Handle bar basket recommendations

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

I'm thinking about a handle bar basket for this:

Ideally easy to attach and remove. Ideally not doing too much damage to the paint.
Big enough to carry a loaf of bread and a carton of milk.

Sadly my panniers don't fit the large diameter tubing of the MIK rear rack. I did contemplate changing the rear rack but I bought a trunk bag and attached an MIK adapter plate instead, to carry a toolkit and sandwich/extra layers.

Please, if you have any suggestions, let me know.
Thanks

 

[MichaelW2]

The Rixen and Kaul basket quick release mount is the best and can be fitted to any basket. Basil baskets come with this mount.

 

[FrankCrank]

Can't recommend here, but wondering if you have experience of loading the handlebars? A loaded basket will certainly make the front end floppy and unwieldy when parked up, even a small bag will be noticeable. My preference is for loading the rear if possible, but as always YMMV.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

Can't recommend here, but wondering if you have experience of loading the handlebars? A loaded basket will certainly make the front end floppy and unwieldy when parked up, even a small bag will be noticeable. My preference is for loading the rear if possible, but as always YMMV.

Not really no.
But I only have in mind using it occasionally for short runs - local Co-op for a couple of grocery items, Post Office to return a parcel or pick-up from take-away, all within a couple miles.

For anything heavy I will still grab one of the other bikes I can use the panniers with or even the trailer. It's just this one is in daily use and it's the easiest for me to grab and go.

 

[vickster]

Why not just add a pannier or rack bag on that bike?

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

I covered that in the OP. I have a trunk bag mounted on it now with an MIK adapter plate.
It does have integral panniers but they are tiny. About big enough to carry a sandwich. Well, two sandwiches, one in each.

MIK panniers are way spendy. Swapping out the rack is always an option so I can use trunkbag and panniers, but I'd have to buy another trunk bag.

I thought I'd find out how much a good basket was - for occasional use, in concept I think it's fine.

 

[postman]

I have always liked the look of a bag on the bars but have worried about stability.A nice basket on that would look superb,tootling around shopping,very Midsomer muder like.

 

[Jameshow]

@DCLane should be able to advise!

 

[DCLane]

@DCLane should be able to advise!

Why me? I'm presuming you have this impression of me:

And as @MichaelW2 has put - a Rixen and Kaul basket quick release mount plus one of their baskets is easiest. I use their system on a rear bag.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Why me? I'm presuming you have this impression of me:

View attachment 733720

And as @MichaelW2 has put - a Rixen and Kaul basket quick release mount plus one of their baskets is easiest. I use their system on a rear bag.

Using two birds for navigation. Smart

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@PedallingNowhereSlowly have you considered cable tying a small metal basked on your rack?
The contents would be secured by a bungee cord.
I have done this in the past, works great.
A hard plastic basket also works.
Sorry, can't advice on a front basket, tried one many years ago, didn't like the handling.

 

[Jameshow]

Why me? I'm presuming you have this impression of me:

View attachment 733720

And as @MichaelW2 has put - a Rixen and Kaul basket quick release mount plus one of their baskets is easiest. I use their system on a rear bag.

I knew that you keep the supplies of DA permenantly inflated.

If you sold you stock Shimano might go bust!!

 

[simongt]

To solve the weight / instability issue of handlebar bags, which I was keeping repair kit etc. in, I've invested in a pair of Carradice top tube mini panniers.
Job's a goodun - !