Hey all,
I recently ordered a set of Wald 535 baskets online, under the (apparently incorrect) assumption that they were fairly universal. After the baskets arrived and I tried installation (following the fairly bleak instructions on their Wald's website), it occurred to me that my bike not not be especially compatible. Through some parts shopping and a bit of help in another section of this site, I've managed to half-way jury-rig a the baskets onto my bike. I've used some Jandd Rack Disc Adapters to make my monostay "wide enough" for the upper mounts, and some bolts and washers to fit the mounts on the rear. The current setup, as you see in the photos, uses the upper holes to mount to the eyelets and the skewer will run through the lower holes.
Pics:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...s/P1000278.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...s/P1000275.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...s/P1000273.jpg
It hasn't cost me a hole lot to get here, as the baskets and parts were all relatively cheap, but I have some concerns with way I've managed to get them to fit:
1) The Jandd Rack Disc Adapters aren't really being used in their intended way -- I realize most of the way should be supported on the lower mounts, but as you can see in the pic, the basket is far from level, making me thing some of the weight could be shifted upward.
2) Obviously the brake cable will need some work, as it currently hits the inside of the upper mounting arms -- it doesn't cause rubbing, but makes me a bit nervous.
3) The skewer I currently have isn't long enough to run through the dropouts, hub, and the extra width of the rack -- obviously need a longer skewer.
4) Since the basket is not level, and it is all jury-rigged on, is this even safe? Am I losing some carrying capacity? The whole goal was to be able to carry about a week's worth of groceries on this thing -- installed correctly, I think it would work, but I have concerns now.
So the little remaining issues can be resolved, I think: adjusting the brake cable, maybe a different noodle, and getting a longer skewer (
http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Mercha...tegory_Code=MH). My question is, does this seem like at all a good idea or should I just give in and order a standard rack and panniers?
Thanks in advance for any help!