Q-R front baskets?
 

Thinking about getting one, but unsure of weight capacity and compatibility with a flattish bar with grip shifters. Something like this Topeak one http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-6600200...983491&sr=8-26.

I have a Wald 933, I have had up to 20# in it but would not recommend that much weight on a regular basis, it affects handling.

I like the QR baskets for market type shopping. You can toss a few personal items in it, ride to the market, take the basket with you to do your small item shopping, then clip it back on the bike and move on.

Aaron :)

I have that Topeak on my hybrid, used to have the same model on my beater until the mounting bracket went south, replaced it with a super huge Wald. I think they are the most attractive of all front baskets, but they are neither light nor particularly strong. The weakness is basically in the way they mount, from near the top and with no undercarriage support. Not a biggie if you are not doing very long runs all the time or trying to carry really heavy stuff-- though as the Topeak basket is not very large, you are unlikey to overload it unless you fill it with a lot of beverages or such. I find about six pounds to be the most I can handle on it with my hybrid before it affects my steering. My bars are modest bows with grip shifts, I imagine flat bars might be a bit more sensitive but they shouldn't keep you from mounting the Topeak successfully. The biggest problem I encounter is the bouncy effect from having front shocks on my bike, and the lack of fork stays on the basket. Riding over bumps tends to pitch smallish items into the air, so for me that Sunlite Bicycle Bungie Cargo Net is a must. YMMV.

Actually, I just used the Topeak as an example. I'll more than likely pay a little more to get a Sunlite from the LBS.

My intention is to place my backpack in it during the warmer months when I don't have to carry around near as many layers of clothing. Also, a basket would hold the gas can for the mower better than anything I've got that works with the rear rack.

I wouldn't mind a more permanently mounted basket. However, I currently transport my bike by placing it on its side in the back of the family Suburban (third row folded, but doesn't leave a level load floor), and the added weight of a permanent basket would make things a bit harder to load and unload. Also, since I'm multi-modal, I would have to careful about front basket struts- depending on the layout, they could interfere with the swing arm of the bus mounted rack.

Klick Fix handle bar bracket + A Basket [of fabric, Oval wire support,
with a stiff bottom].
Pops off, go shopping , fill it and put it back on, and ride home..

Detours, and Rixen and Kaul themselves [KF] make them ..
not huge, but significantly bigger than a handlebar bag.

Just checked the Detours site- their "GO system" has a max load of 5 lbs. Pretty sure I could reach that without even trying...

Have a bigger load capacity in my Brompton's front bag, Certainly.
they offer an open top folding basket.. as well .

KF sells metal Baskets too .. same bar mount.

Detours wasn't talking about the capacity of the bag- it's the release/attachment system that is rated to only 5 lbs. That seems a little fragile to me.

Most likely no QR basket is going to support more than that, tis the nature of the beast. Like I said before, without a bottom brace any front mounted basket is gonna be squirrelly under a load and going over bumps. But if you already have a rear rack, you might consider adding a Wald folding basket or two to that. Yeah, they are kinda heavy, but they collapse to fit pretty snug against the rack's struts, so at least they won't be in the way when you throw your bike into your Suburban. They can hold I think it is the 2 gallon gas canister?, and when evenly balanced will not affect handling too much. I recommend the painted ones over the plated baskets, the finish seems a bit more durable.