Utility Cycling - Rack top basket with room for pannier(s)?

I have seen a few examples on here with a basket mounted on the rear rack and clearance for the panniers on the back. Anyone have specifics on how to work this?

Sure, either zip tie the basket to the rear rack or clip it down somehow.

I figured that much. Would there still be room/clearance for a pannier on the rail?

What you want is a rack with a second rail that allows your panniers to hang a little lower than the top rack. Otherwise you are likely to have clearance issues. I know that I cannot use a basket with panniers because I lack that lower mounting point, although it's possible a set of panniers with the hooks at the very top might fit, if your basket didn't prevent you from accessing the rail. Or you might be able to put the panniers in place before mounting the basket, but in that case you'd want an easily removeable mounting system rather than zip ties.

Any suggestions for a rack with a second rail? Started looking last night. The only one I found so far was the Tubus Locc, which might not be a bad idea with the U-lock bracket.

Ortlieb makes a gizmo that lets you hang your panniers lower than the top of the rack.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Full-Commute.jpg

http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-116.htm
^^^
The rack extender gizmo.

Also of note:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-117.htm
^^^
Quick release mount for a basket

http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-159.htm
^^^
Just the low hanger bars, you could zip tie it to the rack top

Topeak makes a rack with a 2nd rail. The top has Topeak's proprietary attachment system, which is just a couple of grooves to slide a Topeak trunk bag or basket on to, but I find that using the rack for non-Topeak items, I worry about whatever I'm strapping down dammaging the rack or those ridges damaging whatever I'm strapping down. Hasn't happened yet, but I still worry and, as a result, I wouldn't recommend a Topeak rack if you weren't considering at Topeak basket or trunk bag. But if you did consider it, then I think it's a great way to go. I have a basket and a trunk bag, and I love how easily they slide on and off the rack when I want to switch them out or take them off for a while.

I was just looking at throwing a $10 Wald basket on top. I'll keep looking. The Locc rack looks pretty decent. Seems the U-Lock bracket only works with Abus locks-but I am looking at upgrading my lock anyways.

Dual side rails is the way to go. I own a Tubus Cosmo. It's one of the best choices in equipment that I've made. My typical use is trunk bag and grocery panniers.

http://www.brucew.com/images/bikeforums/kit/tailrider+panniers.jpg

http://www.brucew.com/images/bikeforums/kit/loaded-1.jpg

http://www.brucew.com/images/bikeforums/kit/loaded-2.jpg

^^ I prefer Ortlieb panniers, but otherwise that set-up rocks.

tsl;

I have an about identical setup to yours on my shopping bike using the Topeak Super Tourist DX rack, a relatively narrow Topeak trunk bag and REI Novara shopping panniers.

Hi

I have been looking at all the great posts on this forum, and about the Xtracycle. And I would love to to build an Xtracycle, but might it be much simpler just to build an extension making an extended rack. You could make it permanent and make space for lighting that could not be stolen. Maybe just make a fixed rack that goes just past the rear wheel, much easier than Xtracycle; but maybe less fun.

G