Bike Baskets

The Convenience of a Bicycle Basket

Do you often ride with a lot of items? Then a bicycle basket is ideal! A bicycle basket offers enough space for your belongings and ensures that you always have a good view of what you are transporting. Because bicycle baskets are sturdily designed, they can withstand a bump and are also durable. You can choose a basket for your bike based on color, print, and material. This way, you immediately give your bike a personal touch.

What should I consider when buying a bicycle basket?
When purchasing a bicycle basket, there are several important things to consider to ensure you make the right choice:

• Material: Choose a bicycle basket that suits your use and taste. Wicker baskets have a classic look, while metal baskets are sturdier and more durable. Plastic baskets are often lightweight and easy to maintain.
• Attachment: How do I want to attach my bicycle basket? Check whether the basket is attached with hooks, an adapter system, or with tie-wraps or straps, and ensure that this is compatible with your bike. An adapter system often provides extra convenience if you want to remove the basket.
• Capacity and weight: How much space do I need? Bicycle baskets vary in capacity from 15 to as much as 40 liters. Also, check how much weight the basket can carry. The front basket, including contents, should not weigh more than 5 kg to maintain safe steering, while a basket on the rear rack can usually handle 15 to 20 kg.
• Position on the bike: Do you want the basket at the front (on the handlebars) or at the back (on the rear rack)? Handlebar baskets are handy for smaller items you want to keep in sight, but the rear rack can carry more weight.
• Design and style: Choose a basket that matches your bike in terms of color and appearance. Bicycle baskets are available in various styles, from sleek and modern to classic and natural.

What types of bicycle baskets are there?

There are many different types of bicycle baskets, varying in size, material, and use. Which bicycle basket suits me? This depends on the type of items you want to transport and your preferences. The most common types are:

• Wicker bicycle baskets and bakery baskets: These are often made from natural materials like reed or rattan. They give your bike a classic and nostalgic look.
• Metal bicycle baskets: These are usually made from steel or aluminum. You can choose from fine-mesh baskets (for loose items) or coarse-mesh baskets (ideal for larger items like bags).
• Children's bicycle baskets: These are often smaller and brightly colored, sometimes with prints of well-known characters. With such a bicycle basket, you ride cheerfully and colorfully to school.

A basket for your bike can be attached in various places, such as on the handlebars or the rear rack. You can choose between a fixed attachment or a removable basket, which you can take with you as a shopping bag, for example. Bicycle baskets are usually attached with hooks, an adapter system, or tie-wraps. It is important to always check if the basket is compatible with your bike and the attachment method.

How do I choose the right bicycle basket?

The first step in choosing a bicycle basket is, of course, what you find attractive. What materials are available for bicycle baskets? Commonly used materials include plastic, wood, reed, steel, and aluminum. Each material has its own appearance and advantages. For example, reed is classic and natural, while steel is more durable and robust.
In addition to appearance, you should pay attention to the weight and capacity of the bicycle basket. How much can I carry in my bicycle basket? Most bicycle baskets for adults have a capacity of 15 to 20 liters, but there are also larger models up to 40 liters. For a handlebar basket, the total weight, including the items inside, should not exceed 5 kg. An overly heavy basket can affect your steering ability, which can lead to dangerous situations in traffic. A basket on the rear rack can handle more weight, often between 15 and 20 kg, allowing you to carry more items.

How do I attach a bicycle basket?

When choosing a bicycle basket, the attachment plays an important role. What attachment options do I have for my bicycle basket? There are several ways to secure a bicycle basket to your bike:

• Hooks: This is the simplest way to hang a removable bicycle basket on your handlebars. With hooks, you can easily detach the basket and use it as a shopping bag.
• Adapter system: An adapter system offers extra convenience and user-friendliness. You can easily secure or detach the basket with a quick-release mechanism. This system often works with a button or lever and is ideal for people who want to remove the basket quickly.
• Tie-wraps, straps, and Velcro: These are other commonly used methods to secure the basket firmly. Straps or Velcro ensure that the basket does not shift or bounce while riding, providing extra stability.

What adapter systems are available for bicycle baskets?
There are various adapter systems available for attaching bicycle baskets, each with its own advantages and applications. Here are some of the most commonly used systems:

1. KLICKfix system

The KLICKfix system is one of the most popular and user-friendly adapter systems for bicycle baskets. This system works with a sturdy adapter that is mounted on your handlebars or rear rack. The basket (or other accessory) can then be easily clicked in and out with a button. The KLICKfix system is convenient for people who want to remove their basket regularly, for example, for shopping. There are specific adapters for handlebar and rear rack attachment.

Advantages:

• Simple click attachment.
• Various accessories compatible (bike bags, baskets, etc.).
• Suitable for both handlebar and rear rack attachment.

2. MIK system (Mounting Is Key)

The MIK system was developed by Basil and is ideal for bikes with a MIK rear rack or if you use a MIK adapter plate. The system allows you to quickly click bicycle baskets, bike bags, and other accessories in and out. It is especially handy for people who frequently switch accessories. If your bike does not have a MIK rear rack, you can install a MIK adapter plate.

Advantages:

• Simple click attachment.
• Compatible with various accessories.
• Extra handy for quickly switching accessories between different bikes.

3. Racktime system

The Racktime system is another popular adapter system specifically designed for Racktime rear racks. This system uses a Snapit adapter, allowing you to quickly and securely attach or detach the basket. This system is particularly favored for its sturdiness and ease of click attachment.

Advantages:

• Specifically designed for Racktime rear racks.
• Robust and secure attachment.
• Suitable for baskets and bags.

4. Basil BasEasy system

The Basil BasEasy system is specifically designed for attaching bicycle baskets to the handlebars. It works with an adapter that is attached to the stem, where you can easily click the basket in and out. This system is especially suitable for people who want to remove their basket regularly without the hassle of hooks or tie-wraps.

Advantages:

• Suitable for handlebar attachment.
• Easy to click in and out.
• Compatible with various stems.

5. AtranVeloSystem (AVS)

The AVS system from AtranVelo is a user-friendly adapter system that is applied to many modern bikes. With an AVS adapter, you can quickly and securely click bicycle baskets, bags, and crates onto the rear rack. The system has a robust construction and is especially suitable for heavy loads.

Advantages:

• Fast and secure click attachment.
• Suitable for heavy loads.
• Easy to detach and reattach.

6. Universal adapters

Some bicycle baskets use universal adapters, which work with straps, Velcro, or easy-to-mount attachment systems. These adapters are often slightly less advanced but can be handy if you are looking for a simple and inexpensive solution.

Advantages:

• Easy to attach to different bikes.
• Suitable for both handlebar and rear rack attachment.
• Often cheaper.

Depending on your bike and intended use, you can choose an adapter that best fits your situation. If you are looking for flexibility and convenience, the KLICKfix system or the MIK system are excellent choices. For specific rear racks like Racktime or AtranVelo, their own systems provide the best fit and stability.
With every attachment method, it is important to check if the basket's system matches the attachment options on your bike. This prevents the basket from coming loose or not being securely attached while riding.

Hollandbikeshop.com is the number 1 bike shop for bike parts, bicycle baskets, and accessories such as bike bells.