Can you fold the forward corners in on themselves (like poking the finger of a glove into itself) and tack them down, to give you a tapered forward edge like touring panniers have?

I've only played with one set of Basil panniers, and when I saw them I was thinking about Mimi's experience. So I messed with them a bit...

Maybe try that and see if it gives you enough clearance before you give up on them?

(and Bruiser, I *like* that Schwinn! Thanks for causing me to suffer MORE bike lust in my life!!!! )