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    Hot take or nah: every bicycle should have a front basket (excluding roadies and mtbs).

    I’ve just never understood why you wouldn’t want one, it’s such a game changer for popping to the shops or touring, a few beers, picnic things, work stuff, or even just a jacket when it’s too hot. If you don’t run one generally, why not? Some say handling but I’ve never understood that unless you’re doing something really technical

    PS: sorry about always taking non-drivetrain photos. Please imagine cogs with teeth on them and a chain.

    PPS: bike is MKB Raider, 90s, 3-by, inspired by you lot and my favourite bike to date even though it’s too small for me

    by BusLittle9704

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    28 Comments

    1. TMbiker2000 on

      I don’t have one, for some very specific reasons. A- I live in a city where your bike will get stolen while you’re inside the market. Even with an expensive lock. B- I put a basket on one time, and the first time the front end accidentally swung around and the basket hit the top tube, I said I’ll never do that again. If I had an absolute beater of a bike, maybe a basket would be okay in both those situations.

    3. CharlieParkour on

      It’s bulky extra stuff when not in use. I have a mesh bag made of recycled material that velcros on and off the handlebars. It
       can hold a burrito and a couple of tall boys or a transistor radio. Plus, I can use it on all of bikes. I
      f I’m hauling groceries and the like, I’ve got a quick rack and panniers. Probably just habit, but I prefer the weight lower and in back rather than high up on the thing I use to steer. 

      But I’m open to possibities if you want to sell me on it. Personally, if I was going for form over function, I’d put in a coir planter basket with some begonias and succulents.

    4. andyinabox on

      I have two bikes right now. One of them has a basket and I love it, and the other one doesn’t have a basket and I also love it. Sometimes you just don’t need a basket.

    5. LowerSlowerOlder on

      Oh, the looks you will get at the starting gate. Riders ready, random start, check your baskets, beeep.

    6. ThisIsYourBrother on

      I don’t really carry very much. I can fit everything I need in a backpack or fanny pack. A basket would be overkill and I don’t want extra weight up there where I’m steering.

    9. dethloonollie on

      definitely! gotta have a basket or a big ole bag to hold the things i may find when i’m out dinkin around! what else will i put my random thriftstore goodies, slingbag, camera, groceries, etc in? makes the trips more fun when unplanned stops pop up! keeps the options open, i’m all for a rack or bag on every bike as described as well

    11. the_hipocritter on

      I wouldn’t mind a front basket on my commuter or winter bike. But I would never want one on any bike with front suspension. Singletrack is no place for a basket unless you’re specifically on a picnic/ touring ride. Same thing with any speed oriented road ride. Too cumbersome to be universal.

    16. Lollc on

      Why don’t I have a front basket? Because I don’t use my bike for any of the things you cited-shopping, touring, hauling beer, or commuting. I ride my bike for the thrill of being on the road, I have an SUV for all of my hauling needs. When I was commuting I wouldn’t ride every day, I would plan my week and stage fresh work clothes in my locker and bring the dirties home on driving days. I do use a tail trunk that is large enough to hold a rolled up sweatshirt.

      TLDR: front baskets are useful for hauling things. I don’t haul things on my bike, so no front basket.

    19. big_shmegma on

      rains too much for me to want to bother with throwing in a sacrificial waterproof bag and tie it down. i say sacrificial because basket racks like to chew up the fabric of whatever you throw in there.

      its just too easy to clip on an ortlieb and not sacrifice handling.

      edit: although, i will say, that last pic has got me wanting one again.

    20. The_Folding_Atty on

      I’m a fan. It started years ago, when I first put upright bars on my bike; I bought a cheap storage basket from Target and strapped it to my front rack. I had never realized how useful it was to be able to carry stuff that way! Things progressed rapidly.

      Look, there are lots of ways to carry stuff, especially in back; baskets, panniers, saddlebags, etc. But few things match the sheer utility of a basket in front.

      My current ride has a front rack with a high-back Wald basket mounted (with zip ties). And it’s great. I carry my bag to the university where I teach nearly every day. (Fenders protect the cargo on rainy days,)

      https://preview.redd.it/qqqlxz5rrbsh1.jpeg?width=2816&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a331df4adf180a40216a49045d2d698608baba7

    21. veracity8_ on

      Front basket doesn’t work great on every bike. It requires a really secure mounting system. Otherwise it gets really loose and floppy. Even then, if you load it up, it has a negative impact on the handling. Rear baskets are better. They just aren’t as *aesthetic*

    23. catlips on

      I was just shopping for a new Wald, and they’ve about doubled in price since last summer (someone crashed into my cargo bike and it’s toast, so until I replace it I’m trying to make do with my commuter bike.) But I digress: Definitely if you are getting tasks done.

    26. Traditional_Pie6998 on

      Strangely, I like having weight IN my basket rather than nothing at all. I’ve gotten used to either my bag and water in it or my 14lb dog up front for evening rides. It feels super stable with weight over the front wheel

    27. Academic_Bug2357 on

      Most bikes need some method of carrying cargo, I prefer a back pannier rack/bag myself. But front basket is valid.

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