Update: I just got my panniers in the mail today (Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier), and I can verify that on my 52cm Cross Check, with the Bontrager Back Rack and the Tandem Pannier, there is absolutely no heel strike. I have size 11.5 feet, and even with my feet pushed so far back on the pedal as possible, while still being able to pedal with my toes there's still at least a couple inches of clearance, or more. Pedaling with my feet in a normal position (clipped in on the balls of my feet), there's got to be at least 4-5 inches of clearance. Of course, it's worth pointing out that the Timbuk2 Tandem Panniers DO angle upwards towards the back a few degrees, to give more clearance, but I'm confident that similar sized panniers, even without this feature, will fit just fine.

Very pleased with this setup, and highly recommend it!

It's good to hear how much you like your setup. I actually have a very inexpensive generic rack on my cross check and I ride with a timbuk 2 shift pannier with no problems, but it sits pretty high up so I am afraid that if I put on a set of proper panniers that I will start hitting them with my heels. My crosscheck is being upgraded from commuter to tourer this summer so I am looking to outfit it properly.

You can pop by anytime to take the bike out for a ride... and if you want to play with it for a few days let me know.

Should be pretty much plug and play since we have nearly identical proportions.

Hehe heres mine... usually traveling pretty light. Panniers coming though

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K...0_0165post.jpg

O RLY? And just what is that magic number? :-)

Added a new stem (nitto technomic) and new bars (VO rando), next is some yellow cloth tape and some amber shellac.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...n/b3d7919c.jpg

Will do, probably next week sometime.

I'm new to commuting on two wheels and I'm hooked!

Here's a shot of my first ride to work on my new(old) Novara Buzz.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=204326
It's a 1x9 setup with what seem to be decent components? SRAM X5/7, 26" Slickasaurus on Alex rims, Ritchey headset/bars, Ergon grips...

I'm really loving the ride so far.

Last commute on the old Trek... she's going to a new home after a total refit.

If this bike could talk...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...rekkerside.JPG

3 great looking bikes in a row. And I just convinced myself that I do not need a new bike until next spring.

Like the coffee cup on the Buzz, I use a similar set-up in the winter. Hard to find a good traveller mug that fits the bottle cages.

Of the 37 or so bikes you own, that Trek is the one I've always connected you with the most. Can't believe you're getting rid of it! Hope her new home is a good one.

Guess you did not know me when people could not conceive of me riding a bike with more than one speed... :)

That looks good. My fav color scheme too :D

That is an incredibly sexy ride. I bet you don't mind riding that one around!

I've always wanted a Novaro Buzz. Cool coffee caddy!

Form meets function in a bike like this. I really respect those Novara bikes, though I never see them in this area. Someone smart designs them.

And that's an artistic shot you took.

65er that Trek is always such a nice bike when pictured.and it always reminded me of my Trek. I'll miss seeing pics of it from time to time. Mine is going to be my backup bike for myself but mostly other people to use when needed. I decided I wanted to have agood loaner bike not some cheap junk. It needs some attention before its ready to be used again.

My citified daily commuter.. named "Fred" or "Frankenbike" depending on my mood..
Not much original left.. next weekend the cranks get replaced because I finally found a set of NOS Biopace chainrings. I know most people hate em but my knees love em.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=204352

I run with a Sakae Oval-tech triple crank which is basically the same thing as Biopace.

If I remember right the big difference is how they are clocked.. The Oval-tech's give you more mechanical advantage (least diameter) at the start of the power stroke (good for racing) and the Biopace give the least advantage (greatest diameter) on the power stroke , to make the cadence even (good for cruising). My knees prefer the apparent even effort around the clock from the Biopace. I can't quite tell from the pictures..

Biopace:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...r4/biopace.jpg

Oval-Tech:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m.../oval-tech.jpg

I know a lot of people say Biopace feels like a pedal spindle is loose or bent or something..

Sorry about the thread drift..

I bought a used bike (Norco Bigfoot c. 1991) recently. It has a full Shimano Exage 300LX gruppo with Biopace crankset. The BB needs replacing, cables and brake pads are original, and I wrestled with the seatpost for a couple of hours before convincing it to move. Unfortunately job situation is up in the air right now, so the bike is hanging from a hook in the garage until funds permit some TLC. I'll have to wait until then to determine whether or not I like the Biopace.

Pic from the online classified ad:

http://i.imgur.com/Z3o8wl.jpg

Who knows... one day I might build another like it but for now it is a matter of having several bikes that do the same thing and the fact a good friend needed a really nice bike that won't cause her any worries. Have overhauled everything from the bb, to the headset to the wheels and installed some high quality parts.

The plushness of the ride is important and the 35's and trekking bars really damp vibration... my friend tore off all the tendons in her thumb and forearm and it has been a few years since she could ride a bike. When she took the Trek out for a spin she came back with a big smile on her face as it was the first bike she rode that did not cause her undue pain and discomfort. She cannot shift a rapid fire with her left hand but tested the Suntour half ratchet and the action is light enough she can move this with her thumb. :)

Stripped the high end parts I had installed as first gen XTR levers and cantis and hand built Mavic MA40 wheels are a little spendy and rare and installed equally nice parts so that the ride and performance remains virtually unchanged.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...ekkerbars2.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...ekkerbars1.JPG

The Avid levers and brakes stop the bike so well the only way to stop faster would be to ride into a parked car... the XTR cantis had the same kind of mad stopping power and the braking action with the V's is a little lighter.

Nice bike!

That's pretty interesting, I went directly from a Biopace to the Oval-tech and never noticed that they were clocked differently. I guess everybody wants what they don't have, because on my long term to-do list I intend to replace the ovaltech with a smaller triple, like a Sugino XD600, to make my upper ring a little more useable.

Agreed. Sorry!

An updated pic of the Masi Speciale with the Selle SMP saddle. The bike is torn apart at the moment. I'm swapping out the 16t rear with an 18t. I also have some black moustache bars and orange tape on the way.

http://www.watsonfx.com/masi_fountain.jpg