When you pedal, your heel might hit the front bottom corner of your pannier. This can happen with every turn or just occasionally. It scuffs the bag, moves it around on the rack, and makes the ride less enjoyable.
Cyclists call this problem heel strike. It’s common, and most of the time you don’t need a new bike to solve it.
Why your heel hits the bag
Four main factors determine if your heel will clear the bag:
- Your foot size matters. Bigger feet or shoes with thick heels reach further back.
- Your bike’s rear end matters too. The chainstays run from the pedals to the rear wheel. Shorter chainstays bring the rear wheel, rack, and bag closer to your heel. As CyclingAbout notes, adventure and light-touring bikes with “short 410-435mm rear ends ... often result in panniers being within striking distance of your heels”.
- Your rack also matters. It controls how far back you can position the bag.
- The shape of the bag is important. If it has a square front corner, it often sits right where your heel moves.
Riders with big feet notice heel strike the most, along with those using bikes with short rear ends, like road bikes, gravel bikes, compact frames, folding bikes, and small-wheel e-bikes.
Check your rack before you buy
Most panniers attach to the top of the rack, and the rack’s design determines how far back you can place the bag.
Take a look at your rack. It usually has two main tubes running from front to back, with smaller bars connecting them. Some racks also have a spring flap on top to hold items in place.
Pannier straps and clips fit between these small bars.
Next, test it out. Put on your riding shoes, sit on your bike, and slowly pedal backwards. Watch where your heel passes the rack. The front corner of the bag should stay out of that area.
How to fix it, cheapest first
1. Move the bag back
This fix is free and is usually the first thing experienced riders recommend. Move the bag as far back on the rack as the bars allow, and make sure it stays in place.
Don’t move the bag too far back. The further the weight hangs behind the rear wheel, the more it affects how your bike handles. Move it back only as much as needed.
2. Choose a bag with a cut-out corner
If your heel still hits, the shape of the bag is more important than its size. A bag with a cut-out front bottom corner gives your heel space, while keeping most of the storage higher up where your foot won’t reach.
3. Change the rack
Some racks have longer side rails or rails that extend further back, letting the bag hang behind your heel. This option costs more, and you’ll need to make sure the new rack fits your bike.
4. Change how you pedal
Some riders move their foot further forward on the pedal. This can help, but most people don’t like riding this way for long. Use it as a temporary fix.
Model M: cut-out corners to clear your heels
We created our Model M to solve this problem. The cut-out corners keep your heels from catching as you pedal. They’re a good fit for cyclists with larger feet or shorter bike frames.
- 28 litres in total, as two 14-litre bags
- 0.9 kg (2 lbs)
- Tool-free fit: buckles and hook-and-loop straps, for most standard rear racks between 12 and 16 cm (4.7" to 6.3") wide
- Weather-resistant: PVC-coated polyester and extra side flaps on the lid handle light rain, splashes, and road spray. For heavy rain, use a rain cover.
- Internal U-shaped liners help the bags keep their shape and prevent them from sagging or flapping into your spokes.
- Reflective details on both bags, and an easy-to-clean tarpaulin panel on the wheel side.
Questions riders ask
Will my heel hit my pannier?
Try the backwards-pedal check with your riding shoes on. If your heel passes close to where the front of the bag would be, pick a bag with a cut-out corner and place it as far back as your rack allows.
Do I need a new bike?
Usually, you don’t need a new bike. First, try moving the bag back or choosing a cut-out shape. If that doesn’t work, consider a new rack. Only look for a longer bike as a last resort.
I have big feet. Can I still use panniers?
Yes, you can. Big feet make heel strike more likely, so the shape of the bag is especially important for you. A cut-out corner gives your heel space without losing storage.
Why do my panniers only hit sometimes?
If a bag isn’t fixed firmly, it can slide forward on the rack during your ride. Once it’s in the right spot, make sure it stays put.
Aktie:
How to choose a pannier rack: what to check before you buy