Front Basket?
 

I figured the Utility thread would be the best place to find an answer. With my upcoming tax rebate and other money from the government, I want to get my back setup for commuting/car-lite and free/utility. I have a rack picked out and want to use the folding baskets in back.

I would also like a small, shallow front basket. Something just large enough to hold a couple books on the way to the coffee shop, my lock from time to time or a loaf of bread and a carton of eggs.

The closest I have found (and what I will probably end up using) is this Wald front basket:
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Standard-.../dp/B000C1YRTC

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

I really like the CETMA racks. I know it isn't a "basket" but you can strap anything to it, even a basket! Versitile and stylish.

http://www.cetmaracks.com/

I like CETMA. At some point I will probably end up with 3 bikes, my current set up as an all around town bike with the baskets and racks for some utility, a single or 3 speed for quick coffee shop runs or errands w/out the need for carrying stuff and a purpose built utility (either off of a scrounged frame or a long tail).

Maybe some day I will throw the CETMA on a bike.

I use a Wald 933 mesh basket. It is a bit more expensive than the one you linked to, but IMHO it has a couple of advantages; it is removable and can be used as a market basket, and the mesh is close enough that a key or change can't fall through it. Mine will hold a dozen eggs in the carton flat on the bottom, and the carton can't slide around. I like it well enough that I am buying at least one more and probably a couple of extra mounts so I can move it from bike to bike.

Aaron:)

I like the idea, but I would prefer something small and compact. Just enough to hold the few necessities (lock and a repair kit with my wallet, keys and phones) for a simple ride with out the big honking backpack, maybe a small bag of takeout or for the fragile grocery items (bread, eggs and produce). How does a market basket like that work with lights?

Finally get to reply! Power dumped the first two times, then the network went down!:eek:

I consider the basket to be an convenient size for quick trips to the store and it stays on the bike most of the time. On my "city" bike the head light is mounted down where the fender bolts on to the fork, which puts it below the basket, out of the way. On my old Raleigh Sports the head light is mounted on the stem bolt and is above the basket, only issue their is if the basket is full I lose a bit of the light up close.

Aaron:)

I have a wald 114 (similar to the mesh one, only with traditional wire spacing) and find it to be very useful. it's really not that big. if I had it to do over, I might get the mesh because small things won't fall out. I may just get the mesh one anyway.

I have a 114 too. Just for getting a few items at the store, like a milk run. I thought the deeper basket might be better preventing things from popping out hitting a bump in the road. Didn't think about an egg carton lying flat, hasn't come up yet. I use a reusable grocery bag so stuff won't fall through wires, but the basket is a little smaller than the bag.

If you are getting the Wald 582 folding baskets I recommend attaching them with zip ties. They are secure and don't rattle at all when folded.

Basil are the biggest basket brand in Europe and they have some nice mounting hardware.
Dont discount wicker baskets, they are light, tough and durable.

I'm a big fan of wald baskets; I keep one zip tied to my rear rack and it really can't be beat. Also, their prices (i.e., $9.33 for the basket you're considering) always make me feel like I've been transported back to 1965.

Finally! I got pictures of my basket setup on my Staiger utility bike.:D

The pictures are staged...I couldn't find the camera when I got back from my grocery run this morning:o

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/42...425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/41...500x500Q85.jpg

the other day I discovered the front basket can haul 2 six-packs. just FYI!

This is highly valuble information :)


ps: many years ago I discovered that the spring loaded pletscher type rack worked great for a 12 pack of lucky lager