Some questions about bike baskets, locks, rust, etc.
 

1. What would be a good lock that is long enough to tie your bike around a thick tree? And that people can't steal?
2. My bike is rusting at the chains and the place where you take out the little metal stick to make the bike stand. How do I get rid of it? And what is the best thing to buy to prevent rust?
3. What would be a good bike basket to buy for both front and back? Would going to the local bike shop be better if you don't have the tools to attach the basket to the bike?
4. What would be a good cargo or something that you could use to shop at grocery stores to contain a lot of stuf in? 5. What do you have to use to pull the handle a little up? I find it a bit too low.

There's no such thing as a theft-proof lock, but if this is a cheap bike, you might not need one. All you have to do is make the bike less attractive to thieves than the one next to it. Go look in a bike shop or the Internet. I like thickish flexible cables about 6 feet long with a good lock.
Stuff rusts because it gets wet. You need to get some chain lube and lubricate the chain regularly, even a couple of times a week if you ride a lot. If the kickstand unbolts, take it off and repaint the area where it attaches, then maybe take a wrap or two of tape around the frame before you put it back on.
Bike baskets are all about the same. Wald is a good brand, but Walmart and other stores carry useful ones. I have the basket on my "shopping" bike zip-tied to a rear rack, but you can mount it on the bars.
If by the "handle," you mean the handlebars, there are two or three different setups there. Some can be raised easily, some can be raised by flipping over the stem ( the piece that holds the bars) and some require new stems. A bike shop or cycling friend can tell you what you have.

Hi Col,

What do you intend to carry in the baskets? The weight you want to carry will largely determine what basket is appropriate for you. Baskets can vary greatly in terms of the material they are made of and their recommended weight capacity. It terms of attaching a basket to your bike, most are extremely easy to attach, and shouldn't require a trip to your LBS. The exception would be a rear mounted basket. Those baskets are made to work with rear bike rack. If you don't already have one installed on your bike, it might be good to go to a LBS for help with selection and installation. Sometimes selecting and installing the correct rear rack can be tricky depending on what available attachment points you have on your bike.

Most rear baskets attach to any standard rear luggage rack.
Front baskets usually come with a sub-standard fitting arrangement. I fixed my friends hook-on front basket by using a basket bracket made by Rixen and Kaul, it just bolted through the grid. This was a non-removable version, but they also make ones with a very secure quick release if you need to carry your basket.
The R&K fitting positions the basket further from the bars for better hand clearance and you can position it for optimum angle so stuff doesn't bounce out.

Most utility riders use 2 large rear panniers for groceries. Look for ones with a single large compartment with no organisers, a shape that is profiled to give more heel clearance, ie not square cut, an extendable collar for overfilling with bulky items, a closure that has a flap or roll top, NOT a zipper. An external pocket is useful. You need tough material, good stiffening that is not too heavy and a rack mounting system that is reliable and quick to release. R&K, Arkel, Ortleib all make quality mounts.
You can adapt large bags with correx plastic stiffening and make mounts using extra strong zip ties

Trees don't appreciate bicycle locks on a regular basis, it is much better if you find a piece of street furniture to secure your bike.

Rust on a chain can be eliminated by regular lube. Specialist bike lube with teflon seems to collect less dirt than regular bike oil. Put one small drop on each pivot of the chain, applied to the lower chain run, from the top (ie inside not outside). You relube when it seems to running dry.
Most bike stands bolt to the place just forward of the back wheel; some bolt to a place just forward of the back axle. If the clamp gouges the paintwork you will get surface rust. Apply a small amount of wax (eg furniture wax) but DO NOT WAX THE WHEEL or you will loose all braking. Apply spray wax to a cloth and wipe on. If the rust is on the stand itself, don't worry.

Plus, there are areas where it's not legal to chain it around a tree (unless you own the tree of course).

Could you post a picture of this? Do they sell these at Amazon?


Thank you. What about fences that surround an apartment complex?

Groceries.

Generally, locking it to private property should be avoided without permission from the owner or management, this would include shared space.

So would the fence surrounding apartment count as private property?
Maybe I should find the nearest bike rack and park it there? Like McDonald's?