I recently picked up some Ortlieb back-roller panniers and have been struggling to adjust them on my Topeak Explorer MTX 2.0 cargo rack without heel strikes. The bike is REI co-op ADV 2.2, size L.
First image is the furthest back I seem to be able to adjust them, however leaves nearly half the pannier unsupported.
Images 2 and 3 show the gap that remains while pedaling – my foot may be further back than typical but I fluctuate from around there to sometimes more forward but never middle of foot in middle of pedal.
Even as far back as I can place this, heel rub is still a possibility. Is this setup just a lost cause and should consider either a different rack or panniers? I am hoping to fit a 15" laptop at minimum, climbing shoes for the gym after work, lunch, etc. Willing to pack two if I have to put thought I'd be able to get away with one. I also plan on bike packing in the future although not entirely sure when.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!
by MethaneMan0
13 Comments
do you place your feet that far back? go for a ride with a full load that you would normally have for a typical commute and assess after
While not ideal I ran mine a similar way for foot clearance reasons (26in 90s mtb with short chain stays) on a 160km off-road trip loaded with about 15kg each side without issue, though I did use another strap around each one horizontally to hold them in and stabalise them
Front rack?
Ball of the foot should go on the pedal axle.
https://preview.redd.it/crm4fsowi2yg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=03fe10c442c85ab4f610df9750c936a9c3f2d792
Aside from better foot placement on the pedals, you can also try angling the pannier or the entire rack. Tilting it toward you a few degrees buys you a bit of extra leeway.
Try this rack: Axiom Streamliner Disc. It moves the rack stays back about 2″
You already have the Topeak MTX rack, consider their trunk bag with expandable panniers. For most daily use and a load like yours it’s more convenient and versatile than the Ortlieb and will have way less windage especially when you don’t need the shoes and laptop and can run it with the panniers folded in, so all the cargo is behind you out of the wind. The Ortlieb panniers have massive wind resistance even when they’re empty.
I commuted with Ortlieb panniers (usually one) for years and while they’re deservedly a classic they kinda suck for daily commuter use because they’re huge and have no internal structure and organization. Plus their clip system tends to become sticky and unreliable if you don’t keep on top of cleaning it, readjusting and occasionally replacing parts or your bag will occasionally pop off at speed which sux when your laptop’s in there. I’ve tried a few other bags including a North St. Woodward that was an awesome backpack pannier and IMO also better than the Ortlieb but the Topeak trunk bags have become my all around favorite daily cycling bags.
Hard tp tell with the panniers there but looks like your rack is angles forwards a little.
If you’re already at the limit of hiw far back you can go on the upper stays buying extra long stays would allow you to tilt the rack back a bit giving you more space.
Why do you have the side of the empty bag pulled out as wide as it can be? Try rolling the top down more narrowly.
Also you can spread the clips out more for stability if you want. The clip towards the front of the bike can move forward, which might enable you to shift the bag back a bit more.
Is the bottom hook all the way to the front of the pannier that should angle the bag away at the bottom
I think those bright steel straps have more play in them which might get you a few cm. In a separate note, move the catch on the pannier so it is the other side of the spar and won’t shift around under braking, vibration etc.
Had similar problem. Similar rack. Topeak Explorer.
Can you adjust the rack?
You should be able to move your rack further back, from the photo it looks like you have room since the two rails can go longer.
Can you adjust the ortlieb?
Here’s my ortlieb setup with the pannier on the left side. One of the clips is all the way to the end.
https://imgur.com/a/hq4FFTc
Top view of rack and ortlieb:
https://imgur.com/a/CeTTWSm
Like some have said already: adjust your foot position in the pedal, spread the pannier’s clips as far apart as possible for ultimate stability, place the pannier as far forward as you can giving you the heel clearance you need. Personally, I ride with just enough clearence so I’m not touching it, which is a couple of millimeters. The further forward the pannier is the better your bike will handle/feel. What also could help in your situation is to pack the heavier stuff as far forward as possible inside the pannier, this is to prevent heavy stuff hanging off the back of the bike.
Not sure, I added more help or just repeating things. At the very least you’ll get another confirmation of what others have said already. Happy biking!