Basket Bikes are for pizza delivery geeks!
Urban grocery-getters use Milk-Crate Bikes. This is the smaller version of the classic milk crate. I cut about three inches off the top. It is quick-detachable using three wing nuts. There is an aluminum bracket on the back to mount a reflector and a red blinkie for those late night 99 cent store wine runs.
That’s a scream Harv!
u’re crazy! altho the milk crate has good volume to it, it makes it more difficult to get a leg over and puts extra weight on the already burdened rear wheel. it also make it difficult to see what’s going on back there if something loose falls out.
other than those things, milk crates are great!
peace out,
DMC
I have no trouble swinging my ancient leg over it. I seldom load the crate with more than about ten pounds of groceries. What are you carrying, pig iron ingots?
Since I weigh in at under 125 pounds, that extra 10 pounds never caused my rear wheel any problem. I bag a few groceries at a time and tie the bag handles together, I pack the heavy items at the bottom, soft items in the middle, light items on top, and use a single long bungee loosely stretched across the top of the load. Never had anything fall out.
hey whats the most weight you can place on th rear try when carrying items
newbie bike user
Most rear carrier racks are rated for 25 pounds, but I have seen adult human beings riding as a passenger on such a rack. The milk crate will easily carry 50 pounds without distorting. I would suggest no more than 25 pounds. Even at that, there will be a small difference in handling of the bike due to the dead weight carried that high. I am thinking about building a grocery-getter with smaller wheels and a step-through frame for carrying the weight lower and quicker mounting and dismounting.
What did you use to cut the milk crate?
I am thinking of cutting the bottom off a second milk crate to use as a top on the one on the bike. Then use a couple of padlocks to make a lockable trunk.
What do you think?
Hey, I like that idea! I have a couple of suggestions for your design. Line both the bottom and top trunk-halves with a lightweight material such as cardboard so that the contents cannot be seen. Instead of two padlocks, I suggest hinges and one padlock. You can use ‘one-way’ security screws to fasten the hinges, or double-nuts on the inside of the trunk.
I used a hacksaw to cut the crate. Then I took off the rough edges with a file.
I may try this idea myself. But in any case, post a picture of your completed milk-crate trunk.
I was thinking of leaving the items visable so that a would be thief can see that a pump, flat kit, cheap light and helmet are not worth stealing.
Hey this is an absolutely fab idea. Definitely post a pic after you’re done… I may want to make one myself.
Ah, thanks for the concept of cutting the crate down! Silly me, never occured to me to try such a simple and obvious solution to the problem of swinging my leg over the crate. I DO have a problem doing that, it’s a real pain and I try to find a curb to stand on while getting on the bike but there isn’t always something to use.
The idea of adding a locking top made from the bottom of another crate is great! I’ll try that, and send a picture (will be a while since I’m in the middle of a move).
As for the weight question: I’m a huge guy: 260 lbs. My mountain bike has suffered from this – the rear axle has apparently cracked (though not in such a way as to fail, just yet – needs replacing). The rack, though, has had no problems with the at-times large loads I’ve forced upon it: I recently found a very heavy rackmount server in a parking lot here in Berkeley and loaded it on the top of my crate, which was already full of heavy groceries! The rack was fine, the crate is very very tough, but the ride home was SLOW since the bike wobbled all over, seeming to oscillate wildly at the slightest chance. I’d say failure of components from weight is less an issue than safe handling and performance. My only complaint about crates is weight: they are much more heavily built than I’d ever need, and therefor heavier in weight than they could be. Even unloaded I notice a significant difference when lifting the bike up stairs after adding the crate… not enough that I’d consider going without now that I’ve found how much it helps.
To mount it I used a dollar’s worth of strong zip-ties. They hold no matter what. I’d chosen them because I had them, planning to replace them with some sort of quick release, but have never bothered since I’ve found it just fine leaving the box there permanently. No one will bother to steal it – they’d just snag one of the many sitting around not fixed to anything instead, and if I DO need to remove it I can just snip them and spend all of $0.50 to mount it again.
I’m also considering adding one on each side to triple my grocery carrying ability, but haven’t checked out how feasible that is. Any suggestions? How about for similarly ad-hoc front cargo carriers or, better yet, trailers? I’ve seen plans online for home-made trailers that appear very functional, will be trying to make one when I move and have access to my housemates’ tools, and on NPR this morning the guests discussed living without cars: one had built a trailer out of bamboo (wanted to use sustainable materials). What I’d really dig is a woven reed basket like the one I brought back from a tour of Vietnam: they make these increadibly strong and light (and comfortable, according to my smaller friends – not many Vietnamese as large or tall as I am) backpacks that are woven from bamboo-like reeds. I saw them used all over in the northern mountains there: HUGE loads, like giant sacks of rice, or bundles of long logs sticking far out the top, or in one mysterious case: rocks! These all on the backs of tiny elderly women, walking miles between town and their villages. Too bad I haven’t a clue how to make one.
Thanks for posting your ideas here.
Hugh,
We made the bamboo trailer for a C.I.C.L.E. demonstration (that was me on the radio). I am just finishing up an article on it and it will go up soon. It will go up on our main page under our feature story.
One thing, have you been told by a bike shop or someone familiar with rear axles that it’s safe to ride? It is difficult for the bigger guys to find strong bikes that last. Used bikes are out there, and usually you want to look at something that either is a steel frame from an old reputable manufacturer or if aluminum, a mountain bike from a reputable manufacturer. Stay away from Huffys or dept. store bikes.
Back to cargo carrying. I don’t like to put weight up on top of my rack. The higher the weight is, the more you have to work to balance it. In a sense you are top heavy and it can make the bike unwieldly indeed. For some it works fine, but it sounds like you want to load it up.
Panniers are of course light weight and go on the sides of the rack placing the weight lower, making handling much easier. If you are looking for low cost ways that are lightweight, you can also thing of hooking a 5 gallon square container on the side of your rack. Sometimes you can find these behind restaurants by the dumpsite or ask if they have any empty ones. Some cat liter comes in square containers. To get an idea check out:
http://www.cobbworks.com/
Trailers are great for hauling large loads, the one we built will haul 200lbs we got the plans from
http://www.carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html
We did the hitch a little differently and with a locking pin we bought at an auto store. With trailers you have a bit of tugging but you’re not dealing with having to balance the weight as you ride. You have a bit of sway to deal with, but I haven’t found it to be a huge issue. It depends on your speed and can be controlled with reduced speed. So I wouldn’t suggest flying down a hill on a really windy day.
We have several trailer types, a few different pannier types and a lot of bikes. The bike for carrying things that we use the most, and the one that we like the most is our Xtracycle, it carries 60lbs in each side pocket and up to 200 on the top. It handles really well loaded down as the center of gravity is quite low. There is a bit of sway, but it handles better than a trailer as there is no tugging at all to deal with. We have been completely satisfied with it.
I too would love the baskets you are talking about, I have seen pictures of them and they are just amazing…that would look really sweet on a bike…but I can’t make that either.
Regarding your cracked axle, if it is hollow (with a quick release), I suggest you replace it with a solid one. You can get an inexpensive axle set complete with cones, lock nuts, and axle nuts, such as this one: http://tinyurl.com/l6sz2 . You do have to give up your quick release, but this trade-off is well worth the added strength and load capacity.
not sure how to post pictures here, but here are the addresses for a few pictures.
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~hankinsj/Ghetto%20cruiser%20006.jpg
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~hankinsj/Ghetto%20cruiser%20008.jpg
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~hankinsj/Ghetto%20cruiser%20014.jpg
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~hankinsj/Ghetto%20cruiser%20015.jpg
I just zip tied the crate to my rack, because I have a ton of zip ties and not concerned with a quick release crate.
I used a power circular saw to cut the bottom off of the second crate. easy and quick.
There was no out of pocket cost as I have had all the supplies for this project for several years.
The only issue I have at the moment is seen in the last picture. Should be easy enough to fix with another couple of locks. I am pretty sure I have a couple more locks to fix this, but I might buy a set of 4 locks that are all keyed the same.
Another idea I had this morning was a couple of longer U-locks or a cable that would fit from the top to bottom.
Woohoo, I think I just remembered that I have a cable that might work and then I would only need one lock. Just needs to be a long cable.
Next, I am thinking of turning the handlebars into bullhorns and possibly turning this bike into a single speed.
Let me know what you think.
oh and ignore the date in the pictures, forgot to reset that on my camera :p
Ok first ride to school and work turned out great. The only time the weight of the loaded crate seems to be an issues is walking the bike. Once I am moving, no problems.
A little noisy on rough roads but tolerable.
Joe,
Sorry about the delay in getting your pics posted. Because of the multiple links my anti-spamming software held that specific comment for moderation. I was out much of today, and consequently could not approve the comment until now.
Btw… good job on the crate!!
Shay
no worries on the delay.
I was running late today so I was standing up and sprinting a bit. I did notice the weight a bit more then. Of course I had a heavier load then normal too. Several school books and my lunch.
I was thinking of changing out the square milk crates for some larger rectangle ones. My book bag would fit a bit easier then, but I would also be able to fit more in and make it too heavy. Not sure.
I will have to think about that.
Thanks for the pix, Joe. That Trek looks like the perfect urban assault bike. Regarding using the larger, rectangular crate, just watch the amount of weight carried behind the rear axle. Excessive weight here will reduce the weight on the front wheel and could lead to handling and braking anomalies. I assume you intend to orient the crate with the long side fore-and-aft.
as far as the orientation of the crate, I have trying to decide which way would be best. If I do the long side perpendicular to the bike, then less weight would be able to get behind the rear axle, but gives a wider side to side profile.
Not sure when I might tackle the other crate set-up.
Changing the handlebars and shifters may be the next mod. I want to put some bullhorns on and can’t decide what to do with the shifters. Right now I have bar-end shifters (i hate them on the drop bars) and either what to go with downtube shifters or maybe try the bar-ends on the end of the bullhorns.
In the current position I tend to hit the shifters by mistake with my knees when taking off or stopping. That would not be an issue with bullhorns.
Urban assault bike is a great description of my use for this bike. Some of the roads I have to ride on this bike are very rough.
JOE
As a fellow 260 pounder who bikes daily..you ARe da man!
I have said for years it aint a real bike w/o a crate to do errands. Some days going to the store motivates me to go when Id otherwise stay at home or take the car.
The lock part isnt something I need but the lid concept is trully “assault bike” genius
Hi,
Kind of a dumb question… but can anyone tell me where I can get them milk crates? Thanks.
Technically, it is illegal to use a milk crate that has a licensee name on it, that is, one that actually is used to carry milk containers. However, un-licensed ones exist. I have seen imitation milk crates in big-box stores. A bit flimsier than a ‘real’ milk crate, but sized and shaped just like the real thing.
Or you could just check out behind your friendly local super-market. Somehow, these things get left out in the cold sometimes. Don’t tell them I sent you.
Thanks Harv for the reply… if I could bother you about one more thing. I recently became interested in becoming a bike mechanic and perhaps making a small living out of it. (of course if making a living is impossible then I can always do this as a hobbie and find other forms of employment.)
I was wondering if you could give me any suggestions/leads on how to go about it? Thank you. (and also my apologies if this particular blog is suppose to be only for milk crate talk? i’m not so savvy with computers and web sites)
Hey Mike…
This is the site admin…. feel free to ask other questions here — no need to limit it to just milk crate talk.
Sure, the question is welcome. I am working on a separate blog to address this issue and perhaps to start a thread on pro bike wrenching.
I hope this isn’t a stupid question. I want to get a milkcrate for my bike, but I ‘m having one small problem. Where the heck do I get one?? I assume the grocery store has them, but I figured I’d ask before I go searching for one! Thanks!
Jason, please scroll up a few replies to my comment of October 4th. Mike C asked the same question.
I love me some milk crates on bikes – but I am surprised that no one has brought up the tried and true method I learned in college: coaxial cable + milk crate stolen from behind the local liquor store.
I had a beach cruiser for two years (before it got stolen) that I strapped a milk crate to with some really thick coaxial cable. It never came off, and I loaded that thing down more than once with over 40 lbs. of crap (books, bags, groceries, small appliances, sports gear, beer, etc.). Total time to build: about 7 minutes (not including jumping a fence to steal the crate).
A well made solution (as pictured above) is great, but if you’re dumb (like me), then get creative.
The one drawback to this: unless you have rear pegs, your cruiser is no longer girlfriend-on-the-handlebars friendly.
As to the reed baskets mentioned above: a similar basket closer to home is called an Adirondack pack basket. I weave and sell them (www.gypsybaskets.com), and so do several other basketmakers across the country.
Real men use a step through (girlie) bike for grocery shopping. you can really stack the crate up then. And the addition of PVC pipe attached to each side gives good rod holders for when you go fishing
Regarding the weight concern that was mentioned earlier in the comments… children’s seats which mount on the rear rack (supplied with the seat) hold a child up to 40lbs, some more expensive seats say they hold up to 60lbs.
my dog rides in mine
and she LOVES it!
weeeeeeeeeee!