Okay, maybe I should qualify my above reply. I live in the desert, so the only element I ever have to worry about is the sun, and a few strong rains. My basket (see my above post) is not one of those double sided baskets, it's a rectangular basket I have zipped to the top of my rack. It's like the one pictured at:

http://store.nycewheels.com/frontbasket.html OR http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/web...cks/20098.html

I have the medium, and instead of having it attached to the front I have it zip-tied to the top of my rear rack. The only problem is that it raises my center of gravity, but considering how much I already weigh I rarely notice it. The front mounting hardware is designed to work with cruisers and other bikes that have axels that attach with bolts instead of quick release. If you want a really nice front basket and have some dough to blow, try Paul Comp's Flatbed, pictured at: http://paulcomp.com/basket.html (or paulcomp.com, its a frames site). I'd buy one, except that It would add too much value to my bike.
To each his/her own, but I love my setup. Sure, I wish I had a Koga WorldTraveller with custom front and back panniers and a B.O.B. Ibex trailer for grocery shopping, and a bike locker at every stop, but I don't, so I do what I can and I'm happy with it for now. Peace.
Adam