Convenience of a Good Handlebar Basket.

Three Quality Handlebar Baskets for performing a variety of bike commuting tasks.

I like a good handlebar basket as much as the next person particularly that sweet smell of lacquered wicker warming in the morning sun.  Handlebar baskets are sort of considered to be the "ugly duckling" of handlebar cargo accessories.  Most folks opt for a handlebar bag or go Porteur style.  Sure there are some practical considerations that I will blatantly ignore it in defense of the tried and true let's go on a picnic Mary Poppins and don't forget your bike shorts 'cause we gonna haul some shit!

But seriously there is something uniquely advantageous about a handlebar basket that other handlebar cargo units lack in one of two areas, namely versatility and convenience which might imply it's the lazy person's method.  Looks can be deceiving and just because most handlebar baskets don't possess a sporty design lending to a rugged or slick image of a cyclist there are some baskets that are worth their weight in whatever you can cram jam into 'em.  That's right, baskets are lightweight and can hold a lot, making them versatile and convenient and if that's not sporty enough for ya then check this out. 

Sporty looks and inherent versatility of a Dahon folding bike remain unimpaired by the addition of a large handlebar basket. 

I know, excellent example though the fact the Dahon has a new chain contributes to the bikes' potential to deliver an elegant stride, still where did that handlebar basket come from?  Not Dahon, no that's an aftermarket Sunlite Rattan Basket that's been knocked down, bent out of shape, repaired, glued and still hauls ten times its' weight with ease.  Perfect complement to a folding bike that needs some cargo toting apparatus and can be easily removed with the quick release gizmo.  Pretty nice having a removable basket, stashing your bike goodys and folding a bike like the Dahon for ease of traveling.

Three of my favorite handlebar baskets are pictured below.  First is a home made wicker job I found at a thrift store for two bucks and attached with some velcro.  Yes, it's very sturdy while riding is excellent quality wicker.  Sprayed with a coat of lacquer and it will last for years.  Next, the Sunlite simply because it has earned its' reputation in these parts for dependability.  Finally, my personal favorite reminds me of being a kid when I used to speak with a lisp. Yep, that's my "bagsket".   Detours delivers some uniqueness with their Town and Country Grassy Basket.  I call it it a bagsket as it has a water resistant storm collar liner like a high quality stuff sack with a drawstring.  Complete with carrying handles, quick release and a fricken snap on rain cover it's the handlebar bagsket for bike touring. 

Detours Town and Country Basket with Rain Cover

However, with all the technological advancements applied to a good old fashioned handlebar basket sometimes the simple rustic charm and elegance of a good ol' basket design best suits the character of a bike's inherent style. In the photo above the old steel lugged cruiser needed something different than the fancy flair of the Detours Basket and so fitting for a rejuvenated retro classic.

'60's Puch with classic style handlebar basket

 Links related to this topic:
The Handlebar Basket Effect
Building on Success with DIY Handlebar Basket
Detours Town and Country Review
Review of Origin8 Classique Cargo Carrier