What To Look For
Look for a bike basket that attaches securely to your bike, either in the front or the back. Some bike baskets have lids to help secure items, allowing for bulkier items to fit in such as a baguette from the farmers' market. Baskets come in many different styles now, from picnic-style wicker to modern aluminum and canvas. Choose a basket that will carry items you most often take with you or purchase while on your bike. If you put your books or laptop in your bike, you may want one with a lid. If you grocery shop, you may want a more flexible basket without a lid that can handle taller items.
Common Pitfalls
Often, a cyclist purchases a bike basket based on what it looks like and not its function. Even if you feel like a rear basket looks silly, consider one if you carry heavier items such as a sack of groceries. A rear basket is generally more stable than a front basket. Make sure you secure the basket to the bicycle thoroughly and test it before you head out on a trip. If you intend to place groceries in your basket, fill up a bag with some common grocery items and place it in the basket as a test. It would be terrible to go to the store, buy your groceries and place them in the basket only to have the basket break loose and the groceries fall to the ground.
Where To Buy
Bike baskets can be purchased at any store that sells bicycles including large, discount stores like Wal-Mart or Target. Specialty baskets can be purchased at bicycle shops, both locally and on the Internet. If you are looking for a certain style of basket, like an Amish basket, for example, you can find them through specialty stores online or ask a local basket-maker if they make bicycle baskets.
Cost
Bestcovery.com rated the Bell Quick Release Handlebar Basket as its best adult bike basket. It is available on Amazon.com for $15. The Hershberger Baker's Basket is an Amish picnic-style basket that retails for $65. Bicycle baskets can be found at every price point in-between.
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