Well, it's extra parts, so it's going to add bulk and weight. No way around that. The question is, does it provide anything in return? For me, it does. I would not like to be without a rack, although it sounds like you don't use yours, in which case there's no reason to keep it on. My lock does bounce on the choppiest road, unless I bungee it on, which I often do. Otherwise I secure it to the rack by locking it through the rack. It may bounce, but it's not going anywhere. But then if that's all you are using your rack for, there are probably better ways to carry a U-Lock.


As for baskets, I have a front basket that just hangs off the handlebars. Easy on/easy off, or it would be if any of my handlebars were shaped to take advantage of it. I've often thought that might be a good accessory for occasional carrying. It could easily be left off when not desired. My only problem, apart from handlebar incompatibility, is that I frequently don't realize I'll wanting carrying capacity until after I'm on the road, so a permanent solution still works better for me.