For quite a while now, I've been pondering front load cargo options. Last week, I finally pulled the trigger on a front basket. It took me a while to make myself okay with a front basket (because I thought it might look incredibly dorky). But you can't beat the convenience and accessibility of it. Front rack and panniers add cargo capacity. But they lack the versatility that a basket offers. Panniers are only good if you have them with you. And I got stuck last week with no panniers and a lot of random cargo. So the basket was ordered.
The basket allows me to toss anything up front. No special bike bags necessary. In the photo above, my backpack is strapped in along with a thermos and random bits. Simple. Effective. I'm thinking that I'll really like this option.
The basket is from
Wald and it's just zip tied to a cheap
Nashbar front rack. Total investment is around $30. That's also a lot cheaper than a front rack and pannier combination. I've already got a waterproof drybag that I can use for foul weather excursions. It'll lay perfectly in the basket with a bungee.
I'm looking forward to this new cargo option. I think it'll make things a lot easier for all the everyday use when panniers don't quite work. Anyone else out there using a basket? Do I look like a total dork? :)
Get out there.
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I think they're the best for commuting. So cheap. So practical. You can use any bag you like. More people should try this option.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you look like a dork at all. In fact, I think you look incredibly cool. Of course, when my grown daughters see me outfitted for a ride they call me a dork, so consider the source.
ReplyDeleteI know! To be honest, I thought fenders looked really dorky when I first started riding. Now I think they just make the bike look tougher... like you're willing to ride it in any weather (Texas weather excluded!). Maybe the basket will feel the same!
DeleteAnything "utility" that can be added to your bike that makes sense, eventually makes it 100% cooler! Basket? Here's what I used to rock before the 'Dummy became my go-to bike: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cricketcam2000/5882411761/
ReplyDeleteYes! Love it.
DeleteI use a small basket / front rack on bike with drop bars. I struggled with the concept at first because I wasn't sure how it would look. After looking at several pics of Rivendell bike's with drop bars and baskets I took the plunge and you just can't beat the versatility.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/59741252@N07/8069451836/in/photostream
I love the drops with a basket. Looks awesome. Nice bike!
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