Collapsible Bicycle Basket

When I was in Copenhagen in the spring my rented bicycle had a wire basket on the back. I found it very useful for just dumping stuff into and going: groceries, a newspaper, a bottle of water, a sweater. And it worked well because the bike had a low crossbar, so I didn’t need to swing my leg over the back.

Here at home I’ve had pannier bags over my back wheel for the past couple of years. And while they’ve been convenient for hauling things around, the need to unbuckle and untether them has been awkward; they’re probably more useful for long-distance cycling where strapping things in securely is more important than ease-of-access.

Because my home bicycle has a high crossbar, a Copenhagen-like solution, with a full wire basket tethered to the rear carrier, wouldn’t work, as I’d always be banging my leg into it. Dan suggested I look at the Swagman Phatt Folding Basket from Mountain Equipment Coop; it looked promising, but I wanted to get something locally, and so I ordered something similar from MacQueen’s on Queen Street in Charlottetown. It arrived yesterday, and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Here’s a short demo video Catherine and I shot this morning that shows why it’s so great:

Comments

Luisa's picture
Luisa on August 13, 2008 - 14:33 Permalink

Just watched the video while listening to some music. At the exact moment of unfolding the basket the music track ended in applause making a very fitting effect. Congrats with the new gear.

Olle Jonsson's picture
Olle Jonsson on August 14, 2008 - 09:34 Permalink

Darn! This was practical — good video, too. Your bike seems… strong.

Peter Rukavina's picture
Peter Rukavina on August 15, 2008 - 13:04 Permalink

I’ve been a fan of the Xtracycle line for a long time.

Doug Davis's picture
Doug Davis on April 6, 2009 - 01:50 Permalink

Can you tell me the name brand of your bicycle basket. I want to order one.

Thanks

Doug Davis

Peter Rukavina's picture
Peter Rukavina on April 6, 2009 - 15:29 Permalink

I don’t know the brand name — it came “white label”. But you could contact http://www.macqueens.com/ and ask them.

Sheridan's picture
Sheridan on October 25, 2010 - 18:10 Permalink

I am looking to use this basket for another application. How much weight can you put in it?
Great video, very dramatic!