Need recommendations for a WIDE rear basket

Hi all, 

So it's getting chilly outside and I'm growing tired of having to walk and carry my thai food/TBK meals home. It'd be a lot better if I could just take my bike and bring food back on my bike. 

The problem is that I can't find a rear basket that is wide enough. It has to be at least 10" wide (maybe 9"...). Yes, I measured the size of the bags that we normally have, so that's what I need.

Although it's not my first choice, I've seen some panniers that might be made of material that is flexible enough.  For example, something like this: Click here. But that looks annoying to do. And that's just a guess it would work--has anyone used panniers to carry wide objects?

I've seen what I need as a front basket, but sadly that is no good. It has to attach to my Planet Bike Rack (this is the bike rack I have: Click HERE).

I'm hoping that someone out there can send a few recommendations (links would be even better) for baskets that can fit my needs. 

Thanks in advance! 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on October 13, 2013 at 11:50am

I'm a big fan of rear baskets and bungie cargo nets. Just throw your locks, brief case, groceries, beer, etc. in the basket, stretch the net over it and you're good to go. I have tried a rear basket made by Swobo (discontinued), and a couple of large front baskets (repurposed for the rear rack) made by Wald. I really like the look of the metal baskets, but the welds eventually break over time, and I don't think I've ever gotten more than 18 months out of a metal basket. Before replacing the last one, Alex Wilson recommended the preferred rear basket of West Town Bikes and Ciclo Urbano: a plastic Coca-Cola carrier for a case of glass bottles. So far, it's more durable than a metal basket, though not as deep. It still accommodates the bungie cargo net, and I don't really miss the depth. West Town will cheerfully sell you one for around $20. No complicated installation-just zip tie it to your rear rack.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 13, 2013 at 12:11pm

I have never measured the chinese food bag that I pick up on the way home some times, but it fits in my Transit pannier just fine and I also have a Planet Bike rack.  Of course, the pannier is a bit more than West Town's Coca-Cola Carrier.  http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1113065_-1...

Permalink Reply by maryrachel on October 14, 2013 at 4:31am

+1 on plastic soda bottle "basket." I have one on my front rack professionally zip tied by Michael at Ciclo Urbano/West Town. Love it. I like front racks and panniers on the back so Carmelita also helped me put a wheel stabilizer on the front.

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on October 14, 2013 at 5:27am

Just to clarify, West Town Bikes/Ciclo Urbano doesn't really sell soda crates.

We will be happy to help install one, either as a "deluxe" rack install at Ciclo, or help direct you to do it at Open Shop. The key to attaching crates or baskets to racks with zip ties is to 1) make sure the tie/binder of the zip tie is facing down outside of the crate/basket (so to avoid it tearing plastic bags and such), and 2) cross two zip ties over each other X wherever you place them. Make sure to center the crate on the rack and bind down with 6-8 pairs of zip ties.

I've also found it real useful to have some bungies run a couple of lengths on the bottom of the inside of the crate along with having ones go over the top. Having taught bungies on the bottom is a great way to easily secure your lock and keep it from bouncing around. 

Permalink Reply by maryrachel on October 14, 2013 at 5:35am

Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on October 14, 2013 at 5:45am

Recently I started to give this rack and acessory line a lot of thought... http://www.topeak.com/products/baskets/mtxbasketrear

I am not the biggest fan of Topeak products. But the ability to use a rack trunk or a basket interchangeably is a very useful option. I sometimes question the overall quality of Topeak canvas/nylon products. Their cost vs. quality does not deliver the best bang. However you can go "rack only" with this proprietary system. This is not an option if you got a big ol' Wald basket.

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on October 14, 2013 at 9:33am

Nothing like a good ol' plastic milk crate. Just cover the contact points on top of the rack rails with something to avoid slippage.

I recommend using small hose clamps instead of zip ties for attachment.

echo said:

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say THANKS!!!! for all the great recommendations, pics, tips for installing, where to go, etc. I don't know why I didn't think of just getting a crate--that would actually be perfect for me. 

So, thanks again -- y'all are great! 

=) 

Permalink Reply by Bez on October 14, 2013 at 11:09pm

Depending on your style, you might also try wooden soda/beer crates for the rack.  You can pick them up pretty cheaply at flea markets, "antique" shops, etc and then seal with stain and clear coat for weather protection.  Downside is that they (generally) can't be easily zip-tied to the rack.  I had to bolt mine down (after replacing the bottom), but I can remove it if I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be transporting cargo.

If you really look around, you can find some with cool logos or slogans on them as well.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 16, 2013 at 12:27pm
The Velo Orange porteur racks can also be mounted on the rear of a bike.

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