bluesdance

Hi folks, I have a question... more like an idea... I put Wald 582 folding baskets on my bike for short distance urban errand running and I am blissfully in love with these baskets. Taking them on and off is really not on the menu for me because it's an annoying amount of work.

I'm starting to prepare for a long distance (for me) trip of Miami to Orlando. My idea for carrying my stuff is putting my stuff into dry bags and sticking the dry bags in the baskets. This kind of thing:



And stick on a Topeak top bag without zip-down panniers. ('cause it's a Topeak rack)



Any thoughts? Will this work?
Will I fail miserably for reasons I can't comprehend?

Thank you,
Yakov Hadash

bikemig 

I'd be concerned whether the wald folding baskets are strong enough for the weight you are going to put in them (I'm not saying they're not plenty strong enough only that this would be my only concern). Other than that, go for it. There are lots of ways to have a great time on a bike but fancy gear is way oversold as the key to happiness on a bike.

sedges

I would compare the strength and stability of the the 582 with the old fashioned 535. I toured a lot with Wald baskets in the 1970s on a Schwinn Racer with 2 speed Bendix automatic. Wish I still had that bike.

I did about what you said except I didn't have dry bags, but used stuff sacks with plastic bag liners. My camping gear was not particularly lightweight, but it worked fine. I toured up to 10 days, maybe 14--it was a long time ago.

I think you ought to try it. Let us know how it goes. You may start a new retro trend in touring.

fuzz2050

Those Wald 582 baskets are tough, the weight shouldn't be a concern. The mounting mechanism is the weak point, but I think it's honestly plenty tough, and a hose clamp or two will make it nearly indestructible.

It's not the most elegant set-up, but I would have no qualms touring with it.

seeker333

OP, I used 582s back in...'82, they are adequate for reasonable loads. I'd devise a cover of some type to keep things from bouncing out. Also, it's a good idea to check every single attachment point to make sure it's in tip-top shape before heading out. Carry spare fastening hardware, as it tends to rattle loose. Blue Loctite on all the threads would not be a bad idea either.

wahoonc

I have always mounted mine with hose clamps and wire or zip ties. I had one old beach bike with them on there, they made over 7 years of beer and grocery runs and were still on the bike when we sold it with the house.

I would consider getting a cargo net to help keep things in the basket. My first tour was on a single speed Western Flyer with a medium Wald front basket and I can't say that the current rig is that much of an improvement. .

Aaron

bluesdance

I figured out that I can put a normal backpack in the basket and clip it in using the side clips... I can also get the shoulder straps in there too... pretty amazing. Thanks for the support folks.

fietsbob

you can always buy a replacement if they fail.. bring enough funds for those possibilities.