allowed? psha!
the best was going to fiddle class last night. i just stuck my violin case right into the pannier. it stuck out like 18", but whatever. it was fun. it was funny. and i never before realized how long my wheelbase was, but i got it, seeing that case stick up...
ps - the sexiest bike is the one that gets used the most. this one is too heavy to haul up and down from my 3rd floor place too often, so yours clearly wins.