When I was researching front racks a few months ago, I ran across comparitively good deals on the Basil rack. However, I couldn't find alot of info on them. Not wanting to buy anything yet, I continued to use my Blackburn that wobbled with a 12pack on it. Luckily, my lbs parted out some Torker cargobikes and sold me a few racks for a song.
The Rack
....is big, really big, and fairly heavy. That beef makes a very solid platform. I've sat on the rack (~175lbs) and pedaled the bike backward without drama. No flexing or bending. It considerably improved my stability with a 12pack of bottles.
I started to mount it to an old low-trail road bike, but it was too big and it nearly extended past the front wheel. It was absolutely huge. This is why some sites that sell it mention that it requires a minimum distance between the handlebars and the front hub of ~27inches. It doesnt seem like that big of number until you try to mount it. It only just fit my old bridgestone with a Technomic stem.
Fortunately, it's very easy to modify with only a couple of tools. Namely, a tubing cutter and a drill. Sorry I didn't take pics of the process. If anyone wants, I could when I do the next rack.
For the platform, I used the tubing cutter and cut off the front hoop as short as I could and still rotate the tool. I capped the remaining protrusions and they actually come in handy as an attachment point for bungies.
The back support is attached with two screws per side hold internal lugs. Again, I used the tubing cutter and made double sure I was cutting evenly to take off about 6 inches. I may go more next time. Now is the hardest part, drilling the new 4 holes to attach the back to the platform. Proper clamps do make the job much easier.
The new rack is about half a pound lighter, by measuring my cut off bits. It extends less in front, but still holds my 12pack perfectly.
I've also found that a toeclip strap or velcro headlight strap, woven through the adjustment slots of the uprights makes a great mini ulock holster.
