Can a basket be placed on a mountain bike?

Question

I will be moving to Bristol (UK) and I understand it's quite hilly so I want a mountain bike and since I won't have a car, I will use it to transport things around and don't want to just use a backpack. But I never see baskets on mountain bikes, panniers occasionally. I only see baskets on non-mountain bikes. When I was in Holland, I didn't see baskets on mountain bikes (though Holland barely has any hills so mountain bikes aren't necessary). Is it dangerous to put a basket on a mountain bike? Like it interferes with the gears or something? Thanks

Answer 1

It would look stupid!



Get a tourer!

Answer 2

Mountain Bike With Basket

Answer 3

Basket For Mountain Bike

Answer 4

You can get a pannier rack fillted on the back - then you have the option of either back panniers - (excellent for transporting stuff if you are going up hills because the weight of load is kept low to the ground and so is better balanced) OR fixing a back basket - but remember the weight will be higher and more likely to cause balance issues.



You can get a cheap front wire basket set that hangs from your front handlebars (and no probs with mountain bike) but again limited size and the weight of load is even higher than on a back mounted basket.



Good luck - and join a cycle group when you get there as they will have discounts to local bike shops.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Can a basket be placed on a mountain bike?

I will be moving to Bristol (UK) and I understand it's quite hilly so I want a mountain bike and since I won't have a car, I will use it to transport things around and don't want to just use a backpack. But I never see baskets on mountain bikes, panniers occasionally. I only see baskets...

Answer 6

You can put a basket on a mountain bike, BUT it's hard to get it to hang right because of the cables from the shifters and the brakes being in the way. You are much better off getting a rack mounted on the rear of the bike and or panniers that you can fill up with stuff you need to transport. Also, living in the UK, you are subject to lots of rain and drizzle, so having panniers, which should be waterproof, will protect your stuff a lot better than having it in an open basket.

Answer 7

If you mean something over the handlebars, then yes, it could affect handling. Any excess weight over the front wheel will make the bike harder to control. That's an issue with any bike. Rack, panniers, rear mounted baskets, or even a trailer would be a better idea.

Answer 8

Sure. You can put a basket on a mountain bike, but you'll look like a girl. Oh wait, you are a girl. It's perfectly okay.

Answer 9

You can, yes. However, the two don't go particularly well together. It's like seeing a sports car pulling a horse box. I don't see why not however. I personally prefer to use a rear rack on my bicycles.

Answer 10

yes you can put baskets on mountain bikes, you just have to put it on the front bar, i have one on mine. I got mine from Halfords, for about £20, also got them to fit it for me for free too!!

Answer 11

Yup, its kinda cute and useful. Though you have to practice using it 'cause the bike becomes top heavy when loaded......

Answer 12

Yes you can



http://www.discountbicycles.co.uk/biz/product.php?xProd=1350&xSec=9

Answer 13

backpack wle.