Originally Posted by
urbanescapee
I seldom get over 25 mph but there's a hill on my commute where on the downhill side, if traffic is clear, sometimes I can. My problem is that I have long feet (US M's 13) and a average length chainstays. My panniers have to be mounted as far back as possible to not make contact with my heels. But sometimes on that downhill, I get the shakes...wish there was a simple solution apart from getting a new bike or cutting my toes off.
Well, low rider front racks will get rid of the shakes, but they can be more of a hassle than rears.
I do understand you sure don't want the shakes, here's a winding downhill I shot heading back to San Diego from the Paso Picacho campground on Memorial Day. I had a handlebar bag and two 15-quart rear panniers modified from Tupperware-like dry dog food storage containers, not over 20 lbs total in gear. I do have a inexpensive rear rack with oversize hollow aluminum tubing; stiffness is a huge factor. Max speed was 40 mph for a few seconds...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giTD_ynXi2c