Which Folding Baskets?

[Eclectic]

So I think I finally decided on getting folding baskets for the rear of my bike (hardtail MTB w/DD hub). I only have 1 ebike, it's a commuter and sometime grocery getter. Good idea, bad idea? Wald, Sunlite, cheap fleabay? Too heavy? Rattle too much? Falls apart? Any opinions? Anybody have good DIY options?

 

[fechter]

I use a Wald folding basket and have good luck with it. It does rattle a bit but my spare bungee keeps it to a minimum. Carries a full grocery bag or 6 pack of beer.

 

[Zshortyz]

Whats your price point?

 

[Eclectic]

I'm looking for options right now but...I am frugal (at least that's what I like to call it) - don't mind paying for something if it is worth it though. I'm open to alternatives but I am leaning towards folding baskets. Seems like the easiest way to convert from commuter to grocery getter with the least amount of down-side.

 

[Eclectic]

I was looking at the Wald 582s but then I found these Sunlites @ Niagara for 1/2 the price of the Walds @ my LBS

http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/sunlite-mesh-bottom-folding-rear-rack-bicycle-basket-silver

Does anyone have any experience the these?

 

[Eclectic]

I tried searching and found a couple of things but nothing that really answered my questions. I was surprised at the dearth of info on the subject even outside of ES. I kinda' came up with the Sunlite and the Wald (582). The Sunlight seemed lighter and had the mesh bottom. Wald is old school and well made (probably the same manufacture technique for 60-70 years).

I started looking at both online.The Sunlight is a little bigger, a little less $$. I believe it is lighter and has a mesh bottom so less likely to lose things. I wish I could see them both but looking at them online, I think there is a difference.


This is the Wald basket. Everything looks heavier. From the wire to the welds, to gauge of the steel used to make the hinges and clasps.


To me, the hardware just doesn't look as heavy on the Sunlite.

I think in this case durability is worth more than weight and cost.

 

[amberwolf]

fwiw, if the sunlite is made of 'better' steel than the wald it could be thinner and lighter and just as strong, but i don't know aanyt good way to find out besides having boht and doing destructive testin.g


personally without knowing for sure i'd go with wald and just make my own flat plate or other bottom for it that i can drop down in there to keep stuff from poking thru, from what i can see of both types above.


though i'd wish it was deeper top to bottom, or mounted lower down the side of the rack/wheel, to keep the load down lower where it will balance better and less affect tail wag.

 

[melodious]

http://store.somafab.com/fpatobag.html

Made of hemp fibers (I think it's the reason I bought it). It folds flat origami style to the rear rack. It's very easy to remove from the bike (pros & cons of that). Take the basket with you and place whatever in, which means you don't have to worry if all your stuff will fit. It perfectly fits a 12 pack bottled beer and surprisingly has stayed on the rack. Also, fits some insulated lunch/bear bags very well too. There isn't a rattle vs. metal folding baskets. But over time, the bag will develop tears where the fold creases. I remedy that by using Gorilla duct tape on the tear areas and has withstood years this way. The buttons that keep the basket in its square shape still work except one set near the rear of the basket, it wants to unsnap with heavier loads. The basket still works nonetheless with these flaws. It's grown on me now and I like the war wounds that have developed over time. I've ironed on artsy fartsy patches for looks and koolio factor. Once in a blue moon, something will jump out of the basket during a ride, but that's the rider's fault not the basket's. Never lost any beer though :lol: .

There are other fabric style folding baskets on the market, the better ones use cordura.

 

[cwah]

can't you make the basket yourself? would fit perfect

 

[Stochastic_Sam]

You might consider a Banjo Brothers Market Pannier as an alternative to a wire basket. I've been quite happy with one. Empty they weight very little, there's straps on either side that let you pull up the bottom and secure the bag nearly flat, there's a top, and an interior zip-closed pocket. Loaded it fits a grocery bag, more if you don't close the top. Add a garbage bag and it's waterproof.

http://banjobrothers.com/products/current/panniers/market-pannier/

 

[Eclectic]

I got the Wald baskets because they were more of a known quality. I bought them at the LBS (expensive but got a little break because they were open and sitting on a shelf). I put them on with zip ties in the parking lot because I had more errands to run.

The leg on the rack makes them bow out in the middle just enough to make the latch a little hard to close but it should keep them tight enough not to rattle too much when closed.

I agree with Amberwolf that they would be better if they hung a little lower (2-3 inches closer to the axle would be nice). It also adds another couple of pounds to the rear rack full time. So far no problem with heel strike.

I thought about going with a fabric pannier but I like the idea of the more rigid basket and it seems like it might be more aero both open and closed.