Touring - Who uses a basket on tour?

Am I the only person in the world who thinks a basket lashed to the handle bar or rear rack is the handiest thing ever invented? When I'm actually on tour, I always fall back to the basket whether I start with one or not.

It's just that I've never seen any pictures or know of anyone else using a basket except Al Humphries.

Here's what I mean -

http://photos-148.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v151/19/120/686314148/n686314148_284741_3290.jpg

http://photos-148.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v151/19/120/686314148/n686314148_284611_1917.jpg

Anyone? :D

I've considered a basket, but obviously you can't put stuff that's too small in them. One thing I haven't considered is taking a spare wheel along!

haha, no-one so far! You don't know what your all missing out on!

Actually, my 13 year-old daughter has used a basket on our last 4 annual mother/daughter tours (down the GAP/C&O). She rather likes it. It holds a lot of stuff, easy to get to... the only thing is it's not waterproof. Heck, I've even said "Here, take this (usually lunch) -- you've got room in your basket".

I'm thinking some people might be turned off by:

--weight of the metal rack compared to a stuff sack (In my middle age, I'm turning into a semi weight-weenie)

--lighter, smaller things bouncing off, unless you use a mesh cover.

--no protection from the elements

--prying eyes

--giving up top shelf real estate, where I usually strap my tent, pad and sleeping bag.

That said, convince me otherwise. I REALLY like the concept :)

All valid points, but I have an excellent counter-argument to each!

1. As you can see in my pics, an extra 300g will be negligible!

2. I usually put things like fruit, water, sandals, climbing helmet and plastic map case and waterproof gear in it so no danger of that (for me) with bungees.

3. Most of the above is not really affected by water, in fact the fruit is often more fresh :D when it rains, I simply put my tarp over the top.

4. Fair point, but who wants random fruit and old sandals (take them, it's your funeral -ha ha!)

5. If you look closely, I still have my sleeping mat (blue sac) tent (green sac) big green tarp, climbing helmet, spare front wheel and pointless coil of rope strapped to the back!!

Your general level of hobo-ness will dictate whether you want to use a basket or not. My personal level is off the charts.

Your general level of hobo-ness will dictate whether you want to use a basket or not. My personal level is off the charts.

Points well taken...and I like the your resourcefulness! :lol:

Wow, looks like you carry everything including the kitchen sink on that setup... talking about touring in sytle!!!! If the rear basket is easily removable, it makes sense to have it.

A front basket like on this site

http://sportsbay.com/baskets.html (cool site by the way)

is what I am going to use next year.

yep, comes off easily (not when riding though ;) Trust me, you won't regret taking the basket.