yeah, without seeing his setup it's hard to tell. My guess is with the OP's old hybrid, the setup for panniers is not ideal -- thus the heel strike. I don't see how heel strike would be an issue with either the Volpe or C-Check if his bike is properly fitted, unless he has clown feet.

I've been commuting on a Volpe for two years now, and it's been just great. What an awesome bike. I'm 5'5" riding a 49, and I feel like I could have gone a size bigger--I get a little toe overlap on occasion if I don't turn/pedal carefully.

I have ridden both of these bikes before deciding on a Long Haul Trucker. I think the Cross Check is the better bike. Rides are similar but the CC is tougher and built better. Also, I would recommend going to an LBS that knows how to fit bicycles correctly. It doesn't sound like the one you visited scored highly in that category.

Thank you for all the feedback everyone. I did finally find panniers that I love... Axiom Monsoon -- Awesome pair with no heel striking issues! The Jannd wasn't big enough to fit my laptop in it. The Axioms are water proof -- even the zippers. The carrying weight -- 60 lbs. I seriously could not ask for better.

On another note... I did finally try a Volpe in a 44. The owner of the bike store did mention... that I would either fit a 52 or a 48. He needs to take some more measurements before he decides on it. Given that I have until September I have a little time before I go over to get real measurements taken.

OMG the Volpe handled like a dream! Everything I could ask for. I admit that for the 1st time I did not feel like supeman/woman. The bike was setup for road racing position and I did notice the extra weight on the outside of my palms. He did mention that with time I would build the abs and the lower back muscles to support myself vs putting all the weight on my hands. He did also mention that the 44 was a little too small for me... but he'd work with me to get measurements, etc.

What impressed me was that he took the extra time to measure my current bike to see what I was use to. The top tube, the seat post vs. the pedal, etc. Unfortunately I've already tried all the LBS stores around and no one has a cross check in my size. They mentioned that there's no demand for the smaller frame bikes.

So, with all of the above... so far I will admit that that volpe is the winner. I loved the way it handled. I loved everything about it. Now just need to save up the dollars for it. Hoping to get this bike in september.

Once again thank you everyone for all the input.

you'll be happy with the Bianchi!

I road them all too and thought they were all about equal to each other. I also eventually chose the LHT but I remember it being a tough choice.

I went through this same decision process a couple years back. I've written about it on BF (search my username and Cross Check and you'll find my opinions). In short, I went the the Cross Check. Nearly 2 years and 4000 miles later I have absolutely no regrets.

I've ridden my CC with REI commuter panniers and REI smaller (I don't know the name or size) panniers, and I've had no issue with heel strike. Though I do use the Jandd Expedition rack, which is longer than many racks.

For the last 1500 miles or so, I've been using a Carradice Nelson Longflap. I don't think I'll be going back to panniers (though I have them), as the Nelson holds all I need for commuting. If I run out of space in it, I have a Carradice Junior for the handlebars.

Just want to second the point that those frame sizes are WAY TOO BIG for you! Especially the crosscheck, which sizes large.