Introduction: Waterproof Bicycle Basket
Hi,
I'm Kiki and I'm a student from the The Make Class
I got a new bike, and I really want a cheap but pretty basket for it.
But because I life in Holland, and it rains a lot, I want to make it waterproof, so I can use it here all year...
Step 1: Equipment
First you need a basket that can fold in and out.
It would also be nice if the basket had handlebars so you can take it with you is you so shopping at the supermarket.
And the equipment to make it work...
Step 2: Making the Sides Waterproof
The 2 short sides are going to be water proof al the time + the lowest piece of the backside.
When you fold the basket in you see the inside of the 2 short sides. Tape the inside of the plastic in with very strong double sided tape. Than place a big piece of tarpaulins tight on the surface. Than cut the extra tarpaulins of with a cutting knife.
So the tarpaulins will have the right size and is tight and waterproof on the basket. Do this on both sides and on the lowest piece of the backside.
For the finishing touch you can tape some black electrical tape at the edges on the outside of the basket. So everything stays tight and waterproof,
See pictures:
Step 3: Magnets
Befor you fold the basket back, you have to hide the magnets inside of it. You have to make sure that the magnets are small but strong!
Because you can fold the 2 short sides in and out, you can hide the magnets in it. There is some invisible space onder the border of the basket. You just put 1 magnet on both sides in the middle of the basket.
On the backside you can click the plastic side out. And also there you can hide some magnets. You have to put at least 3 magnets in, and click the backside back in.
Step 4: Making the "roof"
When it is starting to rain you can put on the roof of the basket. This is made of tarpaulin, the same super strong double sided tape and coins. And it is stuck on the bottom of the basket.
First you have to measure the size of the basket. In the length you have to take 2,5 times the shortest t side of the basket. In the width you have to take 1,5 times the longest side.
Than you place 3 pieces of double sided tape as you can see on the second picture. You take the plastic of the tape. Than you have to place the coins to the magnets, so the coins ar on the right spot and the will stick to each other. You than stick the tape to the coins and mark where they have to be. You take the tape back of and place the coins on the right spot. Than you can fold the plastic of the tarpaulin against the tape and cut the left overs of.
You do this on al the 3 sides.
Step 5: Attaching the Roof
Because you never know when it is going to rain, you have to make sure that you always have the roof with you. Just in case...
The best way to attach the roof is at the bottom, because the rain can't get there so we can use some more tape...
First turn the basket upside down and put some tape at the edge of the front side. But don't stuck tape over the holes, because we need them later on.
Than place the plastic so that it is right at the top and the coins are stuck to the magnets. Than stuck to plastic tight to the tape. The remained plastic you can cut of with a cutting knife.
But make sure that where the holes are you don't cut the plastic! So there will be 3 strokes of plastic still attacht tot the rest. Than you take a stroke of plastic and you put them in a hole. so it will come out on the inside of the basket. Do this with all the 3 strokes.
On the bottom side it is now tight and clean. But on the inside of the basket we have to tape the 3 strokes tight to the bottom with some black electrical tape. Than cut of the remaining pieces of plastic.
Step 6: Hiding the Roof
Because it does not rain all the time, you can hide the roof.
To do that you have to attach 2 buttons at the front with a knot of a rope. Than you can fold the plastic from the top all the way down to the bottom of the basket.
Than take the same rope and make a noose around the button and pull it tight down. Then we are gonna use the holes in the bottem. You pull the rope trough there and make a knot at the back of the plastic below the button.
Step 7: It's Finished!
All you have to do now is attach the basket to your bike, and you are ready to go!
To make sure you bicycle basket is waterproof, you can test it like I did...
Finalist in the
Discover Green Science Fair for a Better Planet
Participated in the
Let It Glow!
19 Comments
15 years ago on Step 7
Cool! But for a Test you can throw it into a swimming pool, so we can see if your basket really waterproof is.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Well I don't think it's "waterproof" as much as it's "water-resistant".
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Correct!
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
what "previous poster said" laxyness the stuff in my basket got wet
15 years ago on Introduction
I don't understand why this is in the let it glow contest. It's a great bike basket by the way, but it doesn't glow!
15 years ago on Introduction
I'm still working on that one.. The original plan is to attach 2 hooks to the steering wheel so you can hang it in...
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hrm... Personally I wouldn't add such weight to the front handle bars. Steering becomes too heavy. Front baskets, in my opinion, are just for keeping an eye on small personal items, e.g. a handbag, fluffy toy, bike cable-lock, mobile phone, GPS, compass... oops, the magnets will adversely affect some of those. However, if you still want to have out out front, have a look at FriendlyOfHumanity 's garden thingy. He made a box out of old pallet and affixed it to the front using zip ties. If you make one big enough for your basket to sit into....
15 years ago on Introduction
I love your diamond. Congratulations on your engagement.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
15 years ago on Introduction
Isloan, I've got one of those collapsible basket also. The base is not perforated like a milk-crate would be, so zip-ties are not going to be the answer, but at least answers someone Else's question about water getting in form the bottom. We've tried it on the bike as a detachable, by using bungee cord, but because the width if more than double the width of the bike rack, it wobbled a lot and was very fiddly to tie on to the rack in such a way as to minimise the unsteadiness. If you want to leave it on the bike in a more fastened fashion, have a look at how I fastened a half a cat-carrier basket onto the rear rack. I suspect the collapsible baskets with a handle are much smaller. Mine is 53cm X 37 cm ((14.5 inches X almost 21 inches)
15 years ago on Introduction
where did u get the magnets?
15 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! Just be careful about calling it waterproof. It's really just water resistant because it doesn't seal. When I'm riding in the rain, unless I have something sealed in a plastic bag or something similar I can pretty much count on it getting wet. I like the usefullness of readily available materials. Again, good job.
15 years ago on Introduction
What about water from the bike wheels spraying up under the flaps? Fit some mudguards I suppose.
15 years ago on Introduction
Terrific Instructable. I hadn't thought of waterproofing a basket for my bike. That would work better than my back-pack for heavier objects and also be more comfortable than wearing rain-gear with a back-pack. Many thanks!
15 years ago on Introduction
After living in a wet European clime, I suggest that you look into a way to reinforce the top. In your video the water was already pooling and could find a way through. Then again, I was in England where it always seemed to rain. It soaked into everything.
15 years ago on Introduction
Awesome instructable! Not to be sexist at all but you're a cool girl! lol i have never seen a girl so resourceful and constructive. i know my girlfriend would just tell me to build her something lol laaaame well done
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice 'ible. It looks decent and it dose whats its supposed to and for that good job !
15 years ago on Introduction
Good job. If you permanently attach the basket to the bike, you can make/sew a removeable waterproof bag from the material. It would probably look like those IKEA totes with long/short straps for handles. You can also add a drink holder or tiedown in the basket. Lots of possibilities.
15 years ago on Introduction
Nicely done! Very good job with the instructions and the video showing the function at the end.