new panniers

[KnottedYet]

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!!!! )

[bruiser]

Knotted- I like that Schwinn, too, that's why I linked it Kinda wish it were a 3 speed, though.
Good idea on tucking the corners in. I don't really need much more space to get a good up-stroke. I did realize today that when I crest the hill by my house the wind coming from the west (is that called a westerly?) blew the corners into my spokes. Yech. At the time I was trying to pass a kid walking in the bike lane and the sound made me think my whole rack was going to fall off into traffic
Plus, there were some studly cyclists coming down the hill opposite me- I wanted to show off my guns but the racket from my bags was ruining my game

[KnottedYet]

Knotted- I like that Schwinn, too, that's why I linked it Kinda wish it were a 3 speed, though.

Umm, it *is* offered as a 3-speed: http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/mercha...=Schwinn_Cream

See, there's no excuse!

Must.
Buy.
Bike!

(I've got the hots for this one right now: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...en/1278/29345/ but I think the Schwinn Cream is even better! )

[tjf9]

I also bought a pair on impulse and have a similar issue. I scooted them as far back on the rack as I could and that mostly took care of it. Now I only have an issue if I put too much weight in them - they sort of sag forward - so I pack sorta carefully. Post again if the corner trick works for you - I may give it a try.

They are super cute, so I'm willing to put up with a little hassle. Plus, for me, they're really only a summer accessory because they are not water resistant enough for Portland rain!

[MtnBikerChk]

can you email or call Basil? That's usually where I go first when I have a question about a product.

They've probably answered that question a million times and might have an idea!

[obie]

I just bought some Ortliebs (thanks for the tax rebate, George! I know you LOVE bike commuting!) and initially had this same problem - but then I realised that the Ortliebs have a built-in "finger" that holds the bag in a back-position on the rack. Maybe your has something like this as well?

My previous panniers were saddlebags like the ones you show, and I always had them bungeed in position on the back end of the rack, which worked well.

[madscot13]

now I have questions:
1. where did you find them? I just got back from Europe and no shop really had a great supply of them.
2. do those bags have a plastic board on the inside to keep them from sagging into the spokes? if they do not I would try and make some.
3. would a longer rack help?