Commuting - Homebrew solution to quick latch a basket to my rack?

I'm basically looking to quickly attach a small basket to my rack for times I need a little extra storage back there. The basket would not be as big as a milk crate but something smaller like those hand baskets you get at the grocery store. I'm thinking of a more versatile carabiner(?) Handi ties would not work since that gives you more of a permanent attachment. Anyone done this? Thanks.

velcro straps?

Umm- one or two of those newfangled "bungee cords"?

Zip ties for the win.

For a rear basket I use a large wire "in" basket. Picked it up at Staples for $7 I think. I have it zip tied on, but the basket is not good for heavier loads - like 30lb rolls of drawings that hang 18 inches off the back.
Velcro might work well. I have broken smaller zip ties before when I knocked my bike over - I now use thicker ones.

Thanks, everyone.

I guess I'm leaning towards the velcro straps. I really want a removable solution where I can take the basket off quickly as well as put it on. zip ties are more permanent in that I'd have to snip them off with a wire cutter when I remove the basket. I was looking to see if anyone had rigged a lock/unlock mechanism to quickly lock a basket to the rack. Thanks, again.

How about toe straps? Removable and absolutely secure.

I'd double up the bungees with velcro straps. The added benefit is that you can strap the bungees over the top of the basket if you need to. You can also get reusable/quick-release zip ties. They work like regular zip ties, but the little ratchet nub also sticks out of the back end a bit so that you can loosen/take them off if you want to.

I'm basically looking to quickly attach a small basket to my rack for times I need a little extra storage back there. The basket would not be as big as a milk crate but something smaller like those hand baskets you get at the grocery store. I'm thinking of a more versatile carabiner(?) Handi ties would not work since that gives you more of a permanent attachment. Anyone done this? Thanks.

Something that comes to mind is one of the quick release trunk bags. Or more to the point, cannibalizing the parts from one. I used to have one of the Topkek trunks (http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/bags/mtxtrunkbagexp.php) and it has a track on the bottom of the bag that fits onto a track on the rack. If you could find one of these cheap somewhere you could take the two tracks and attach them to your rack and basket and you have an easy on/easy off solution.

Thanks, everyone.

I guess I'm leaning towards the velcro straps. I really want a removable solution where I can take the basket off quickly as well as put it on. zip ties are more permanent in that I'd have to snip them off with a wire cutter when I remove the basket. I was looking to see if anyone had rigged a lock/unlock mechanism to quickly lock a basket to the rack. Thanks, again.

Oh ok. Ortlieb makes a quick release system for baskets.
Your are going to need this (http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=117&cid=2) part and this (http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=116&cid=2) part.

Total cost will be $32.50 without shipping.

I keep a collection of nuts, bolts and scrap metal for little jobs like this. My own preference would be an Arkel style of hook/ rotating-latch thing. A bit of hacksaw, dremel and file work and a MK1 basket QR system is yours. You can do neat things quite easily such as drilling slightly off-centre to creat a cam (much like your wheel QR).

I am in the same boat as you. I have a set of wald fold up baskets that fit on the sides of the rack and fold up, but want to be able to take them on and off quickly and easily..

if you have a walmart(cheapest) or home depot try a set of these cable cuffs...very handy and easy take on and off...I rank them up with duct tape and velcro as the greatest inventions ever made:)


http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prodmap_945250_945250_10051_-15_10051_mode+matchallpartial_mode+matchall_0_0_level1_CABLE%20CUFF
CABLE CUFF - Small Cable Cuff - 88975 - Home Depot

I purchased a roll of double-sided Velcro that works well for this purpose. I first wrap a short length around the rack at a few contact points to cushion the metal to metal contact. Then attach the basket with additional lengths around both the rack and basket at several widely spaced places. It doesn't rattle because the basket doesn't quite touch the rack and it's relatively easy to remove. This has worked for over a year with no problems. I sometimes use a bungee cord to secure a load and/or the basket if the load is heavy or off balance.

I have a piece of rope that is about 5 feet long and I kinda lace it through the basket and around the rack a few times. It only takes a minute or two. I keep the knots inside the basket so it dont look bad or create a tangle hazard. You cant even tell there is rope holding it on unless your laying on the floor or looking directly into the basket. But then again, its a milk crate, I dont care if anyone sees the rope holding it on :)

Superglue. Keep a bottle of acetone handy. :)

Small pieces of velcro. Best if they are just longer than the diameter of the bar, and you sew them with the backs together so you can get a tight loop-to-hook fit, but can easily be done with 2 small pieces making overlapping c's.
The more rugged your ride, the more pieces or the stronger velcro you'll need.:)

Or you can try some releasable cable ties: http://www.newark.com/jsp/Interconnect++Products,+Wire+&+Cable/Cable+&+Wire+Accessories/PANDUIT/PRT1S-C/displayProduct.jsp?sku=99B2021. I've used similar ones bought at the local OSH in black that are really nice.