Front basket for bike with front shocks
 

Has anyone ever tried adding a front basket to a bike with front shocks? I've heard from a couple sources that this is a "no no." However, I have seen a few bikes with this setup. I guess the downside is that if the basket is supported by braces that bolt on to the front dropouts, there will be stress placed on the portion of the basket that is bolted to the handlebars when the bike bounces over potholes, etc.

I'm looking for firsthand experience rather than speculation. Who's actually done it? Thanks.

You couldn't attach it to the dropouts and handlebar at the same time, the dropouts move up and down on a suspension fork while the steering doesn't move.


A bad setup because it's attached to the arch that joins the two legs of the fork.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Cycle-B...-/161281282072

An OK setup which attaches to the handlebar.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Woven-W...-/130858611328
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Woven-W...-/130858666014

Works on my grocery grabber with shocks......

Bell Bike Handlebar Quick Release Basket - Black : Target

If its light and needs no Axle strut supports .. IE no contact with the fork at all ..

I have a Klick Fix bar bag mount and use one of KF's fabric baskets, with an Oval hoop support around the top edge..

It Pops off and I can fill it with stuff then put it back on. I use the same bar mount fitting for my touring handlebar bag..

I fitted Klick Fix mount system to a wire basket and it is a very strong setup.
Klick Fix make QR release systems and a permanent bolt-on fitting.

The weight bearing part of Klick Fix is the small wire loop. The plastic clamp does not hold all the weight so is much smaller and neater than many other systems.

Works for me. stem and axle mount. stem mount flexes a
bit but after a year no issues. Takes some of pogo stick out of cheap shocks as well.

I like the Wald 3133 QR basket for a handlebar-only mount. The basket has a simple quick-release so you can take it into the store, or just take it off on days you don't want it.

The one issue is it doesn't mount up perfectly. The handlebar bracket has an arm on the back that I think is supposed to rest against the handlebar stem or head tube. But it doesn't reach on most bikes. And if it does reach, it bangs against the stem/tube with every bounce.

I cut up some old rubber handlebar grips and made a ~1" stack. I zip-tied that stack of rubber between the stem and the arm on the handelbar bracket. Now the basket is super stable and doesn't bang against anything. I'd have used a rubber elastomer out of a shock, or even a toe stop from a roller skate, if I had anything like that around.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=380608

That one looks rather nice! I'd only previously been aware of the ones that attach to the handlebar the bottom appears designed to drag back and forth across the head tube. Though, now I have to wonder if this isn't actually the same item and I'd been entirely misunderstanding how to use it ....

Yeah, you have to secure that rear brace somehow. Pad it with something shock-absorbing and throw a couple zip ties around both. You may be able to bend the brace to align better; it's just steel.

The other drawback of the Wald bracket is it's designed for bars with a flat/straight middle section. Flat bars are fine, road bars must have wide drops. No dice on Albatross or Moustache bars.

There is a small front rack that connects to the brake bosses that I think works on suspension forks, then just attach an appropriate sized basket.

Amazon.com : Sunlite Gold Tec Front Rack - Black : Bike Racks : Sports & Outdoors

Nashbar sells a similar item. What they don't sell anymore is the mini-pannier set for them. :)

These are larger and stronger if you want to carry more:

Old Man Mountain Front Pannier Racks For Any Bike

Thanks for all the input everyone. This has been very helpful.

Can I get a close up of this "stack"? Not quite following you.

M.

Yeah, here ya go. Anything shock absorbent would do; you could wrap a piece of wood in innertube.

I used relatively thick zip ties and tightened them real tight. The basket still jiggles on the bracket, and the basket handle still jiggles, but it's a lot more stable than it was when just the handlebar clamps were secured.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=381797http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=381798

Thanks; this just compensates for the length of that brace-bracket thing being too short?

M.

Yes, it compensates for the "one size fits few" length of that brace-bracket. And it keeps that brace-bracket from vibrating against the stem, so it secures the whole bracket.

Depending on the angle and the reach of your stem, you'd have to create your own stack with a custom thickness to fit.

The Wald 3133 QR is worth a try, because it's cheap (<$30) and versatile. The quick release feature is super handy to take into a store or the library, or just to remove the basket on days you don't need it.

Roger that. My SO has a new Fuji with front shocks that she hasn't any cargo space on. I'll show her the 3133 and snag it for her if it meets her approval.

M.