Originally Posted by
Takara
That sure sounds like a bike problem, not a pannier problem. A well-designed touring frame can still get whacked and lose rigidity, leading to the symptoms you describe. Obviously, you can test by sticking the same cargo in different panniers to see whether symptoms change. But I wouldn't begin by blaming the panniers.
I had not experienced any problems with previous panniers, but decided to test your theory anyway. I loaded same gear into Cannondale internal framed panniers and I did not experience the same kind of shimmy so the panniers do seem to be the issue.
The REI panniers are tall (rise above the rack about 6") and the lower mounting hits the bike about mid rack instead of most bungee, hook styles that go to to the bottom of the rack.
I guess I'll have to devise an additional attachment nearer the wheel center to help firm them up.