Front Basket + Drops?
 

So I'm looking for a way to haul a moderate amount of junk around with me when I ride my 1971 Atala Competizione beater... I'm sick of wearing a backpack.

Rear rack is right out because it's a moderately racey-looking bike and a rear rack would look horribly out-of-place. Plus then I'd have to get panniers and the whole idea sounds expensive.

An English-style fattie saddle bag is a consideration -- it would look right with the english-style paint job. But, it'd be hard to fit odd-shaped or crush-sensitive things into one.

So, a detachable front basket seems like the best idea; the tiniest one Wald offers measures out like it would (barely) fit into the hollow of my GB rando bars. Basket Holder (Bottom One)

Does anybody have any experience with a front basket (esp a detachable one) on a sport-touring/touring/racing/all-rounder road bike? Cheers or regrets?

Drop bars no, and mustache bars yes. If mustache bars look at Electra bikes as they have a few different ones.

Good think you're passing on a rear rack, 'cause a front basket screams "racey".

I know, right! Gotta beat all those other "Cat6"ers. ;-)

There was considerable thought to installing them on all of Lance's bikes for his last Tour:-)

I'm sure Lance has one on his mtn bike, though.

Personally, I think a rear rack w/ some small panniers looks rather fetching on a racer. I saw a late 90's Litespeed at the LBS (customer bike) set up with one. Pretty snazzy. But, then aren't all Litespeeds, anyway?

Oh, btw, were it me......and this is just my opinion......I'd prefer not to have the weight on the steering. Makes zooming around a bit more cumbersome.

I cannot even begin to imagine why anyone would think that a rear rack is not racey. Check out this top dog PX10, and tell me different. Coupled with a set of aerodynamic leather and metal panniers = racing all the way...

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=199001

The folks at Rivendell like putting Wald baskets on the front of drop-bar bikes:

http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...ts-wald/20-102

Neal

If you're looking to haul a "moderate" amount of stuff then a front basket is going to seriously impact your handling with a racey type bike. What about a low front rack and/or a front bag?

This goes along with the mixte/drop bars thread...

I've been thinking about hanging two sets of Wald double-rear baskets; one front the other on the rear. Kinda like full-tour panniers but in chrome and wire. The front one would have to attach to the fork crown, so you'd have to work that out. Anyway, I think that would look good with drops and it would keep the load low.

http://www.waldsports.com/files/Wald...20_250_pix.jpg

Just in case and for those interested, the PX10, pictured with the blue panniers was intended to be a bit of a joke. Though that X10 lives in Japan, now, I did love the bike and now own another - sans rack, panniers and water bottle...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4122/...2ce595d0_z.jpg

In truth, I have tried running panniers and front baskets. Did not like the looks of either, nor did I like the way that they function. Function might not be the correct word, but it as been my experience that I had to empty out the panniers, fearing theft of the contents if I parked the bike.

For me, the back pack it the way I go and I keep everything I need to survive - knife, lighter, rope, spare inner tube, few tools and, of course my cell phone and a Visa charge card. And, Mrs. Me was good enough to take the time to sew up the multitude of seam failures on my back pack, seen here at my favorite watering (draft beer) hole...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/...40ec0e8e_b.jpg

+1

Edit: foiled by forgetting to check the date on a zombie thread once again.

Depending on what you plan on putting on it a low Porteur rack could work.
http://i.imgur.com/vhcMtopl.jpg
(Side view)

Mine is a Basil Portland front carrier (Also available in black) and they used to have one without the rail so you can fit larger packages.

How about front and rear panniers instead of a basket?

I have been delighted with the Pletscher "mousetrap" rack and Rudy Project panniers on my UO-8. I routinely haul 25-30 pound loads, no problem.

A vintage Cannondale handlebar bag is hard to beat.

Other low cost alternatives:
https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/...ce:&pageSize:&

You can spend more for some very functional and stylish carriers, but you are equipping a beater.