Utility Cycling - Wald basket?

I am thinking about not using a backpack anymore to carry my belongings on rides, and am considering getting a Wald front basket. (Thought about a rando bag, but they're relatively expensive.) I own a Domke F-3x camera bag, which is my everyday bag, and the dimensions show that it will fit inside a Wald 3133 or 133. Domke: 15.5 x 7 x 9 in. Wald: 14.5 x 9.5 x 9 in. Would it be unwise to have that extra 2 inches for the bag to slide around in?

Also, I have a quick release on my front wheel. Is it correct that the 133 (and other similar baskets) will not attach to my bike because of this? If so, does anyone have an experience with the Wald 3133? I am wondering how sturdy it is and how much weight it can hold.

Thanks!

I don't have a Wald front basket, but a Topeak. The attachment system is very similar to the 3133, and Topeak rates theirs at 10lbs. More weight is definitely a bad idea, as none of the bar mount designs are very stable. If you're carrying a camera inside that camera bag, I don't think a basket is a very good idea by itself. It's fairly easy for things inside the basket to fall out, because the basket unbalances the front end a bit when the bike is parked. A basket with an appropriately sized cargo net works better... but many of the readily available cargo nets are too large for removable baskets.

It's possible to modify a standard detachable basket to use the decaleur system Velo Orange sells. This lets you use a small front platform rack for stability while still being able to remove the basket. Not cheap, but I'll eventually save up the money for this upgrade.

I use my basket a great deal, and I wouldn't be without it. But mine gets used for grocery runs and as a handy spot for my lock or purse.

I have the Wald giant front basket and carry a couple of 12 packs of beverage home from the store on a regular basis. No problems so far.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s180/dtipton06/IMG_1824.jpg

Do they rattle or are they quiet? I am considering putting a front basket on my my next bike, but it had better be silent. I likes me a silent bike.

Mine is silent provided the load is appropriate. Sticking a glass bottle in a metal basket ain't gonna be silent. Mine tends to get stuffed with veggies or dry goods, with the more rattley items going in my panniers. It's easier to stuff a pannier so the load doesn't move or shift, and moving is what makes noise... and breaks glass.

The smaller rear baskets tend to have the most trouble with noise, but they're built to fold and remove easily. The bigger ones tend to be quiet if they're mounted with care. You will need grocery bags to line the big rear baskets, but that's easy enough if you just bring a canvas bag or two.

My wife has the rear baskets that fold when not in use and they are not quiet, the rigid ones I have are silent. The front basket is quiet if the load is secured.

Sweet, sounds like something I need. I was referring to it being silent when empty, and it appears that it is.

It is getting warmer, and on rides where I don't absolutely have to stuff my enormous messenger bag with gear, I'd like to take a smaller pack and throw it in a front basket, thus avoiding the back and farmer john sweat.

We used to carry a lot of weight in those things as kids. Usually newspapers, sometimes fishing gear, sometimes other kids.

A solid axle is best for mounting, as it will be load bearing.

After the handlebar mounts failed, we used to secure them with SS hoseclamps.

I have the biggest front basket. It's the best thing I have ever added to a bike. It's silent. It holds anything I would ever try to carry. It's cheap. It's made in the U.S.A.

I have the biggest front basket. It's the best thing I have ever added to a bike. It's silent. It holds anything I would ever try to carry. It's cheap. It's made in the U.S.A.

manufacturer and model?

I often have to load up my Chrome bag full of martial arts gear and lug it around on my back. It might be cool to just toss the bag in a front basket, especially during the warmer back-sweat-producing months.

I can only assume they're referring to the Wald 157b. It is perfect for carrying around a full messenger bag.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=5766

I also have a folding one. It does rattle but is built like a tank. Mine has over 6000 miles on it and shows no signs of falling apart.