Not a rear basket, but a fairly good looking solution IMO. Paul's Components Flatbed:

http://www.paulcomp.com/fbcrop.jpg

I'd love to see a picture of this setup, and possibly info on where exactly you got it. Pier one? I don't know if there's one nearby...

Picture, pretty please!

I believe I found the basket at a store called "Garden Ridge" but you know, any place that has a good selection of baskets should have something you could use. And yes, I will be happy to take a picture and post it. Just need a bit of time and I need to figure out where I stashed my digicam :eek:

Allen,

Is that a powered rear light or just a reflector?

It's powered. It's a B&M DToplight +, and I'm running it off of a Shimano dynamo hub.

For those who are looking for wicker baskets:
http://www.cynthiastwigs.com/backrack.jpg
Cynthia's Twigs in the U.S.

and

http://www.hembrow.eu/rearrectangularwithlid.jpg
David Hembrow in the U.K.

Both hand make bike baskets for a reasonable price.

So, while browsing at Target this afternoon I stumbled across a bunch of mesh baskets and organizers. Picked this "Mesh Basket" up for $5.99!

It was pretty much just what I wanted. Something slim, halfway stylish, and cheap. Looks and feels pretty similar to the Topeak basket. Just zip-tied it on and now I can throw a bag of groceries or my backpack in there.

My only concern is that my thighs might hit the basket if fully extended. Maybe I'll see if I can push the rack back a bit.

(Men's 10.5 sneaker for scale :))

http://i17.tinypic.com/2nulx91.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/2lx9tae.jpg

Brad, a bit of advice for you about zip ties. some are better than others. I got some crappy ones that get really brittle and break in the cold. Even good one's stretch. I like to leave a bit of the excess so that after the first heavy load I can tighten one more time before cutting it off. that's just what I do.

By the way, I think it looks nice

What fenders are those and do you think they will fit a 700c x 28 road tires?

Those are Planet Bike Clip-On ATB fenders. Probably are too wide for 28's. They make a hybrid version too:

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/7001.html

Will the hybrid version fit?

I believe so. I think it's 45mm wide, but don't take my word on it.

bradchu,

That basket is really slick looking. Is that metal or plastic?

Thanks! It's metal wire mesh

I occasionally use a black wire in-basket that I pinched from work - zip tied to my rack. I have bungees to tie things down with - I have only used it a few times but it worked well enough for my small loads.

I would also like to get a rack soon and have a basket for hauling things. But my thing is, I don't want a rack for everyday riding. I love the basic stripped look of my bike. Are these racks pretty easy to take on and off quick? Like I said, I just want it if I need to pick up some groceries or something.

The rack itself is pretty much bolted on. I would look into a seat post (beam-style) rack if you want quick on/off, especially the stuff made by Topeak.

Great idea, Brad! I'm thinking of doing the same thing for my son's bike - He's got a little 24" MTB that he uses as his "car" and even the smallest of panniers are too big; Heel strike happens.

For the record, that is the exact same thing I did on my Breezer (see previous post) but with a more decorative looking basket. And you are right, Brad, they are perfect for just dumping in stuff and going.

Hmm... that person must be hungry