Stuff We Love: Wald Baskets

Baskets. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles varying from woven plastic with daisies stuck to the front, to hardcore metal beasts that could probably carry a small person with no trouble. Considering the vast range of aesthetics and sturdiness it may seem like there are too many options to be able to find one that's just right. Well, if Goldilocks came into our shop and wanted a basket that was just right to carry all her porridge (and whatever else she decided to help herself to along the way), we would definitely point her straight to the Wald front baskets. Every single one of us here has a Wald on one of our bikes. Why? Because they're great for everyday tasks and they hold up really well. They're inexpensive, the shop carries them in two very convenient sizes and in both silver and black so they match any bike. All the pics in this post are of the smaller size we carry, apparently they can hold 14 beers and a soda with ease. Added plus, they're made in the USA which is never a bad thing.

I have the larger of the two sizes we carry (18"x13"). I've lined the bottom with my dog's favorite mat and taken him for rides places in it. It was really easy to design a little harness system for him because of the basket's open wire design which is cool. Clip in the front, clip in the back and all adorable 12lbs of his Mini Dachshund self are safe and secure. I've used that basket for lots of things, but the most impressive thing that basket has done, by far, happened the time our car battery died. We had only a bike and Wald basket to carry a new 40ish pound battery over 3/4 mile from the auto store to the car. It was pretty sketchy, but the basket held up and our car was rescued. The baskets aren't rated to handle that much weight, but in a pinch it didn't let us down.

The smaller of the two sizes (15"x10") is perfect for those little things that you find yourself traveling with. The guys have used theirs for tons of stuff; puppy portage, avoiding wearing a bag when it's really hot out and carrying cheese steaks and various takeout... very important. It's just the right size for a spare jacket, thermos full of chili or new bike parts (some anyways). It's perfect when paired with a cargo net, which is a net made from bungee cords that has a securing hooks on four corners. The fact that the Wald baskets are basically wire cages makes it easy to always find a good spot to attach the hooks and keep your cheese steaks from bouncing out. The small is also a good size for putting various bags in so you don't have to wear them while you're riding (pictured is a small Fabric Horse WC tote $70).

Overall, you can't beat these baskets in bang for your buck factor, and they are probably the singular most utilitarian thing you could get for your bike, not bad for $20-$25 bucks.

Gift Guide - Bags

Bags. They're one of those things that you use a version of at a borderline absurd frequency without even realizing it. Getting groceries, picking up takeout, commuting with your laptop... there's a bag for that. Coming from someone who rides for transportation year round I can tell you that there are a lot of different riding scenarios you need a bag for. Having the right tool for the job is the difference between feeling like your bag is a good old friend and constantly adjusting and fiddling grumpily while you're riding uncomfortably. There are many styles and brands to choose from, but these few are the best at what they do.

- Traveling Light -
Fabric Horse Halfbelt - $89 (in stock only)

For a second let's just pretend this utility belt isn't the most fun portage option available and just talk about how insanely useful it is. With a u-lock holster sewn in, a cell phone pocket, a flat pocket for cards/IDs and a large pocket for various smallish items, it's absolutely perfect for riding around town when you don't need much with you. The large pocket is the perfect size for two cans of beer (they just fit!), or your lights, a small book to read by the river, a little something to hide in the geocache you're hunting for... the list of silly one off items you could build an adventure around goes on and on. It's also a good option when you're going to be riding to someplace crowded like a show or a bar, no need to make enemies of the people around you with a big unwieldy pack or messenger bag. Another benefit of carrying on you hips? No sweaty back in the summer, or strap tan lines. The whole thing is lined with vinyl so it's waterproof and they come in several sizes and colors varying from neutral to acid trip rainbow. Plus they're made in Philly, pretty cool.

- Everyday Medium Loads -
Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger - $140

The Chrome Industries Citizen messenger bag is by far our most popular messenger bag, and with a hardcore waterproof interior and Chrome's signature quick release seatbelt buckle it's no surprise. This bag can carry up to a 17" laptop and even has internal fasteners so you can secure Chrome's laptop sleeves in place. It also has straps for attaching accessories like cellphone holsters , reflective straps for added visibility and a nice little organizer pocket. As if this all wasn't enough, it comes in a ton of colors, both left and right swing shoulder straps and is made in the USA.

- Your Bike as an SUV -
R.E.Load Midpack - $250

So you have to pick up a 50lb bag of dog food on your way home, or grocery shop for three weeks at once, or you're going to a clothing swap and want to get rid of everything you own... this bag is the one to do the dirty work. The main compartment has a flat pocket that can hold a laptop in a case and an interior organizer pocket that's perfect for multi-tool, flat repair, pens, etc. The large outer pocket is great for carrying anything you don't want buried under your 50lbs of dogfood and the side pockets have mesh bottoms so you don't have puddles from rain or condensation. They're made with 1000D Cordura and some even have Ballistic nylon bottoms to be extra tough, so no need to worry about beating on this bag, that's what it was built for. Lastly, the whole bag is lined with vinyl coated nylon so it's waterproof.  *Also of similar size and hardcore-ness is the medium Flight Pack, who's little sibling is reviewed here.*

- Inconspicuous Portage -
Fabric Horse Weekend BD Tote -  $120

While it's really nice to have a tough as nails cycling bag, sometimes what you need is a tough as nails bag that looks a little less, well, athletic. Have no fear, we have just the right bag for you. This tote is made of waxed canvas so it's classy looking, but also weather resistant which is always a good thing if you're out in the elements, plus it has a waterproof vinyl lining. It comes with a removable cross body shoulder strap, has four interior pockets, one exterior pocket and a D-ring for attaching a carabiner. Zip this baby closed, put it in your Wald front rack and ride off into the sunset.