Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,852
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
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One thought(data point) on chainstay length. It can be an issue when riding with rear panniers. 430mm is considered a somewhat short chainstay in touring bike circles, however my touring bike (drop bar converted Trek 970) has 429mm chainstays. I run 55L panniers (total, sum of two bags) on the rear with a size 12 shoe and have had zero heel-strike issues, not even close. My panniers have a moderate 45 degree angle on the leading, lower corner to help with clearance (part of their design). Even without it, I don't think I'd have heel-strike issues.
Older Trek 520's (classic touring bike) had 430mm chainstays. The more modern Surly LHT has around 460mm chainstays.