Utility Cycling - pannier baskets?

I'm looking for rear rack/basket setup for my gf. Preferably one piece. She's looking to haul groceries and it seems the only thing I can find are the Wald rack but even the largest seems kind of small. Any other manufacturers?

I'm looking for rear rack/basket setup for my gf. Preferably one piece. She's looking to haul groceries and it seems the only thing I can find are the Wald rack but even the largest seems kind of small. Any other manufacturers?

Wald makes the largest rear saddle baskets that I am aware of, perhaps add a front basket? I used to run a 85-90 paper route with The Wald 535 rear (http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.cfm/wald570-520-535rearcarriers.html) and the 157 in the front (http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.cfm/wald157basket.html). I currently use the Wald Folding baskets on my grocery getter. They will hold a full sized grocery bag with no problems, I have a smaller basket on the front.

Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/41899/2683444210066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

+1 on the wald. you can put a large bag in each one....and then uses bungees to put the large items on the rack. (a twelve pack of fat tire ale is very appropriate :) )

my wife is using these:

http://www.rei.com/product/780449

they are light, silent, quick release, and fold flat to the bike. I originally was looking at the folding baskets, but didn't want to deal with the rattling.

Nashbar's got a cheaper one of those, I believe- think I saw it for $25 or so.

my wife is using these:

http://www.rei.com/product/780449

they are light, silent, quick release, and fold flat to the bike. I originally was looking at the folding baskets, but didn't want to deal with the rattling.

They claim the hooks are lockable, what's your opinion of them?

my wife is using these:

http://www.rei.com/product/780449

they are light, silent, quick release, and fold flat to the bike. I originally was looking at the folding baskets, but didn't want to deal with the rattling.


Nashbar's got a cheaper one of those, I believe- think I saw it for $25 or so.


I have a set of the Performance ones (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023647_-1_20005_20000_20007) they do the job, but I like the Wald folding baskets better.

Aaron:)

I tried the Trek grocery panniers (http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=35&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=35&path=1%2C2%2C15%2C411%2C413&bShopOnline=1). It's a good product, but just wasn't for me.

I prefer a pannier that closes at top. That way I don't have to worry about anything bouncing out right when I'm crossing a busy intersection, the cold stuff is protected from the sun, and I've still got enough room for a couple of more stops along the way.

I've got a Cannondale Harvester (http://www.cannondale.com/a_a/gear/09/SS/model-8B509.html#bags), and I love it. It's the same as the other grocery panniers, except it's got a flap on top. I've had it for about a year now, and I haven't had any complaints.

They claim the hooks are lockable, what's your opinion of them?

The hooks, at least to my knowledge, do not lock. They are a plastic quick release clip, which just turn toward the rack to engage. I suppose you could permanently mount them, but I like the quick release.

I have the largest size of the one piece Wald rack/basket thing on my grocery store bike. They are very large. The bottom of the basket is just a little narrower than a gallon of milk, but it'll fit, and is long enough that you could probably put three gallons in there. They are tall enough that there is still space above a milk jug to put other stuff in.

Wald makes the largest rear saddle baskets that I am aware of, perhaps add a front basket? I used to run a 85-90 paper route with The Wald 535 rear (http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.cfm/wald570-520-535rearcarriers.html) and the 157 in the front (http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.cfm/wald157basket.html). I currently use the Wald Folding baskets on my grocery getter. They will hold a full sized grocery bag with no problems, I have a smaller basket on the front.

I tried the Wald 535 rear baskets, but they wouldn't even come close to fitting on my Cannondale M500 (http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/bicycle/20081222-m500.jpg). It's frustrating, because this is my "utility bike", and it's gotten to be more than lame, making repeated trips to the supermarket with only my Jansport "Everyday" backpack to hold the groceries.

I don't want to go the "rear rack w/panniers or folding baskets" route, and prefer to not mount a front basket.

Any suggestions?

The hooks, at least to my knowledge, do not lock. They are a plastic quick release clip, which just turn toward the rack to engage. I suppose you could permanently mount them, but I like the quick release.

Maybe lockable hooks are the wrong term... If you compare the Arkel Locking Cam (http://www.arkel-od.com/tips/installing.asp?fl=1&site=) and a standard "Two Hooks + Bungie" (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FGBP) system, the Novara appears to fall somewhere between. I've had issues with Two-Hook systems bouncing loose, so I'm curious about how well the Novara's hold onto the rack.

I tried the Wald 535 rear baskets, but they wouldn't even come close to fitting on my Cannondale M500 (http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/bicycle/20081222-m500.jpg). It's frustrating, because this is my "utility bike", and it's gotten to be more than lame, making repeated trips to the supermarket with only my Jansport "Everyday" backpack to hold the groceries.

I don't want to go the "rear rack w/panniers or folding baskets" route, and prefer to not mount a front basket.

Any suggestions?

What was the fit issue, exactly? Was it just a size / heel strike issue? The 535 is the biggest of the lot (https://waldsports.com/index.cfm/wald570-520-535rearcarriers.html), they make a 520 (Med) and 570 (small, eyelets only)... the 520 & 535 are supposed to be able to mount to either the axle or to eyelets.

I love my REI Novara grocery panniers, but I searched all over the site and couldn't find the model I have. They came as a pair, and will snap together so that you can carry them into the store with you.

Maybe lockable hooks are the wrong term... If you compare the Arkel Locking Cam (http://www.arkel-od.com/tips/installing.asp?fl=1&site=) and a standard "Two Hooks + Bungie" (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FGBP) system, the Novara appears to fall somewhere between. I've had issues with Two-Hook systems bouncing loose, so I'm curious about how well the Novara's hold onto the rack.

Ah, gotcha. They seem to lock very securely. No movement once engaged.

Imagine two pieces in the shape of the letter "C" secured together in parallel, but only one is able to rotate. When the rotating "C" is open, the two are in line and just make a "C" with an open end to drop onto the rack bar. To close, rotate one of the "C"s around the rack bar such that it is now opposite the fixed "C," which now forms an "O" around the bar. For orientation reference, the "C"s point downward, as would a hook in your link above. Hope this makes sense.

Ah, gotcha. They seem to lock very securely. No movement once engaged.

Imagine two pieces in the shape of the letter "C" secured together in parallel, but only one is able to rotate. When the rotating "C" is open, the two are in line and just make a "C" with an open end to drop onto the rack bar. To close, rotate one of the "C"s around the rack bar such that it is now opposite the fixed "C," which now forms an "O" around the bar. For orientation reference, the "C"s point downward, as would a hook in your link above. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks, I think I understand. Is it the same as on these? (http://www.rei.com/product/780451)

I'm looking for rear rack/basket setup for my gf. Preferably one piece. She's looking to haul groceries and it seems the only thing I can find are the Wald rack but even the largest seems kind of small. Any other manufacturers?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3593636758_1cdc8a026c_b.jpg

I just setup my GF's bike as a utility/errand bike (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/sharons-urban-mtb/). I went with removable grocery panniers and a quick release front basket. The bags/basket are nice because they hold quite a lot [as much as she would want to cycle with], but they come off easily if she wants to take them into the store or ride a naked bike.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3592836879_9ff434fb40_b.jpg

I realize it's not exactly what you were after, but thought it might provide some inspiration and/or help other folks looking for a functionally similar bike setup.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3592841653_20cf05b2bd_b.jpg

Them Wald baskets are simple and cheap. They're even not too ugly. They're good for what they are.

Avenir grocery panniers work well for me. No locking hooks, but they fit a 12 pack, so, well, they pass.
http://cid-c5aa741102f41823.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/My%20Bikes/Grocery%20panniers%20001.jpg
Also some less important features, like reflective striping, key hook, zippered compartment, shoulder strap, and they fold flat.
Nice and rugged too. No rattling wire cages for me.

Thanks, I think I understand. Is it the same as on these? (http://www.rei.com/product/780451)


Very similar. The blue piece rotates downward to lock it on the rack bar.

I think the Wald folding baskets are great! I have a third, lift off basket, for the handlebars and each basket will carry a full grocery bag. I have carried as much as $300 worth of groceries home from the store on one trip. If you substitute zipties for the original hardware, they make no noise at all when they are empty.

I built a pair using marine battery boxes, some parts from the hardware store, and a little elbow grease. They ended up being a little on the heavy side but the bike weights almost 40lbs already so weight isn't much of an issue anymore.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/P1010044-2.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/P1010045-1.jpg

I am using the Novara shopping panniers attached to a Topeak Super Tourist DX rack. With the dopped side bars on the Topeak rack my older style Topeak MTX trunk bag also fits on even with the panniers folded. I like the quick release feature for the panniers which are very secure when installed. They are also large enough to hold a standard paper bag or one of the cloth reusable bags my local market has for 99 cents each.

IMO the only disadvantage is no top covers are provided.

Handsomeryan,
I remember when you were making that set, a couple years ago maybe?
Anyway, I had doubts, but after using many different things including touring panniers, grocery panniers, briefcase panniers, etc., that rack set up you have looks great.
It looks easy on/easy off, and pretty large. If I needed something for groceries these days, I'd probably make something like that but bigger.

The trouble with Panniers is - its all about WEIGHT!

If you think you are on the bike then the added weight of whatever your carrying in the panniers - how flat is the back tyre going to look/be?

Get a trailer and let it carry all the weight and not the bike.

Regards
TC

I built a pair using marine battery boxes, some parts from the hardware store, and a little elbow grease. They ended up being a little on the heavy side but the bike weights almost 40lbs already so weight isn't much of an issue anymore.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/P1010044-2.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/P1010045-1.jpg
Nice. But do they pass the 12 pack test?:D

I am using the Novara shopping panniers attached to a Topeak Super Tourist DX rack. With the dopped side bars on the Topeak rack my older style Topeak MTX trunk bag also fits on even with the panniers folded.

This is good to know. I've been wanting to upgrade my MTX rack to the model with the lower sidebars for exactly that reason: I don't like that I can't use my trunk bag and my grocery bag panniers at the same time.


The trouble with Panniers is - its all about WEIGHT!

If you think you are on the bike then the added weight of whatever your carrying in the panniers - how flat is the back tyre going to look/be?

Get a trailer and let it carry all the weight and not the bike.

Regards
TC

There's something to be said for trailers, but I only use one when the rack becomes impractical. It's worth considering the weight you put on your back tire, but if you've got a sturdy, well-built wheel, it can handle quite a bit. Consider how loaded up some touring bikes get. Some do use trailers, but not most. Also consider the trip to the grocery store. I had to haul my empty trailer somewhere last weekend and it was almost as bad as hauling it loaded, whereas the weight of two empty, folded, grocery bag panniers is barely noticeable (if at all). If you were getting more than two bags of groceries, a trailer might make sense, but I prefer to limit myself to what I can carry on my racks rather than pull a trailer with me, especially if a stop at the grocery store is part of a longer ride, as it often is.

Handsomeryan,
I remember when you were making that set, a couple years ago maybe?
Anyway, I had doubts, but after using many different things including touring panniers, grocery panniers, briefcase panniers, etc., that rack set up you have looks great.
It looks easy on/easy off, and pretty large. If I needed something for groceries these days, I'd probably make something like that but bigger.

It worked really well for both carrying stuff and making the bike bigger/more visible to cars. I've since moved to a tiny apartment so i gave that contraption to a friend who is trying to make her way towards being car-free.

If I were making them again, instead of batter boxes I'd check out IKEA as they have about a billion different sizes and shapes of plastic totes. [srsly, the selection is awesome!] The closest IKEA to me was a 3+ hour drive to Atlanta but now there is one not even 10 miles (and quite bikable) from my house. I ♥ Swedish flat-pack furniture stores!


Nice. But do they pass the 12 pack test?:D

As long as you put one in each to balance the weight out. :p

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3593636758_1cdc8a026c_b.jpg

I just setup my GF's bike as a utility/errand bike (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/sharons-urban-mtb/). I went with removable grocery panniers and a quick release front basket. The bags/basket are nice because they hold quite a lot [as much as she would want to cycle with], but they come off easily if she wants to take them into the store or ride a naked bike.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3592836879_9ff434fb40_b.jpg

I realize it's not exactly what you were after, but thought it might provide some inspiration and/or help other folks looking for a functionally similar bike setup.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3592841653_20cf05b2bd_b.jpg

Vik~ Did you buy those Jannd pack directly from the company and if so did they ship via UPS or through USPS. I really like your GF's set up and I think it would be perfect for me, even more than my axioms.

I had the big old Wald chrome baskets on my 64 Huffy Sportsman. I just used it for a beater, but it could haul a case and a 40 in each side with plenty of room on top. The are heavy, but they are strong. I used to stack fire wood taller than my head on them; every week! I say go cheap (5$ flea martkert/25$ internet), because after 3 weeks of using them, you won't even notice they're there.

I was wondering has anybody seen any folding baskets that are made to be mounted on top of a rear rack? SO far all that I have found are side mounted racks that wouldn't really work well for me since I just have one bag (backpack) that's pretty heavy about 40-50lbs. I already have the rack that is rated to hold the weight, and I don't feel comfortable just strapping a cargo net over it since I'll be transporting my laptop in the backpack as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was wondering has anybody seen any folding baskets that are made to be mounted on top of a rear rack? SO far all that I have found are side mounted racks that wouldn't really work well for me since I just have one bag (backpack) that's pretty heavy about 40-50lbs. I already have the rack that is rated to hold the weight, and I don't feel comfortable just strapping a cargo net over it since I'll be transporting my laptop in the backpack as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Not folding, but they make some quick release baskets for the tops of racks. Note, I've seen some home-made folding jobs for the top.

If you need baskets for grocery runs, the Wald folding baskets can't be beat.

I was wondering has anybody seen any folding baskets that are made to be mounted on top of a rear rack? SO far all that I have found are side mounted racks that wouldn't really work well for me since I just have one bag (backpack) that's pretty heavy about 40-50lbs. I already have the rack that is rated to hold the weight, and I don't feel comfortable just strapping a cargo net over it since I'll be transporting my laptop in the backpack as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

That is pretty big....so I will repeat my recommendation for the wald folding......you can then lay that big backpack across the rack and support the ends with the baskets. I have done this with bags of potting soil. Also that much weight you want to keep as low as you can to keep the center of gravity low.

I tried the Wald 535 rear baskets, but they wouldn't even come close to fitting on my Cannondale M500 (http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/bicycle/20081222-m500.jpg). It's frustrating, because this is my "utility bike", and it's gotten to be more than lame, making repeated trips to the supermarket with only my Jansport "Everyday" backpack to hold the groceries.

I don't want to go the "rear rack w/panniers or folding baskets" route, and prefer to not mount a front basket.

Any suggestions?
Sounds like if you don't want to use a rack with panniers or baskets, your only choice is a cargo trailer (holds tons of groceries!) or a bigger backpack. You could probably get an xtracycle kit to pimp your cannondale too :) What don't you like about rear racks?

If you're not into the wire-type folding walds, I ran across these the other day...

elven81 Folding Mesh Baskets (http://www.amazon.com/Eleven81-Folding-Mounted-Basket-Black/dp/B001UL5R5Q/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1250012506&sr=8-9)

Those mesh baskets don't have as many places to hook bungee cords to compared to the Wald--something to consider.

Those mesh baskets don't have as many places to hook bungee cords to compared to the Wald--something to consider.

Yeah, I wasn't claiming they were superior to the Walds. Just that they have a different look (if your into that kind of thing).

I use the Topeak system and every single day I load it up with at least 20 pounds of groceries, clothes, computer, all necessary tubes, tools, etc.

It rocks.

Yeah, I wasn't claiming they were superior to the Walds. Just that they have a different look (if your into that kind of thing).

It's good to see more choices in folding baskets. I bought my Walds about 6 years ago and they were the only ones I could find. Now there's a few companies getting into the game.

Has anyone seen the faux wicker folding basket from Axiom? I was wondering if it could really looks like wicker.

If I had to carry 2 bags of groceries, I'd rather have low rider folding fabric panniers for simplicity, ease, and handling

Seems that few people offer this, unfortunately. Old Man Mountain (?) has the low rider front rack, perhaps the REI bags will fit.

It's good to see more choices in folding baskets. I bought my Walds about 6 years ago and they were the only ones I could find. Now there's a few companies getting into the game.

Has anyone seen the faux wicker folding basket from Axiom? I was wondering if it could really looks like wicker.

The front quick release one or the rear QR? I think I saw the front one at Dick's Sporting goods the other day... if I recall correctly (wasn't looking for a front one) the faux wicker looked about as wickery as faux wicker gets. Maybe bit darker brown than I'm used to wicker looking.

Wait, there's a faux wicker FOLDING basket? Are you sure?

Wait, there's a faux wicker FOLDING basket? Are you sure?

There's one on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Folding-Faux-Wicker-Basket/dp/B0025UGNWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1250099812&sr=1-1

But I don't see it on the Axiom website so it could be a discontinued model.

There's one on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Folding-Faux-Wicker-Basket/dp/B0025UGNWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1250099812&sr=1-1

But I don't see it on the Axiom website so it could be a discontinued model.

Wow... that's cool looking. You never know, it may be discontinued or it may be that Axiom has yet to put it on their site.

I remember the following rack showed up on some shopping sights before it showed up on Axiom's.

http://www.axiomgear.com/img/prod/phoenix-dlx-front-1-full.jpg
(http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/racks/front-racks/phoenix-dlx-front/)

Not folding, but they make some quick release baskets for the tops of racks. Note, I've seen some home-made folding jobs for the top.


That is pretty big....so I will repeat my recommendation for the wald folding......you can then lay that big backpack across the rack and support the ends with the baskets. I have done this with bags of potting soil. Also that much weight you want to keep as low as you can to keep the center of gravity low.

Thanks both of you I've got some good ideas now and a direction to go in.

Once I get my bike completed I'll probably be posting picks of it.

Thanks both of you I've got some good ideas now and a direction to go in.

Once I get my bike completed I'll probably be posting picks of it.

Pics are always a good idea ;)