I have big feet, and seem to always have troubles with heel strike when I use a rear rack with panniers. I recently bought a set of Nashbar euro-compact panniers, figuring that smaller means more clearance. I mounted them for a recent ride, as far back on the rack as I could, and still had heal strike. I did look after the fact, and I think I may actually do better by mounting them backwards, but I don't know if it will work, or if the lower connector will just pull the panniers forward.

Anyway, after all of that prelude, I am curious if anyone has any information on longer racks and/or contraptions available to move a rack backward. I usually pack too much stuff with me, but I only do day trips, so the rack doesn't need to be heavy enough for loaded touring. I usually have a full trunk bag with tools, tubes, inflation kits, food and other incidentals, and only really need the panniers on cooler days when I alternate between wearing and packing a jacket etc.

I do have some ideas for fabricating a lower bracket using both the rack and fender eyelets to let me extend back an inch or so, but I know me, that is less likely to happen than buying a solution.

Any ideas?

My bike is a 2003 Giant Sedona in case that matters.