Flounce

Those who use aero bars but want a front bag they can access while riding... I haven’t found a non-custom/DIY solution.

What I’m thinking is using a Wald model 198 metal basket. It weighs 3lbs so that’s the only downside I see . Upside is that you can toss water bottles , clothing , snack bars, etc in it and reach down and grab stuff. You could use a zipped bag to prevent stuff from flying out, or any number of options.

Thoughts?

kingston 

It would be a unique look.

tyrion

A lot of that weight is in the steel mounting struts that come with the basket. I think my Wald 137 basket + Soma Lucas rack was around 2 pounds. I'm currently using the bigger Wald 139 + Soma Lucas rack and together they're a little over 3 pounds.

I bet you could get a Wald 137 + mini rando rack to come in at well under 2 pounds.

Flounce

Thanks, that's really helpful. I just received the Wald 198 and will try to install it tomorrow. It appears the issue may be compatibility with my aero bars, which clamp onto a similar are of the handlebars. In which case your Soma Lucas rack plus basket would work well.

unterhausen

I don't recall if you have said what frame size you use. The acorn rando bags have fasteners on the side. Someone my size or larger 54-55cm frame would have no problem fitting the medium rando bag under an aero bar. If there are risers, even the tall rando bag would fit.

Flounce

Thanks. My frame size is 58. Looking at front bag (or basket) beneath the aerobars or two bikes: 2015 supersix evo and a 2015 Soma ES.

response edited: I just remembered, the issue with a regular rando bag is that it has a top flap that will make it difficult to open up with aero bars in place.

StephenH

My guess is that a Wald basket would pretty much undo any aero gains from using aerobars.

Flounce

1) my aero bars are not for aero, they are for another hand positioning to relieve strain. my bike fit is endurance/upright, not aero.

2) i talked it over with a guy at my bike shop who rides trans am bike race and other ultra races, he said that it seemed like the basket would have similar or better aerodynamic effect as a boxy rando bag of similar size.

I decided to get a mini rack and attach the wald basket to that instead. Mini rack would have greater uses if choose to remove the basket.

Thank you all, especially Tyrion, I'm copying your idea.

europa

Photos once you've got it sorted please. Sounds like a good plan

tyrion

If you get a Wald basket that has the mounting tabs stuck on the basket, you'll probably want to get those tabs off. They wrap around the wire of the basket and I couldn't pry them open. I took an angle grinder with cutting blade and cut a groove in the peak of the tabs (the part of the tab that wraps around the basket wire), then was able to pry it open. If you cut all the way through the tab you risk cutting into the basket itself.

Or you might find a basket without the mounting struts and tabs.

Flounce

Thanks. Rivendell sells the 137 and 139 baskets without any attached hardware:

https://www.rivbike.com/products/wald-wire-basket

I'll go for the 137 basket I think.

fietsbob

CETMA makes a front Cargo rack sturdier, still not aero ..

joewein

The empty basket probably has a very minor impact on aerodynamics. It's content is what causes most of the aerodynamic friction.

Like with all front-mounted gear, though it sits out in the wind, the basket and its contents will also shield you from the wind to some extent, unlike for example any protruding part of a saddle bag extending beyond your hips.