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This instructable shows you a surprisingly easy way to make a rear bicycle basket that expands in length to accommodate longer loads such as an exercise mat, baseball bat or, um, French baguettes.
The problem:
This was inspired by and created for my beautiful wife Jodie, who is a yoga teacher, and really enjoys riding her bike to the community center and to the yoga studio and area churches where she teaches.
She has an extra thick, extra large yoga mat. I would call it instructor-sized. t took along time for us to find a bag that it fit in. Also, she frequently has to carry CDs, handouts, text books, straps and more in this bag. I've slung it over my shoulder and it's pretty heavy and would cause excessive sweating were I to ride my bike around with it on my back.
Finally, on more than one occasion we realized she couldn't stop at the grocery on her way home to pick up an item or two as she didn't have a good way t carry the parcels.
The solution:
I resolved to find a bicycle basket that would expand to fit her mat, but retract when not hauling long cargo. Also, I needed it to be reasonably priced. But after extensive searching online and at area bicycle stores, I didn't find anything that satisfied me. Not even close.
So I decided to make my own.
The problem:
This was inspired by and created for my beautiful wife Jodie, who is a yoga teacher, and really enjoys riding her bike to the community center and to the yoga studio and area churches where she teaches.
She has an extra thick, extra large yoga mat. I would call it instructor-sized. t took along time for us to find a bag that it fit in. Also, she frequently has to carry CDs, handouts, text books, straps and more in this bag. I've slung it over my shoulder and it's pretty heavy and would cause excessive sweating were I to ride my bike around with it on my back.
Finally, on more than one occasion we realized she couldn't stop at the grocery on her way home to pick up an item or two as she didn't have a good way t carry the parcels.
The solution:
I resolved to find a bicycle basket that would expand to fit her mat, but retract when not hauling long cargo. Also, I needed it to be reasonably priced. But after extensive searching online and at area bicycle stores, I didn't find anything that satisfied me. Not even close.
So I decided to make my own.
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Signing UpStep 1Things you will need...
There is a variety of things you will need for this project. Obviously, a bicycle, preferably one with a rear rack. If your bike doesn't have a rear rack, you will have to install one.
Do not use the seat-post only rear rack. Instead, use one with supports that attach near the reear wheel hub. These tend to run between $20 and $40 at bike shops, although when online bike suppliers like Bike Nashbar start clearing out their inventory at the end of each season, you can find then for $10-$15. I paid $12 for Jodie's.
You will also need a sliding under-cabinet wire basket. I used one by elfa that I bought at The Container Store - a two runner easy glider that was 12-7/8" x 16-7/8" x 8-1/2" h.
Finally, you will need a drill with bits for drilling metal, zip ties, wire cutters, two wire-lock pins and four small bungee cords (4").
Do not use the seat-post only rear rack. Instead, use one with supports that attach near the reear wheel hub. These tend to run between $20 and $40 at bike shops, although when online bike suppliers like Bike Nashbar start clearing out their inventory at the end of each season, you can find then for $10-$15. I paid $12 for Jodie's.
You will also need a sliding under-cabinet wire basket. I used one by elfa that I bought at The Container Store - a two runner easy glider that was 12-7/8" x 16-7/8" x 8-1/2" h.
Finally, you will need a drill with bits for drilling metal, zip ties, wire cutters, two wire-lock pins and four small bungee cords (4").
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http://www.wicycle.com/trailer.htm
Good luck and great build.