Best bike baskets according to redditors
We found 117 Reddit comments discussing the best bike baskets. We ranked the 43 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 117 Reddit comments discussing the best bike baskets. We ranked the 43 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2BGRSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lnfDybG6SF59X
This basket. It's my first time using risers and I like them so far
Saw a recent post on bikeporn and decided I had to get one.
Cannondale Hooligan with an Evo Brooklyn handlebar/basket combo. It's so ridiculous but I love it. Was actually pretty hard to track one down here in Korea - they seem to be much more popular in Japan.
Looks like an EVO Brooklyn
For all-around utility and versatility, a hybrid/comfort bike is a good starter choice, as could be a used mountain bike (either of these types can handle light gravel and gentle off-road use). Try to avoid department store bikes—rather, companies like Giant/Liv, Raleigh, Specialized, Trek and others offer good quality. Riding around town, you don't need suspension (it reduces efficiency), so look for a rigid frame.
Around this time of year, many bike shops will be clearing out this year's models to make room for next year; see if you can snag something good there, as well as checking Craigslist.
With your height, you'll be looking for a Small frame (around 16 inches/40 centimeters—the height of the frame's seat tube).
I'd look for a good-quality basic bike—for example, here is Giant's entry-level $330 Sedona W—and kit it up with fenders and a rack at the very least. Fenders will run around $40, and a rack will cost $25-50 depending on the type. I'd also recommend getting a pair of folding baskets on either side of the rack, which will help you carry at least a full paper grocery bag on either side.
You'll also want lights; Serfas makes a good commuter light set that's about $40 for headlight and taillight.
Your bicycle budget is equivalent to US$440, is that just for the bicycle? because you could easily spend that just on a spare battery or cargo or comfort parts + shipping in which case you'll have to use a bike you already own.
Speed of food delivery is important so a spare battery sounds like what you need but would eat all your budget.
If comfort is what you're after, 5 hours is a long time to be in the saddle so I'd look into front suspension fork or a suspension stem, a sprung saddle or a suspension seatpost, comfortable ergonomic grips possibly with vertical bar ends so you can change your hand position.
If carrying capacity is what you're after, how much food do you need to deliver? If you're talking a stack of pizza boxes you could put an insulated bag on a flat cargo tray mounted on a front Wald or CETMA rack.
Weight and speed eat energy, you have a 720wh battery that BBS02 will consume at a rate somewhere between 15-30 wh per mile depending on how heavy your load and how fast you go, you'll exhaust the battery between 30-50 miles. Pedal in a low PAS level/low speed range ie level 3 of 9, 15mph to eke out the range.
Baskets are pretty cheap.
Basket or milk crate bungee'd to rack.
Or if your rack allows (such as Topeak), a brand-specific crate that attaches securely to the rack via a locking mechanism. Example
If he/she ever has problems with getting their nails stuck in those holes, they do make a doggy basket specifically for dogs. We started out with that one you have and had to migrate over.
https://smile.amazon.com/Snoozer-Buddy-Bike-Basket-Black/dp/B0026WYCU4
You can get Metal Baskets for the rear rack. They collapse and stay on the bike, very meh looking, but that's better isn't it?
edit:
here
Topeak Tote on a Topeak Tourist rack if anyone is curious.
In addition to everybody recommending pannier bags:
Rear rack side-mount wire basket: Wald 582, pair
Rear top-mount wire basket: Wald 585
File storage crate or a heavier duty milk crate
Not OP, but seems to be this one.
The site suggested I get this too!
Another option is Wald folding baskets. They go on the side of your rear rack (where pannier bags would go) and fold flat when not in use, but you can pop them out and hold a canvas bag of groceries in each one. I have them on one of my bikes and they're very handy.
Edit: here's what they look like on a bike (folded and unfolded)
I too was in your position OP. And I researched about portability comfort. Use of ingress and egress and style and price! My recommendation after 1yr of service is the mother fucking Wald folding basket. This thing is this shit. Here's why: it's cheap. Less than 30$. It looks good folded up! I can drop my backpack in it with my 16" laptop and a few books with ease. All that content being in my back pack. Once I get to school I just take my backpack out of the basket and folded it up if I want to or I just leave. It's awesome! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012DZEBY?pc_redir=1410667964&robot_redir=1
They're nice and durable. I've placed 40lbs of stuff in it no prob. And all this ortlieb stuff is nice but way too fucking expensive if you ask me. And some of it looks weird as a backpack. Then the hooks That connect to your rack are running against your back and just ugh. This allows you to retain your original book bag
This basket works pretty well for not-too-heavy loads. It has a velcro mounting bracket and an additional quick release function for the basket itself.
Detachable rear racks are less good. They tend to be seatpost racks that aren't very useful. However on a frame with real braze ons at the dropouts and chainstays taking a regular rack off is just four bolts. You might even be able to get some butterfly bolts so on/off is tool free.
There are lots of cool mixte step through frames out there if you want to build a skirt-friendly conversion.
And there's the penny trick.
A bit on ther pricey side but topeak makes a rear basket that has a quick release and it has a handle and wheels to use while shopping. Keep in mind you will need a special topeak rack for it to work.
Topeak Trolley Tote Folding Basket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033VNCTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LKtODb2DKRF96
Since your objective is scooter deliveries . . perhaps a large rear basket on a hinge mount that tilts back while refilling gas.
I still own a car, but I live in the downtown area of Seattle and I've recently started biking a lot of places after my bike sat in my apartment for 2 years. It's been great, I no longer feel guilty about not going to the gym, and I don't have to buy almost any gas for my car. Also, I can get places a lot quicker than driving (and looking for parking in the city) or oftentimes even taking the bus. I bought a bike rack and some baskets and now I can go to the grocery store and carry everything home on my bike, even gallons of milk. It's great.
I have a collapsible rear basket that is incredible! Keeps my backpack off my back (no sweat!) and perfectly holds a grocery bag for errands. Plus, it folds down almost flat, so easy to store & park. Best bike upgrade I've done!
>Have you seen how much those things cost? I paid less for my bike. If the goal is to save money, that would defeat the purpose.
You paid less than $40 for your bike? Good for you.
You're being penny-wise and pound foolish. I have nothing else to say since you seem to have a bottomless bag of excuses.
Looks like a set of these. I use em and really like them.
Wald 137 Front Bicycle Basket, 15 x 10 x 4.75, Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000AO5FLA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JJENxbW7P8ZFV
I like this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DZEBY/
It's a wire box that folds flat against your bike when you aren't using it. Perfect for my backpack, hoodie, and a couple other things. Or a grocery bag.
I found a very similar one myself. Sorry guys!
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Rack-Top-Wire-SUNLITE/dp/B003ZMBMQ6
I'd still be open to finding similar ones that aren't specifically made for bikes.
If you actually want to use your back pack, as a backpack then skip the panniers IMO. While some get close, the ability to safely connect it directly to your rack will always lead to some compromises.
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I went through three different panniers, and have officially given up. I installed this Wald folding rear basket on my bike and will never go back to a dedicated pannier. It works with my Northface back pack, that I simply bungie on there. I have a rain fly for my bag, so it is always water tight. Better yet it also works with a grocey bag, a 12 pack of beer, etc etc.
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I still do have a second pannier tote, but I only bring it on grocery days.
Alternately, I love my foldable bike basket. http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Bicycle-Basket-12-75/dp/B0012DZEBY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464541315&sr=8-1&keywords=folding+bike+basket
That should work. Here's the one I have: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0012DZEBY.
There are other brands, but I can't speak to their quality as I've only used Wald's. I've had two (one stayed with a bike I sold) and they held up just fine for years, even in my rainy city. The one on my current bike was hard to attach (previous bike was super easy) but it was doable and makes it practically theft-proof.
Make sure it will fit your rear rack. It will be fine with almost any rack, but I've some really weird ones that don't seem like they'd work with anything, even pannier clips. You'd know if you had one already, though. 😀
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026WYCU4/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
this is the one i have. my dog is a 9 pound chihuahua, has plenty of space. easy on/off. there is an adjustable strap inside to attach to your dog (my dog wear's a body harness instead of a collar for his leash). he didn't like it much at first - but i don't think that had anything to do with the basket, mostly just freaked out to be on the bike!
I've been eyeing tie Wald 137 front basket, https://www.amazon.com/Wald-Standard-Medium-Handlebar-Basket/dp/B00LWIB7G0, at least 14.5" clearance needed between the hoods, and I think I max out at 14.0" so I'm still searching.... that PDW price seems a little high, even with the included bag.
https://www.amazon.com/EVO-Brooklyn-Handlebar-w-Basket/dp/B00P2BGRSQ
Have you looked at foldable metal panniers? I love mine, though not the same as the ones in the link. Only drawback with mine is the outside panel can pop open sometimes when unfolded - so I always have a couple little bungees in my backpack to secure them.
this is the setup on the commuter I just sold.
it’s this folding basket.
I would put my 25L timbuk2 backup in it and strapped it down. It worked perfectly although noisier than panniers. And if I did a grocery run after work, it’s where I would put my groceries while wearing my backpack for the last mile.
Or you could get a collapsible basket and put your backpack in the basket.
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Bicycle-Grocery-Baskets/dp/B007FRCIDI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1344278627&sr=8-7&keywords=wald+basket+rear+bike !
I think the backpack is too big and heavy for a front basket.
I was thinking either a rear basket similar to a milk crate like you suggest. The downside is that he's short so his seat is slammed and a basket/crate would be right at his back and make it difficult to get on and off the bike. That's what led me to considering a folding side basket in the position of a pannier (like this).
I use a combination of Nashbar Townie Basket and classic wire basket. I use the wire basket for things that would cause the Townie to collapse. I use the Townie for things that would be small enough to fall through the wire basket or would get damaged being forced into the metal.
Thank you very much for the reply. You gave me lots of great information! I live right below a longboard shop, which also sells refurbished bicycles. I really like one bicycle that he has, but I would prefer new because all of the parts will be new, no previous issues, etc. He rebuilds them well, so his bikes are a consideration. I should also note that I would have to buy attachments for them (racks, lights, mirrors, etc), as they come bare.
I would like to stick with a commuter bicycle that I can ride sitting almost straight up. It is more comfortable for me and do not have the blind spots of when I ride a mountain bicycle (slouched over slightly).
Front and rear racks, as well as lights, will be some things I want to attach to the bicycle. I would like flat racks on the front and back, along with these attached to each side of the back rack. I pretty much want to use my bicycle to its full potential for cargo.
Do you ride a flat bar bike?
If so go for a Wald 137 mounts to either eyelets or the axle as well as has mounts putting it on the bars.
I ride drop bars, however it still works because I have it zip tied on a rack so it is lower.
I got a Wald W582BL 582 Rear Folding Bicycle Basket (12.75 x 7.25 x 8.5, Black and the only installation issue was making sure that it was far enough back so that the heel of my big foot didn’t hit it while pedaling. It’s served me pretty well but needs a little silicone spray periodically to keep the folding points and locking latch moving smoothly.
Edit: url
Nice bike! Later on, if you find you’re using the bike a lot and want to carry more, get a Wald 137 front basket in black A popular model, still made in the USA... The bike looks brand new. If so, remember that cables stretch in the first few weeks. You might find the brake levers have more travel than before, and sometimes gear shifting goes out of adjustment. If so, the slack just needs taken up with the cable tension adjusters. You definitely want good braking power for safety. Park Tool company has some of the best videos on YouTube for learning this stuff. Keep a check on your tire pressure occasionally. All bike inner tubes lose air over a long period of time because they are thin and air slowly passes through. Don’t ride on soft mushy tires. Air them up. For cruiser bikes, 50 PSI is good.
Looks like a Wald 137 basket in black - https://smile.amazon.com/Wald-Standard-Medium-Handlebar-Basket/dp/B00LWIB7G0
folding bike basket
Thanks!
More info on my Basket/Bars combo
I quite like it. It gets the job done for most minor tasks I have and for most things I need to carry around!
No. At the time I started biking, you could get very good premade grocery panniers for $25, so it wasn't worth the trouble, I just bought two premade ones.
Grocery panniers are great for occasional use, but in the end, a Wald brand folding bike basket $20 at Amazon is the better choice. I have one mounted on all my bikes and I have a bike cargo net I can use to strap another grocery bag or something oddly shaped like a watermelon, to the top of the rack, and then I use the grocery pannier if I need extra capacity.
The grocery panniers are made of fabric, so they're not as durable, and so they are really only suitable for occasional use. The hooks jut out so you have to keep them facing out, their collapsibility makes them a bit flimsey, and the lack of two handles like a cloth grocery bag makes them sort of tippy when you have them strapped over your shoulder.
Get the folding basket for $20, a bike cargo net for $8, and two cloth grocery bags. You'll be way ahead and it will cost around $35.
To be fair, I have a commuter and a road bike so I switch bikes dependent on what I am doing that day. I usually commute on that one in the photo, and then use my road bike, which is similar to the mercier but with drop bars for recreation and exercise-longer distance bike rides.
The Dawes is a heavier bike that will be much more comfortable due to having fatter tires, and suspension on the seat post and the fork. With the added features it makes it more suitable for rugged conditions such as uneven sidewalks or streets, or if you had to hop off a curb in an "oh shit" moment.
The mercier is a lighter bike with thinner tires with no suspension whatsoever, making it more uncomfortable if you have to get off of uneven pavement. Saying that, this one is well suited if you want to take longer bike trips, if you "gotta go fast"
Here is the bike basket you were talking about Wald 582
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Bicycle-Basket-12-75/dp/B0012DZEBY
The great thing about them is that they fold flat and take up no space. (someone else's photo)
http://imgur.com/gxhGfht
https://i.imgur.com/pCZ9Cfg.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AUY2OWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oQuXzb7EVFHGF
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZMBMQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_8NrDkzVYg5j6F
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FC5IN1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_uNqKbj8FClvLF
Its not pretty but it works.
I haven't found a guide that I'm really crazy about. There are too many variables to build a really nail down a DIY. Every build is unique.
In general, kits are recommended for first-time builders. You can order a rear-hub kit, then order the battery separately. I'm in the US, so my knowledge is very focused on US suppliers. If EM3ev.com ships to the UK, they're a really fantastic supplier for both hub motor kits and batteries. Especially batteries. Most hub motor kits you find are variations on the same design, just knocked-off by every other Chinese vendor.
For a delivery bike, I'd look for an inexpensive 26" hardtail MTB frame. They tend to be stronger than 700C hybrid frames, so they'll hold up better to the abuse of the extra speed that comes with an electric motor assist. Aluminum is lighter, but steel will hold up longer. Don't worry about the extra weight; you'll be adding 25 lbs of motor and battery anyway. You can add a robust rack to hold your food delivery basket. Topeak is awesome and has accessories that should work for exactly what you're trying to do. For example: https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-MTX-Rear-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B000FI6WXQ/ref=asc_df_B000FI6WXQ/
When building your kit, you'll need to figure out/look for the following:
A MAC motor kit from EM3ev would be a great fit for your purposes. Their kits are very configurable. With that motor and a CA3 (Cycle Analyst V3), you could start out with a throttle build, then add in a pedal assist system (PAS) later. The quality of the motor, controller, and CA3 is better than what you get on many store bought ebikes.
https://em3ev.com/shop/upgrade-mac-kit-with-4750v-battery-1500w-max/
I believe it's this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-585-Rear-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B001AYKN84/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1375567788&sr=1-9&keywords=wald+basket
I'd say it depends mostly on your alternatives. If something happens that won't let you ride home (mechanical, partial-theft, or weather) what are your alternatives? Can you walk or take a bus? Can you take your bike on the bus? Can you call someone for a ride? Will that person have room for your bike in their vehicle?
If something happens on the way to work, are you risking serious repercussions if you're late, or would you just have to call in and they'll understand?
So there's a whole spectrum of stuff you could carry, and it's based on "what would happen if I didn't carry it? Is it worth the hassle of carrying this?"
Personally I have a 4 mile commute, with bus routes or walking routes available through out. Being late for work would kinda stink, but not put me in any serious trouble. So for me that means I don't carry things like tubes, spokes, cable adjusters, etc. The risk of having to haul my bike on a bus or drive back to pick it up later is worth avoiding the hassle of carrying around extra gear every day.
Since you asked for examples, this is what I carry:
Mounted to bike
Rear Cargo Rack
A handlebar bag mounted on top of my rear rack
Run of the mill Reusable shopping bag (placed in basket)
I carry my backpack in/on a front rack (well, handlebasket). Works well. I set it on top of a dry sack I use for kayaking if it's rainy. I got a really good deal on mine at an LBS otherwise I would have gone with a regular front rack like this
The Gamoh King Carrier.
http://www.amazon.com/Minoura-Carrier-Front-Basket-Large/dp/B003RLLD2I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1
I got mine used for $80.
edit: wrong link
I use this and love it. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZMBMQ6
I recommend supplementing with a bungie net, this will hold your backpack in, and also let you secure oversized things like pizza boxes which sit on top of the basket.
Within your price range you can get folding baskets. I like to use grocery panniers. The latter is more expensive but also lighter weight.
Thanks guys, do you recommend the Topeak folding basket as well?
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Trolley-Tote-Folding-Basket/dp/B0033VNCTE/ref=pd_bxgy_468_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1WZVWZYE61ZGQCYH3EF7
Thanks, I use this bike for everything. Between the front basket (Wald on Surly) and rear saddlebag (Carradice on Nitto) I can carry everything I need for work and still have some room left for a quick grocery stop on the way home. Also handy for weekend campouts by bike. When this pic was taken we were coming back from a "coffee outside" meetup. The Nice Rack up front can take panniers too if more cargo room is needed.
The Wolverine frame has clearance for up to 2" tires so it's a pretty great all-rounder. I'm running 42c Soma Cazadero, which are designed for low rolling resistance on pavement while still having enough bite for gravel and dirt.
I've seen a few bikes with that origin 8 front rack, Ive been looking at that one. Also Wald makes a front basket its cheap but looks like it gets the job done.http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Front-Bicycle-Basket-Black/dp/B000AO5FLA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398019083&sr=8-2&keywords=wald as far as the back your kinda stuck because you have no eyelets so you would need to find something that bolts on and maybe holds on to your seat post?
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but any idea how to tell the difference on Amazon between ones that attach with QR Axel vs braze-ons? These are what I found that looked correct-ish and I don't see the word braze-on anywhere on any of them. :-/
Thanks again for your time and help! I really appreciate it especially since you're the only one here!
The wald link led me to finding this. May just be perfect for me without any additional purchases!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVZGXYH/?linkCode=xm2
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Thanks again
>Running errands: Right now, I take my bike to the grocery store 60% of the time. But an average bike right off the sales floor isn’t equipped for hauling even a small amount of groceries, and if you don’t want to ride back home with your knees banging the shopping bags hanging from your handlebars, you’ll need to add some accessories to your bike before biking your groceries home isn’t a gigantic pain in the ass.
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> Rack: Pretty simple. Putting a rack on your bike massively extends its utility. You can hang a pannier (more on them later) from the rack instead of using a backpack, keeping your back sweat-free. With the addidion of a bungee cord or more permanent strap system, you can hold things on top of it. If your bike has disc brakes, you may need a wider rack to accommodate the extra wide axle. Also, some bikes with unusual geometry may require extra-long bars for installing the rack. This and the folding basket below are probably the trickiest accessories to install, and where you might be better off having them professionally installed.
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> Folding basket: This was a major piece of the puzzle for me. I didn’t want my bike permanently widened out with a pair of baskets off the rack. But I also wanted to be prepared to stop and do some shopping on my way home without worrying about how I would carry everything. The folding rack was the perfect solution. When I need it, it unfolds in a couple seconds and I can put stuff in it. When I don’t need it, or space is tight, it folds up quickly and it’s more or less unnoticeable off the side of my bike. It means I can make unexpected stops while on my bike to pick up a few things without having to double back in my car later. I have this Wald one, and it’s very nice. It was quite a pain to install though. Be prepared for a bit of frustration if you go the DIY route. This was the one part of these accessory installs that I used a power tool.
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> Pannier: I mentioned this one a bit under weather. The one I have and love is this Banjo Brothers waterproof pannier and backpack. It nearly effortlessly turns from one to the other and since it’s waterproof I can take it every time. The first time I biked to a shopping mall, locked my bike up, and turned my pannier to a backpack and went shopping, I felt like a goddamn superhero. This flexibility takes a lot of anxiety out of running errands on my bike.
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> Water bottle cages: Pretty self-explanatory. Carry water with you when you bike. I have 2 mounted, one on the down tube at a diagonal, and one on the seat tube vertical. I can carry my coffee mug in there without spilling too much. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your second cup of coffee just because you want to bike in.
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> Compact shopping bags: Not really sure what to call these, other than the brand name I know, Chico Bags. They fold up into a small size and unfold quickly. You can get sling ones to go over your shoulder, or the smaller ones easily go into the folding basket. Just a good thing to with you for unexpected stops.
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> Kickstand: A lot of people are surprised when bikes don’t automatically come with kickstands. And for a lot of people, a kickstand doesn’t make sense for the kind of riding they do. I am using my bike to commute, and am more interested in convenience than weight. I got a two-legged kickstand for added stability. Keep in mind, not every single bike will accept every kickstand. If you get one with a top plate like this standard one that every bike store carries, it will work for 90% of the bikes you would expect to take a kickstand. If you bought a $5,000 tri bike with areo bars and bladed spokes for reduced wind drag, you’re not going to get a kickstand on there, sorry. Also, kickstands come in a set length and may need to be cut down with a hacksaw to fit your bike. You should be able to turn the handlebars all the way from left to right without the bike falling over. If you don’t feel comfortable measuring and cutting a kickstand, consider taking it to a bike shop.
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>Clothing/comfort: A pair of cushioned bike shorts makes a ride a lot more enjoyable. But they’re also a lot less comfortable for anything else you’re doing. Unless you’re going to bring a change of clothes with you, bike shorts aren’t a practical piece of attire once you step off your bike. It’s not necessary to get spandexed up to ride the bike, but casual clothing does present some barriers to biking. Here’s a couple common issues and how I address them.
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> Comfortable saddle: We’re not talking about a carbon fiber road bike with skinny tires and aero bars here, we’re talking about a commuter bike. Hopefully you figured that out while installing the fenders, rack and folding basket. Saddles come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. And second only to making sure you have the right sized bike, this is the single most important element for your comfort. Find a saddle that makes sense for the type of riding you do, and if that means it’s a gel-cushioned saddle, then go for it. Find one that doesn’t rely on the cushioned posterior of bike shorts to let you ride comfortably.
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> Pedals/Shoes: This is a big one. If I had to stop and consider what kind of shoes I’m wearing when deciding to ride or drive, it would cut down my biking drastically. Here’s a secret: most bikes are sold with the cheapest pedals available. Even fancy bike shop bikes are shipped with cheapo pedals. Some, like $5,000 road bikes, aren’t shipped with any pedals at all, because they know that pedals are one of the first things serious riders replace. That means if you haven’t installed new pedals, your bike is probably equipped with cheap pedals that aren’t designed for the kind of riding you do or the shoes you will wear. Sometimes, just upgrading to a pair or metal pedals with more grip might do the trick. There are also systems with toe cages that will let you strap your feet in. I find these to be more of a pain than they’re worth. If you’re not going to strap your feet in for every ride, they’re a hassle as the added weight makes the cages naturally hang upside down. There’s also clipless systems, but those involve special shoes and cleat systems which are more complicated than the type of riding we’re discussing here. If you’ve ever seen someone in biker gear in the store or coffee shop and they click with every step like they’re wearing horseshoes, those are clipless shoes.
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>What I recommend is a platform pedal like these I have a similar pair on my bike. They work and feel just like a normal bike pedal. Designed for winter adventure biking, the large pins grip effortlessly onto every kind of shoe for an effortless connection. I can ride my bike while wearing my heavy-duty safety toe boots without any problems. Some of the ones I saw on Amazon are just as cheap as any other pair of pedals. I would recommend at least getting metal ones.
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>Pedals come in two standards, ½” and 9/16”. This measurement is the diameter of the spindle that screws into your crank. Kid’s bikes and BMX bikes are usually ½”, adult bikes are almost always 9/16”. Make sure the pedals you get are the correct spindle size. Swapping out pedals is fairly easy, every pedal I encountered will come off with either a 15mm wrench or 6mm Allen wrench. One thing to watch out for is the left pedal is reverse threaded. It will unscrew to the right and tighten to the left. Remember it with this simple mnemonic: Your left foot goes on the left pedal and it tightens to the left. Any pair of pedals you get will have the left and right clearly marked. Double-check it before installation to avoid an expensive problem.
>
>* Outerwear: Naturally the weather will be a bigger impact on your day if you’re biking rather than driving. Nice days are nicer, bad weather days are worse, and even the moderate days can be a bit challenging when you’re kitting up for some bike-based errands. If it’s one of those days where you can’t decide on short or long sleeves, biking can make these decisions even more difficult. Chilly days get chillier once you start pedaling at 10-15 miles per hour, but bundle up too much and you can overheat. The real problem here is the wind of your own passage. A fluffy sweatshirt can keep you warm when you’re walking along, but wind can blow right through it. I recommend a light windbreaker like this one I found in REI’s Outlet. It will keep the wind off, but is light enough to keep you from overheating on those days where the sun is playing peekaboo. An added benefit of paying a bit more for bike specific gear is they’re often designed with high-visibility stripes for extra safety. It’s far from fashionable, but you can get a hi-vis vest pretty cheap. They’re lightweight to not really impact your ride and can be easily stowed if you want to stop catching everyone’s eye once you step off your bike.
>
Maybe try something like this. So long as you have enough space that the front wheel doesn't bottom out on the basket I feel like it would work.
>Running errands: Right now, I take my bike to the grocery store 60% of the time. But an average bike right off the sales floor isn’t equipped for hauling even a small amount of groceries, and if you don’t want to ride back home with your knees banging the shopping bags hanging from your handlebars, you’ll need to add some accessories to your bike before biking your groceries home isn’t a gigantic pain in the ass.
>
> Rack: Pretty simple. Putting a rack on your bike massively extends its utility. You can hang a pannier (more on them later) from the rack instead of using a backpack, keeping your back sweat-free. With the addidion of a bungee cord or more permanent strap system, you can hold things on top of it. If your bike has disc brakes, you may need a wider rack to accommodate the extra wide axle. Also, some bikes with unusual geometry may require extra-long bars for installing the rack. This and the folding basket below are probably the trickiest accessories to install, and where you might be better off having them professionally installed.
>
> Folding basket: This was a major piece of the puzzle for me. I didn’t want my bike permanently widened out with a pair of baskets off the rack. But I also wanted to be prepared to stop and do some shopping on my way home without worrying about how I would carry everything. The folding rack was the perfect solution. When I need it, it unfolds in a couple seconds and I can put stuff in it. When I don’t need it, or space is tight, it folds up quickly and it’s more or less unnoticeable off the side of my bike. It means I can make unexpected stops while on my bike to pick up a few things without having to double back in my car later. I have this Wald one, and it’s very nice. It was quite a pain to install though. Be prepared for a bit of frustration if you go the DIY route. This was the one part of these accessory installs that I used a power tool.
>
> Pannier: I mentioned this one a bit under weather. The one I have and love is this Banjo Brothers waterproof pannier and backpack. It nearly effortlessly turns from one to the other and since it’s waterproof I can take it every time. The first time I biked to a shopping mall, locked my bike up, and turned my pannier to a backpack and went shopping, I felt like a goddamn superhero. This flexibility takes a lot of anxiety out of running errands on my bike.
>
> Water bottle cages: Pretty self-explanatory. Carry water with you when you bike. I have 2 mounted, one on the down tube at a diagonal, and one on the seat tube vertical. I can carry my coffee mug in there without spilling too much. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your second cup of coffee just because you want to bike in.
>
> Compact shopping bags: Not really sure what to call these, other than the brand name I know, Chico Bags. They fold up into a small size and unfold quickly. You can get sling ones to go over your shoulder, or the smaller ones easily go into the folding basket. Just a good thing to with you for unexpected stops.
>
> Kickstand: A lot of people are surprised when bikes don’t automatically come with kickstands. And for a lot of people, a kickstand doesn’t make sense for the kind of riding they do. I am using my bike to commute, and am more interested in convenience than weight. I got a two-legged kickstand for added stability. Keep in mind, not every single bike will accept every kickstand. If you get one with a top plate like this standard one that every bike store carries, it will work for 90% of the bikes you would expect to take a kickstand. If you bought a $5,000 tri bike with areo bars and bladed spokes for reduced wind drag, you’re not going to get a kickstand on there, sorry. Also, kickstands come in a set length and may need to be cut down with a hacksaw to fit your bike. You should be able to turn the handlebars all the way from left to right without the bike falling over. If you don’t feel comfortable measuring and cutting a kickstand, consider taking it to a bike shop.
>
>Clothing/comfort: A pair of cushioned bike shorts makes a ride a lot more enjoyable. But they’re also a lot less comfortable for anything else you’re doing. Unless you’re going to bring a change of clothes with you, bike shorts aren’t a practical piece of attire once you step off your bike. It’s not necessary to get spandexed up to ride the bike, but casual clothing does present some barriers to biking. Here’s a couple common issues and how I address them.
>
> Comfortable saddle: We’re not talking about a carbon fiber road bike with skinny tires and aero bars here, we’re talking about a commuter bike. Hopefully you figured that out while installing the fenders, rack and folding basket. Saddles come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. And second only to making sure you have the right sized bike, this is the single most important element for your comfort. Find a saddle that makes sense for the type of riding you do, and if that means it’s a gel-cushioned saddle, then go for it. Find one that doesn’t rely on the cushioned posterior of bike shorts to let you ride comfortably.
>
> Pedals/Shoes: This is a big one. If I had to stop and consider what kind of shoes I’m wearing when deciding to ride or drive, it would cut down my biking drastically. Here’s a secret: most bikes are sold with the cheapest pedals available. Even fancy bike shop bikes are shipped with cheapo pedals. Some, like $5,000 road bikes, aren’t shipped with any pedals at all, because they know that pedals are one of the first things serious riders replace. That means if you haven’t installed new pedals, your bike is probably equipped with cheap pedals that aren’t designed for the kind of riding you do or the shoes you will wear. Sometimes, just upgrading to a pair or metal pedals with more grip might do the trick. There are also systems with toe cages that will let you strap your feet in. I find these to be more of a pain than they’re worth. If you’re not going to strap your feet in for every ride, they’re a hassle as the added weight makes the cages naturally hang upside down. There’s also clipless systems, but those involve special shoes and cleat systems which are more complicated than the type of riding we’re discussing here. If you’ve ever seen someone in biker gear in the store or coffee shop and they click with every step like they’re wearing horseshoes, those are clipless shoes.
>
>What I recommend is a platform pedal like these I have a similar pair on my bike. They work and feel just like a normal bike pedal. Designed for winter adventure biking, the large pins grip effortlessly onto every kind of shoe for an effortless connection. I can ride my bike while wearing my heavy-duty safety toe boots without any problems. Some of the ones I saw on Amazon are just as cheap as any other pair of pedals. I would recommend at least getting metal ones.
>
>Pedals come in two standards, ½” and 9/16”. This measurement is the diameter of the spindle that screws into your crank. Kid’s bikes and BMX bikes are usually ½”, adult bikes are almost always 9/16”. Make sure the pedals you get are the correct spindle size. Swapping out pedals is fairly easy, every pedal I encountered will come off with either a 15mm wrench or 6mm Allen wrench. One thing to watch out for is the left pedal is reverse threaded. It will unscrew to the right and tighten to the left. Remember it with this simple mnemonic: Your left foot goes on the left pedal and it tightens to the left. Any pair of pedals you get will have the left and right clearly marked. Double-check it before installation to avoid an expensive problem.
>
>* Outerwear: Naturally the weather will be a bigger impact on your day if you’re biking rather than driving. Nice days are nicer, bad weather days are worse, and even the moderate days can be a bit challenging when you’re kitting up for some bike-based errands. If it’s one of those days where you can’t decide on short or long sleeves, biking can make these decisions even more difficult. Chilly days get chillier once you start pedaling at 10-15 miles per hour, but bundle up too much and you can overheat. The real problem here is the wind of your own passage. A fluffy sweatshirt can keep you warm when you’re walking along, but wind can blow right through it. I recommend a light windbreaker like this one I found in REI’s Outlet. It will keep the wind off, but is light enough to keep you from overheating on those days where the sun is playing peekaboo. An added benefit of paying a bit more for bike specific gear is they’re often designed with high-visibility stripes for extra safety. It’s far from fashionable, but you can get a hi-vis vest pretty cheap. They’re lightweight to not really impact your ride and can be easily stowed if you want to stop catching everyone’s eye once you step off your bike.
>
I do something very similarly. I have underseat storage in my truck (built in). That holds most of my all-season gear. Then i have this Plano tote for seasonal stuff, tow straps, hitch, ratchet straps, etc. Fits easily in the back seat or in the bed of the truck with a quick bungee.
Thanks! That's what I was going for. Going to be adding a Wald 137 basket to the front and maybe some chrome fenders as well to complete the utilitarian aspect.
I am a huge fan of a Wald 137 and a bungie net. Its inexpensive and easy to attach. I like that you can just pop what ever bags you have into and bungie them down.
Another option is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Bicycle-Basket-12-75/dp/B0012DZEBY/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1492789879&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A2764782011
Fits one reusable shopping bag, and folds away when not needed.
Topeak has one.
https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Explorer-Rack-Without-Spring/dp/B06XFM9DMH
https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Trolley-Tote-Folding-Basket/dp/B0033VNCTE/ref=pd_sim_468_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0033VNCTE&pd_rd_r=X80032PKSET5EDP7ACFN&pd_rd_w=a6IQQ&pd_rd_wg=teaDP&psc=1&refRID=X80032PKSET5EDP7ACFN
Have not tried it out yet, but it seems like you just slide it on/off. Should be getting it sometime (haven't actually checked the tracking info yet)
Yeah, what I have come to realize about theft is, if it ain't easy thieves usually move along to something else. Of course, there is always a possibility of a determined and prepared thief, but certainly more uncommon. Additionally, my car is hardly ever out of my sight. So I do think theft is a possibility, but the risk is low.
I recently downsized my VEDC Tub to this in preparation for the kiddo, I didn't realize his stroller would take up so much space though. My BOB changes with the season. Spring/Summer it's a 36L pack. Fall/Winter I swap out to an 80L pack. Both of these usually sit on the rear seat behind the driver seat.
Looking to get a rear cargo rack so I can carry two grocery bags on the side. Planning to get baskets like this.
Adopted a bike from someone else, size M, which lists the frame as 54.5cm by 54cm (around 21 inches). Does that mean a rack like this for 26"-29" frames is too big?
Any suggests would be fantastic. Thanks!
That is actually something my panniers are good at, they are not plain rectangular, but they are shaped so that my heels wouldnt kick into them. That is good for my requirements list for my market research in pannier bags.
Something else that I have considered is this, combined with a mesh net equipped with hooks that I can use to cover the basket and hold things from bouncing out.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basil-Cento-Basket-Steel-Mounting/dp/B001FGFL02
So, something like this would be okay?
https://www.amazon.com/Arltb-Installation-Handlebar-Capacity-Suitable/dp/B01N6B5D8H
For a shopping bike you could just use a commuter, with a back rack and add two of those or something alike that you can remove. Unless you are shopping for a big family you should be fine with this. I am thinking of doing that with my commuter myself.
This one: https://velo-orange.com/products/vo-randonneur-front-rack-stainless-steel
Rack: Wald 137 Front Bicycle Basket (15 x 10 x 4.75, Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012C7JO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_n2hWDbKXY9A6A
Check out Swift bags for some sweet bags to go with it!
>Running errands: Right now, I take my bike to the grocery store 60% of the time. But an average bike right off the sales floor isn’t equipped for hauling even a small amount of groceries, and if you don’t want to ride back home with your knees banging the shopping bags hanging from your handlebars, you’ll need to add some accessories to your bike before biking your groceries home isn’t a gigantic pain in the ass.
>
> Rack: Pretty simple. Putting a rack on your bike massively extends its utility. You can hang a pannier (more on them later) from the rack instead of using a backpack, keeping your back sweat-free. With the addidion of a bungee cord or more permanent strap system, you can hold things on top of it. If your bike has disc brakes, you may need a wider rack to accommodate the extra wide axle. Also, some bikes with unusual geometry may require extra-long bars for installing the rack. This and the folding basket below are probably the trickiest accessories to install, and where you might be better off having them professionally installed.
>
> Folding basket: This was a major piece of the puzzle for me. I didn’t want my bike permanently widened out with a pair of baskets off the rack. But I also wanted to be prepared to stop and do some shopping on my way home without worrying about how I would carry everything. The folding rack was the perfect solution. When I need it, it unfolds in a couple seconds and I can put stuff in it. When I don’t need it, or space is tight, it folds up quickly and it’s more or less unnoticeable off the side of my bike. It means I can make unexpected stops while on my bike to pick up a few things without having to double back in my car later. I have this Wald one, and it’s very nice. It was quite a pain to install though. Be prepared for a bit of frustration if you go the DIY route. This was the one part of these accessory installs that I used a power tool.
>
> Pannier: I mentioned this one a bit under weather. The one I have and love is this Banjo Brothers waterproof pannier and backpack. It nearly effortlessly turns from one to the other and since it’s waterproof I can take it every time. The first time I biked to a shopping mall, locked my bike up, and turned my pannier to a backpack and went shopping, I felt like a goddamn superhero. This flexibility takes a lot of anxiety out of running errands on my bike.
>
> Water bottle cages: Pretty self-explanatory. Carry water with you when you bike. I have 2 mounted, one on the down tube at a diagonal, and one on the seat tube vertical. I can carry my coffee mug in there without spilling too much. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your second cup of coffee just because you want to bike in.
>
> Compact shopping bags: Not really sure what to call these, other than the brand name I know, Chico Bags. They fold up into a small size and unfold quickly. You can get sling ones to go over your shoulder, or the smaller ones easily go into the folding basket. Just a good thing to with you for unexpected stops.
>
> Kickstand: A lot of people are surprised when bikes don’t automatically come with kickstands. And for a lot of people, a kickstand doesn’t make sense for the kind of riding they do. I am using my bike to commute, and am more interested in convenience than weight. I got a two-legged kickstand for added stability. Keep in mind, not every single bike will accept every kickstand. If you get one with a top plate like this standard one that every bike store carries, it will work for 90% of the bikes you would expect to take a kickstand. If you bought a $5,000 tri bike with areo bars and bladed spokes for reduced wind drag, you’re not going to get a kickstand on there, sorry. Also, kickstands come in a set length and may need to be cut down with a hacksaw to fit your bike. You should be able to turn the handlebars all the way from left to right without the bike falling over. If you don’t feel comfortable measuring and cutting a kickstand, consider taking it to a bike shop.
>
>Clothing/comfort: A pair of cushioned bike shorts makes a ride a lot more enjoyable. But they’re also a lot less comfortable for anything else you’re doing. Unless you’re going to bring a change of clothes with you, bike shorts aren’t a practical piece of attire once you step off your bike. It’s not necessary to get spandexed up to ride the bike, but casual clothing does present some barriers to biking. Here’s a couple common issues and how I address them.
>
> Comfortable saddle: We’re not talking about a carbon fiber road bike with skinny tires and aero bars here, we’re talking about a commuter bike. Hopefully you figured that out while installing the fenders, rack and folding basket. Saddles come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. And second only to making sure you have the right sized bike, this is the single most important element for your comfort. Find a saddle that makes sense for the type of riding you do, and if that means it’s a gel-cushioned saddle, then go for it. Find one that doesn’t rely on the cushioned posterior of bike shorts to let you ride comfortably.
>
> Pedals/Shoes: This is a big one. If I had to stop and consider what kind of shoes I’m wearing when deciding to ride or drive, it would cut down my biking drastically. Here’s a secret: most bikes are sold with the cheapest pedals available. Even fancy bike shop bikes are shipped with cheapo pedals. Some, like $5,000 road bikes, aren’t shipped with any pedals at all, because they know that pedals are one of the first things serious riders replace. That means if you haven’t installed new pedals, your bike is probably equipped with cheap pedals that aren’t designed for the kind of riding you do or the shoes you will wear. Sometimes, just upgrading to a pair or metal pedals with more grip might do the trick. There are also systems with toe cages that will let you strap your feet in. I find these to be more of a pain than they’re worth. If you’re not going to strap your feet in for every ride, they’re a hassle as the added weight makes the cages naturally hang upside down. There’s also clipless systems, but those involve special shoes and cleat systems which are more complicated than the type of riding we’re discussing here. If you’ve ever seen someone in biker gear in the store or coffee shop and they click with every step like they’re wearing horseshoes, those are clipless shoes.
>
>What I recommend is a platform pedal like these I have a similar pair on my bike. They work and feel just like a normal bike pedal. Designed for winter adventure biking, the large pins grip effortlessly onto every kind of shoe for an effortless connection. I can ride my bike while wearing my heavy-duty safety toe boots without any problems. Some of the ones I saw on Amazon are just as cheap as any other pair of pedals. I would recommend at least getting metal ones.
>
>Pedals come in two standards, ½” and 9/16”. This measurement is the diameter of the spindle that screws into your crank. Kid’s bikes and BMX bikes are usually ½”, adult bikes are almost always 9/16”. Make sure the pedals you get are the correct spindle size. Swapping out pedals is fairly easy, every pedal I encountered will come off with either a 15mm wrench or 6mm Allen wrench. One thing to watch out for is the left pedal is reverse threaded. It will unscrew to the right and tighten to the left. Remember it with this simple mnemonic: Your left foot goes on the left pedal and it tightens to the left. Any pair of pedals you get will have the left and right clearly marked. Double-check it before installation to avoid an expensive problem.
>
>* Outerwear: Naturally the weather will be a bigger impact on your day if you’re biking rather than driving. Nice days are nicer, bad weather days are worse, and even the moderate days can be a bit challenging when you’re kitting up for some bike-based errands. If it’s one of those days where you can’t decide on short or long sleeves, biking can make these decisions even more difficult. Chilly days get chillier once you start pedaling at 10-15 miles per hour, but bundle up too much and you can overheat. The real problem here is the wind of your own passage. A fluffy sweatshirt can keep you warm when you’re walking along, but wind can blow right through it. I recommend a light windbreaker like this one I found in REI’s Outlet. It will keep the wind off, but is light enough to keep you from overheating on those days where the sun is playing peekaboo. An added benefit of paying a bit more for bike specific gear is they’re often designed with high-visibility stripes for extra safety. It’s far from fashionable, but you can get a hi-vis vest pretty cheap. They’re lightweight to not really impact your ride and can be easily stowed if you want to stop catching everyone’s eye once you step off your bike.
>
How about a front platform rack such as: http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Multi-Fit-Front-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B0080JOXQA
Then you can use those insulated shopping bags you can get from the super market.
Getting a set of Wald folding baskets for my rear-rack was such a game changer. Best investment in my bike so far.
It's a new basket. I got it on Amazon for $20.
They call it the "medium" basket, but it's actually quite small. You could fit 2 six-packs side by side in it and that's about it. I use it to put my Messenger bag in with a cargo net bungie when I commute.
I think in retrospect I might've opted for a slightly larger basket. It's just so damn handy to have when I run to the grocery store. However, the medium does look nicer, in a less utilitarian way.