Why Use A Front Rack Or Basket
 

I've been interested in getting a front rack or a metal basket for my commuter bike. For those who have one, I have to ask, why? Is a front rack or basket better for carry somethings?

I have a frame mounted front rack on my gazelle, for really heavy loads it effects handling far less than on the back. It's also sometimes good to be able to keep an eye on what you're carrying for various reasons. Not real excited about bar or fork racks except for modest loads. Carrying things up front can also make mounting and dismounting easier.

I prioritize front cargo on my commuting & utility bikes for the simple reason that the front wheel is inherently stronger (on a rear derailler bike with its narrowed, dished rear wheel) and carries a lighter load when no cargo is added. The majority of my broken spokes and other wheel issues have been on the rear wheel, over the years, so it's not an imaginary problem.
On a couple of bikes I have acquired or built extra strong 40 and 48 spoke rear wheels, which help address the strength vs load imbalance.
Regarding handling, added weight on the front tends to increase longitudinal stability, while detracting from agility, obviously.

+1 :thumb:

The trick is to have the person riding on the handlebars carry the load. Then they can jump off before you come to a complete stop. See my avatar :).

I love the basket on the front of my commuter, though I am going to be in the market for a new one here soon. I guess two years is the max for a cheap Bell brand folding basket. Anything and everything has found a place there on occasion, including a manikin.

It holds my baquettes and cheeses.

I use the front bag/basket for stuff I need ready access to when getting on or off the bike. The lock, keys, wallet, phone, kleenex, etc. ride up there on the way to work. Once I'm at the office, my helmet and high-vis vest stay in there during the day. During the shoulder seasons, I might have an extra layer in there or gloves and so forth. The pannier on back is for stuff that I won't get into or out of during the ride or right at the beginning or end: laptop, change of clothes, lunch, etc.

Have an unlimited Budget? Hand made Porteur racks are very Nice ..

there are now off the peg bolt on racks of that type..

Less custom Paul's Flatbed is Aluminum . but more open than something like ..

The Wald Newsboy Basket. that wins for Low price and not so blingy as to attract bike Theft.

No suspension fork bikes need apply.


BTW dismounting is really easy with a Step Thru Frame ... Or the low bar of folding Bikes ..

pros: small to midsize commuting loads make *MY* bikes handle less poorly compared to rear loads. Your mileage may vary.

cons: With a front rack set up you usually have less versatility for the dollar compared to rear racks, unless you just have the super basic wire baskets on front. Also many american hybrid/mtb/road commuter type bikes often have mounts for rear racks and nothing up front.

http://i.imgur.com/1FZkrAC.jpg
I like the wide platform up top, currently threw my rear panniers on the front and it handles them just fine but as you can see they are poking up awkwardly through the top... Currently making some mounts to hang a bit lower on the rack for panniers, so the top stays clear and accessible. Great for beer runs, though getting much past two dozen bottles can be awkward.

I have a VO Porteur rack and it's very convenient hold a briefcase, or bag of groceries. A rear rack is ok, but the front is just more convenient and simple.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=497539

Marc

A front basket is very nice to have, you always have a place to put purchases that you didn't expect. On the other hand, I find that they also collect half empty paper coffee cups.

While we're on the subject, any recommendations for a front rack under $50 to fit a suspension fork? The fork has rack mounts, including on the fork brace arch. Preferably narrower, not a wide porteur type. And flat, since I'll occasionally strap a plastic milk crate on if needed. Or, if there's an upswept ledge it should be toward the bike rather than away.

I'm probably too picky because that particular combination of attributes seems difficult to find.

Maybe it's just because my load of clothes and shoes for the workday isn't heavy enough but I'm curious about what all this talk is about rear racks and loads making the bike harder to handle? I've never experienced this.

I've used a milk crate and a tail bag on a rack. I've never had a problem while pedaling. But I've had no-hands shimmy. With a really heavy load, before getting on, it sort of wants to pivot down ("fall over" doesn't quite exactly describe it). Both were manageable, not really a problem.

I've also had a decent size front load (in the form of a Thule mini seat) and it definitely changes the steering, so I don't get that description either.

And carrots and celery!

This trope goes back a long way and it seems not limited to bicycles; check out Sigourney Weaver's grocery bag in Ghostbusters for example

ISO-Standard Urban Groceries - TV Tropes

Ditto that, but I sometimes think about getting a front basket and I'm not sure why which is why I'm watching this thread. Hoping someone will explain it. I'd probably wind up storing my gloves, jacket and backup lights in there.

The best I can describe it, a front load is easier to control in the way its easier to push a wheelbarrow than it is to pull it, keeping in mind I'm talking about heavy loads and a frame mounted front rack. Heavy loads will always adversely effect a bikes handling, but with the right setup and bike, it will have less effect up front.
A heavy load on a fork or bar mounted carrier will also work well if the bike is designed for it, but most aren't. I have a porteur rack on my Ross MTB, and it works well up to about 15 lbs, but much more than that and it becomes awkward.

In my limited experience, for a road bike, a front basket or rack is best limited to light items for convenience, there's no advantage handling wise, and heavy loads are very akward.

Agreed, clothes, not so much. But clothes + shoes + laptop + lunch, etc... Will add up a bit.

I prefer a front rack/bag because it allows easy access to grab or stow items (sunglasses, gloves, etc) and I am much more likely to notice if anything falls out.

I like front racks/baskets, but a downside is they interfere with my preferred fork crown light mounting.

I went all crazy once and tried a CETMA on a previous bike. It didn't last long, ruined the handling, but in retrospect perhaps 20+lb on the front was a bit much.

I'm working on the light problem, I have a Miller generator lighting set for my Schwinn middleweight but I ended up mounting the arm for the headlight sideways on the handlebars instead of the tube. I'll find a picture for you but I'm also adjusting the whole setup and I need a larger front basket.

Don't loads in the front affect steering? Even my suspension fork alone causes the front wheel to sometimes turn into unwanted directions.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=497792

Here's why I use a front mounted bag on my bike. This way I can keep a close eye on my guy. He tends to move around a lot.

There's a rack underneath the bag. It attaches to the front fork.

The bike is an old Bridgestone MB 5.

I've not experienced any handling problems at speeds of up to 25 kph.

I have put many hundreds of miles with Lucky Dog in the front Wald Giant Newsboy basket using different types of bikes including a World Sport. He weighs in at about 20 pounds plus the weight of the basket.

And it does affect steering!!!! You really need to pay attention, have good core strength, and plan in advance.....and I would never use it on the roads.

Dog loved to ride and his ears would flop out like wings when we go up to about 10-12 mph.

Once got up to 20-25 mph on a down hill section of a mup using the dog in a basket on the World Sport but I quickly realized doing this on a 27 1/4 wheel on crushed stone path was sheer stupidity.

Unfortunately Lucky Dog (not so lucky) went blind and he is fearful of riding so don't use it anymore.


http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=497808

So cute dog and the ears flopping with wind made me chuckle. :D Truly sad for his blindness--was it due to age?

I have the Electra Quick Release Wire basket which I like. I mostly use it to carry that extra stuff such as gloves, lunchbox, glasses and some groceries I may pick up on the way to the office. I like the basket because it can be taken off with just the press of a button. The mount is very sturdy. The basket bounces a little bit but not much.
For my laptop, my office clothes and shoes and some tools I use a pair of Ortlieb panniers.

I did some quick googling and found the Soma Mini Front Rack seems commonly available in the $20-$30 dollar range online. No experience with it, but Soma stuff is usually good. Also most bike shops should be able to order it up, or potentially have some in stock.

http://www.bikingindallas.com/wp-con...front-rack.jpg