socalrider

I am doing a light tour of the west coast this summer.. I have read many threads regarding heel clearance.

I will be using an Eddy Merckx road bike so this is going to be an issue.. Is anyone using the Nashbar Compact Panniers.. It looks like they have a heel cutout to improve clearance.. Any opinions??

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Cyclist0383

How are you attaching a rack to the bike? I'm guessing that you will attach it at the quick release. Tubus makes an adapter which attaches to the quick release and has the added benifit of giving you more heal clearence. Check out this link for more info. https://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS...ONS%20PAGE.htm

From the Nashbar panniers I've seen the mounting system is horrible, just a couple of hooks and a bunji cord. With hooks and a bunji cord you run the risk of your pannier falling off. I've had it happen and it's no fun. The better pannier makers have much better attachment systems.

socalrider

Good info.. Thanks.. I am leaning towards getting a Blackburn expedition racks that comes with P-Clamps that attach to the frame.. I may have to go with OMM rack so it sets the rack further back.. They user a clamp through the rear skewer..

smd3

This is old, but I'll add some info since I use these bags.

They have two coated metal hooks on the top, and a hook on the bottom that's tightened with a buckle. I use a cheap blackburn rack, and everything works ok. I had to shorten the strap for the lower hook just a bit so I could get it was a little more snug.

They definitely help with heel clearance, but their odd shape can be a pain.

I think they're a good value, they work fine, and have a built in rain fly.

lmzimmer

What size are your feet? I have these pannier and have used them for rail trail touring with bed&breakfast. They are adequate for that but not really roomy. I wear size 10 shoes and did occasionaly hit my heel but it was not terrible. However I would use these with caution if you are going to have a lot of gear, have large feet, or are doing hilly terrain- the attachment is poor as noted earlier- these are not exactly rugged but suitable for light duty touring.

smd3

I should have mentioned earlier, I've got pretty small feet, at size 9. I ride a smaller bike, I use these panniers on my Raleigh One-Way, 53cm. (which is just a bit too big.) I'm going to try them on my Casseroll with a Tubus Cosmo, but I haven't got the rack yet, I'm ordering it this week.