Recently moved back to Chicago and am refitting a 1999 Gary Fisher Marlin for use as a commuter.
I've got two problems: I'm 6'4", size 13 shoe; and obviously the bike has a shorter chainstay length.
I've moved the panniers as far back as they'll go an am still skinning my heels. I'm not too worried about going too far back on the bike from a weight balance perspective since I don't plan on carrying a load worthy of touring, but I do need to take enough stuff to shower, change, perhaps some work materials.
I've investigated various racks and bags. My first hope was to just get an extended rack, like the Jandd Expedition Rack, but at ~$60, before I start dropping coin on a rack intended for touring, I'm just wondering if there is something that'll better suit my needs and my wallet.
My questions:The MegaRack seems to have a rounded end to the rack, and I'm afraid that this is going to effectively negate the benefits of the additional 2" on the XL? Does anyone have any experience with this rack that can speak to it, and potentially what the actual, usable, dimensions are once you take out that rounding?
Does anyone have any recommendations or ideas for a longer rack aside from these two? I'm considering Delta bags as well, to try and get a bag with the heel knock out on the corners, but again, before I spend heavy money on touring grade stuff, I'd like to know the options.
Finally, I've read the other threads on this topic of heel strike. I'm just generally wondering if the extended length of the racks are what cause them to cost more (eg, Jandd), or if there is also some added "beefiness" that is being added to such racks with the expected additional load for additional rack space?
Ok, I've rambled enoough. I appreciate everyone bearing with me. I've been pondering this topic fairly incessantly for a few days now. I hope to have some resolution soon, if for no other reason than to give my wife some peace and quiet.
Regards,
Sam
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am no expert, and don't have personal experience with either rack. I have the same heel strike problem you do though, as I am the same height with size 13's also. The Jandd is going to be one of my next purchases. From looking at the Delta model I don't think that it will offer as much room to move the panniers back. For me one of the key features of the Jandd is the long section near the bottom that makes it easy for a variety of mounting positions. The only other racks I can find that offer that flexibility are even more expensive than the Jandd.
My current solution is a cheap one. I have a Blackburn Mtn-1 on my old moutain bike. I got some fairly large zip ties and used them for bag stops, just behind the vertical support on the rack. That keeps the bags back far enough to miss my heels. But the hook and bungee mounting system didn't like the off center mounting and the hook next to the zip tie would twist and the whole thing would come loose. The panniers are old and mediocre but the price was right (free) so I didn't mind messing with them. I just took the hook off one end and mounted it a little over an inch towards the rear. So far so good. The only drawback I have found is that the panniers are dedicated to use on one side of the bike only now.
The Jandd stuff is expensive (relatively) but they have always been good quality. Plus they used to make all of their products in the US, though that has changed some recently with their bags at least. I still think they make very solid designs that focus on practicality. One of my favorite Jandd products that I own is their nylon & velcro ankle strap. I have been using it for around 15 years and it is still going strong. I can adjust it with one hand while riding if necessary, the velcro is still good after all these years and the reflective material has stood up to scuffs very well. It was 4 or 5 times more expensive than the generic ones but has outlasted them by the same factor, and works better.
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by Alloy Addict
The Jandd stuff is expensive (relatively) but they have always been good quality. Plus they used to make all of their products in the US, though that has changed some recently with their bags at least. I still think they make very solid designs that focus on practicality.
No so any more. The Jandd Expedition Rack I just picked up is made in Mexico.
Originally Posted by Alloy Addict
The Jandd stuff is expensive (relatively) but they have always been good quality. Plus they used to make all of their products in the US, though that has changed some recently with their bags at least. I still think they make very solid designs that focus on practicality.
No so any more. The Jandd Expedition Rack I just picked up is made in Mexico.
