Rear Rack Issues
 

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.

I use the Jandd Expedition rack and it seems to mount the panniers a bit further back. Also what is your chainstay length? I have had some bikes that were really short and it didn't matter what you did, you were going to have heel strike, on one of those bikes I used a rack top bag and front panniers.

Aaron :)

Cant see or supervise your set up , can you (actually) fabricate your own modifications?

the other way to get clearance is move Higher . might get adequate space with a seat post beam rack

or put spacer- brackets under the bottom mount of the rack to bring it Up.



Racks like Tubus Logo, offer a bit more rearward location

(+ bags with a hook set that adjust via slots, such as Ortlieb [I use that combination])


or maybe consider another bike with longer chainstays AkA.. "touring" ..

Heel strike is one of the reasons touring bikes typically have longer chain stays (up to 1.5" more!).

If you get Ortlieb panniers, many models will allow you to shift the rack attachments to move the bag back on your rack.

If you're not carrying too much, you might get a trunk rack to work for you.