Metal Baskets?

[Trevize1138]

So, I finally built back up the SS MTB commuter on my '99 RockHopper Comp frame. Last year I got full-coverage fenders for it and this spring was quite impressed with how well they keep even your feet dry through puddles of standing water.

Next up for this is cargo capacity. I want it to be my grocery getter. I've got a Yakima BigTow trailer (BoB knockoff) but don't want to mess with locking that up and it can be cumbersome just for quick trips.

I also don't want to shell out $400 for a Xtracycle conversion, even though that'd be sweet. So, I'm thinking of those simple, wire mesh metal baskets that fit over the rear wheel. What do people think of these? Any brand recommendations? Any other ideas for a grocery getter bike?

[Benjamin Severns]

I don't know if it's full metal or not, but Banjo Bros. make some mean/very affordable bags/baskets. AND they're locally owned, so that's a big plus in my book too.

[MisterClaw]

So, I'm thinking of those simple, wire mesh metal baskets that fit over the rear wheel. What do people think of these? Any brand recommendations? Any other ideas for a grocery getter bike?

I also have a rockhopper that I use for commuting, but only occasionally for grocery shopping. The wire-mesh baskets that I've seen in shops look rather wimpy to me - I'm not sure if they could hold up well.

Trek (and I'm sure others too) makes a couple grocery bags that will attached to any rack:
http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=350&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C35%2C187&iProductID=350&bShopOnline=0
http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=35&bShopOnline=0&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C35%2C187&iProductID=35

Here's the Banjo Bros grocery baskets:
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=93&idproduct=560

Add a backpack for big light and bulky stuff (mm.. chips) and you're set.

[berrywise]

There is only one name in industrials baskets and that is Wald.

I'd recommend a Wald #535 rear twin carrier (18x8x12") and if you want something slick for just running in to pick up some small items a #133 front lift off basket. You can just take off the basket, go into the store, fill it up and then walk out and hook it back up to your bike.

[Trevize1138]

I also have a rockhopper that I use for commuting, but only occasionally for grocery shopping. The wire-mesh baskets look rather wimpy to me - I'm not sure if they could hold up well.

Trek (and I'm sure others too) makes a couple grocery bags that will attached to any rack:
http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=350&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C35%2C187&iProductID=350&bShopOnline=0
http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=35&bShopOnline=0&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C35%2C187&iProductID=35

Add a backpack for big light and bulky stuff (mm.. chips) and you're set.

I must admit I'd totally discounted the pannier idea! That would certainly be more versatile than the simple metal baskets.

I don't think the metal baskets are that wimpy, though, at least not the ones I've seen that go over the rear wheel. I know the ones that fit on the front of your handlebars seem to always be bent out of shape.

I'll take a look at the panniers!

[Aaroneous]

Hey Chris - I have a set of heavy-duty rear baskets in my garage you can have. For nuthin'. Maybe a beer at the most.

They came off a 60s Schwinn Varsity, so you know they're industrial. Chrome steel, baby. A little surface rust and dirt, but nuthin' a little WD40 and steel wool couldn't handle. You might have to jury-rig a clamp.

I'm riding Theo after work (5ish) tonite, but after that will be home for the evening. Let me know if you wanna swing by and grab them.

[Trevize1138]

Thanks for the offer, Aaron! But, over lunch I stopped by my LBS and picked up a pair of Blackburn panniers, slightly used, for $20! They're about perfect and attach to my seatpost-mounted rack nicely.

I really should get REAL rack on the bike, but the panniers work quite well as-is. I got my grocery getter now! :banana:

[Aaroneous]

Dang.
I really wanted those pieces of crap out of my garage.

[Nickel]

If you seriously are going to toss the baskets, I might be interested....