I'm looking for something like this EVO Brooklyn Bar, but that doesn't cost $80... I specifically want an integrated bar and basket, not a basket that attaches to the bars. Does such a thing exist in maybe the $20-30 range?

I don't see how something like that wouldn't cost $70-80 new. But you might be able to find it used. I've seen something like this locally for perhaps $40, but I don't recall the exact price.

Just out of curiosity, what is it that appeals to you? The apparent strength of the basket itself? Or the fact the basket can not be removed (or stolen) without removing the handlebars? Or is it a style thing?

The look and the fact that it can't be stolen. It's appearance is much cleaner than a bolt on basket with it's own supports and it's much more hassle free for commuting than a removable bag. It would actually be for my girlfriend, who is just getting into commuting. She's dealing with the hassle of what to do with her purse or a sweatshirt on her short ride to work and this would be a really quick, simple solution. I'm also guessing(total guess) that this is a bit lighter than a separate bolt on basket. She's small and really new to cycling, so I feel keeping her bike as light as possible to make it easier for her to ride and handle is a benefit.

It seems like a pretty cool idea.

FYI, the handling on those usually suffers; you get best handling from getting the basket as close to the wheel as possible, which you can't do with an integrated basket...usually.

I understand your motivations, and agree that it looks cleaner and would be more difficult to steal. But, I don't know if it would be lighter than say a thin-wire Wald style basket, or even a wicker basket, although their mounts may make them more prone to theft and not clean looking.

My two cents: A deeper basket may be more secure for a purse and sweatshirt while riding as there is less change of the purse bouncing out. And depending on where she (and you) ride, a front bag big enough to hold the purse that has a zipper or strap may be even better so that a passerby can't see and grab the purse or sweatshirt, and also the purse would be protected in the event of a surprise rain shower. At the very least, if you go with a shallow basket, make sure the purse is bungied (through the straps) or cargo netted.

Whatever you choose to do, she's lucky to have a thoughtful and supportive guy like you.

There was a company that had the basket integrated with the stem, it was just one piece, stem, handlebars and basket. But I guess they went bust, and they were about 50 euros if I remember correctly, so that wouldn't make much difference.

You might consider a basket that isn't bolt on but just hangs from the handlebars and is designed to take off and carry with you. They are not all ugly.

My GF rides a 69 Schwinn Breeze and loves the front wire basket, she doesn't commute but we take picnic rides and trips to old town because I hate looking for parking.
There are also Origin 8 classique handlebar baskets, on ebay now for 45 bucks which is about 2/3 of what I paid a few years ago when I bought one for a fat bike. They are much heavier than a wire basket. I alsu just put a porland design works takeo ut basket on my single speed mountain bike yesterday, I'll use it a lot but hanging the ulock off the front is not going to work for me. Also not in your price range.


Good luck.

I have the Evo Brooklyn, And love mine. Its holds nothing but looks good! I basically use it to hold a 6 pack of beer and my Bluetooth speaker.

Jimmy

Origin8 Classique Cargo Unit is another option:

I can't imagine being able to find something like this in the price range you're looking for. Handlebars start around $15 at the very very low end and bike baskets around the same price. The combination is a much more niche product, not likely to be able to benefit from the economy of scale that's utilized in producing and pricing $15 handlebars and baskets. I'd suggest a Wald wire basket. They're very light, durable, and can hold whatever you need to put in them.

Origin8 are probably the most widespread bars meeting your specs.

20~30 bucks will just get you some handlebars.. take a 2nd job to get enough money

It may not be stolen, but people may throw garbage in it.

This happened to me nearly every night I lived in Copenhagen. Bike comes inside, never.

I'm in NYC, saw a bike parked for days with empty coffee cups, straws and other trash in it every time I passed by. I would have expected Copenhagen to be more civilized .

I think front basket more or less affects steering. I try to minimize the weight born by the handlebar.

Nope. I think overlooking a main square in a building from the 1700s. A few bars and nice restaurants were there which facilitated lots of empty bottles/waste getting left in the basket.

I loved the jazz fest as they had a stage right outside my living room, but the bike took quite a hit.

99% of the morning it was lying on it's side ... Such is the life of a commuting bike.