--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Chris wrote:
>
> I got the narrow Happy Trails Panniers because
snip:
>
> However, the panniers can catch my feet when I ride in soft stuff, the
> bike digs down a bit, and I don't keep my feet forward (such as when
> paddle-walking). Of course, you perhaps don't want to be riding in those
> conditions with panniers, but those are the compromises I've come up
> against.
>
SNIP
>
> Chris
>
Glad you like them! It is good to have a set-up that you like.
This of course, the plus and minus of hard pannier has been pounded here as DSN and other places before--why stop now? and the hard panniers do have some definite advantages as you suggest. The following comments are in no way to 'rain-on-your-parade' but to remind all that are contemplating this set-up that there are some risks.
Your comment about the panniers 'can' catch your feet, conditions, etc.--Ensure you have true mx type foot pegs to increase the chances of keeping your feet on the foot pegs. Muddy boots on rubber foot pegs will not stay on those foot pegs; mx foot pegs will decrease your chances of physical damage to your body.
Many will comment,"mine have never hurt me". smile.
Perhaps, several will comment, 'I have been bit by the cases'.
Your choice of the word CAN indicates 'future' and if you ride in the conditions you describe (paddle-walking) your future is today, not tomorrow; CAN becomes WILL. ask me how I know.
Admittedly, all choices involve risk. The best we can do is--
Estimate the risk you are willing to accept.
I've estimated the risk, after direct field experience/observation; it is unacceptable for me. So much so, someone shows up for a lengthy ride with huge, metallic hard panniers, I am not going with them.
Sitting in the ER with your buddy and a fractured ankle from hard panniers--is not priceless. That same bike bit me as well when I was required to ride the bike out of the muck-and-mire, and two years later, that injury is still problematic to my ankle as well. Just try to understand the risk, and it is not minimal.
Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, enjoy the panniers.
revmaaatin.