndrewP

The Radical Explorack is longer than most. Costs about $45 Cdn.

MichaelW

Not only shoe size, but crank size affect the heel clearance. Use smaller ones (170) rather than larger (175) cranks. Either will work for an average size male. If you are on the short size, you can go smaller.
Panniers should have a heel cutout. The square cut ones have to be mounted further back, but with cutout, you can mount them forward for better balance. Smaller panniers usually have less problems with heel interference.
The ES seems fairly similar to my commuter, and I dont have any problems (size 9, 170mm cranks, Carradice panniers).

DanO220

For your info: I also wear a 10 1/2 - 11 shoe size and I pedal a 175mm crank. Also; some of the 'long' racks people are menitoning are definately worth researching.

I would definitely get a frame with plenty of tire clearance. It's just too fun to experiment with different widths and tread patterns. It can make a significant difference. I started out with 38's, am currently running 28's, and think that 32's will eventually prove to be a perfect width for me. Tire clearance - not to mention inherent toughness - is what makes cyclocross frames so nice for commuting. You can taylor your wheels and such according to the quality, or crappiness, of the roads on your route.

Have fun. All the best. DanO

bluemando

Good info. Thanks!

bluemando

Thanks DanO. After reading your post I surfed about and found the *real* specs for my Bridgestone's chainstays. Turns out my measurement was a bit off. Instead of the stays being 16.9 they are 16.7 (same as your Cross Check). Also found out that my bike's crank length is the same as yours (175mm) I suppose the difference is the length of the the bike rack (mine is a real "cheapo," but very lightweight) At this time my panniers are located all the way back on the rack.... I scrape them with the heal of my shoe a bit, buts it's not too bad really. Nevertheless I figured that if I got a new frame I would want to remedy that. I'll be checking into some of the bike racks that some here have recommend.

I hope that I will be able to go with a cross frame for the reasons you stipulated... The SOMA Double Cross uses 631 steel - I like that feature. One issue I have to find out about is whether it can take V-brakes. The SOMA site doesn't say. It does mention that their Smoothie ES is designed "with long reach caliper brakes in mind." Guess, I'll email them and find out. Thanks again.

operator

Great rack for the price (got mine for $34).

bluemando

Can't find them on the Internet. Got a URL?

operator

They don't sell online, they have several stores around Toronto though. I'm assuming you don't live in Toronto?

bluemando

Assumption correct!