[niccolo]

Specifically I'm looking for a rack that has about a 3-4 inch dish already installed. It's the same concept as having a milk crate, but as instead the rack is one solid piece.

That way you could put books or a lock in it and not have to use a bungee cord or panniers.

Thanks for any leads.

[The BikeForums Team]

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[matthew_deaner]

I use a Topeak Explorer rack (http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=RAK&ssid=PAOHIDNKIHAHDJBN&ap=29.99&StartRow=1) with the Topeak snap on basket (http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/60/2467/9019?g=1) for carrying books. However, if you put too much weight in the basket, the bike becomes topheavy and I use panniers instead.

[Jakelin]

I was in the same boat. I didn't need all the space or the weight, or the bungee cord hassle of a milk crate. What I did was bought a Wald front basket, took the handle off it and zip tied it in about 10 places to the top of my rear rack.

My LBS saw it, thought it was a cool solution because it is lighter than a milk crate and suggested that if I wanted to there are some clamps I could add to it for even more theft protection. But the U lock I use has an extra cable attachment I run under my seat and through the corner of the rack so it isn't going anywhere. Even without it I wouldn't worry too much. The zip ties are on there so tight it would take a few minutes even with the right tool to get them off. I don't see anyone working that hard in broad daylight for a $20 basket.

As mentioned, if you get too much weight in it (I'd say more than 20 pounds) when you are pumping up hills you can feel the back end being affected by the weight while tilting the bike back and forth. It doesn't feel like the bike is going to do anything wierd, I just become aware of a different weight distribution.

[mathletics]

Behold, Ahearne Cycles:

http://www.ahearnecycles.com/racks.htm

[randomgear]

I've been using a wire in-basket from staples, the larger size($6.99+tax) zip-tied on to my rear rack for the past two weeks - it seems to work well for carrying my lands end bag.
I do need to find a more secure method than zip-ties - I knocked my bike over last week and 4 out of 5 of them just snapped - luckily, I was at home. I'm currently thinking hose clamps. I also need to to make an attachment for my rear blinky, the bag partially blocks it.

[ShinyBiker]

I've been using a wire in-basket from staples, the larger size($6.99+tax) zip-tied on to my rear rack for the past two weeks - it seems to work well for carrying my lands end bag.
I do need to find a more secure method than zip-ties - I knocked my bike over last week and 4 out of 5 of them just snapped - luckily, I was at home. I'm currently thinking hose clamps. I also need to to make an attachment for my rear blinky, the bag partially blocks it.

Is it this one?

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=0&catalogId=10051&productId=98174&cmArea=SEARCH

[randomgear]

No, I will try to get a pic of it up tonight - likely after 10pm - gotta run to the laundrymat before they close

[randomgear]

I wasn't able to find it on Staples website, but here are a couple of pics.
The in-basket is 14" long, 8 3/4" wide and 4 3/4" high. I have it mounted a couple of inches back because I could feel my legs touch it when fully extended. Bungee cords can easily be attached as well as the expandable rubber mesh that you can find in bike stores.

[mike]

How about a milk crate teathered to a rear carrier? In a pinch, you can use it to carry friends home after a night of college partying.