Introduction: PVC and Milk Basket Bike Basket

I needed a simple and cheap way to carry vegetables from our crop share this Summer. I really like my cruiser bike, but did not want to buy a basket. I made the following with some left over PVC and a milk basket I am borrowing.

Step 1: Get the Supplies

A basket, and some 3/4" PVC pipe & fittings. I needed about 6 feet of pipe, 4 "T" s, 4 "L"s, and 6 caps.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the PVC

The support for the basket is composed of a simple pair of mounts that screw to the existing hole in the frame by the axel. Most all bikes will have this hole pre drilled. On my bike the fender is attached to it. I obtained a couple of longer bolts from the HW store so that the 3/4" of the PVC could be connected. There are holes drilled through both sides of the pipe.

Cut the pipe so that there is not too much overlap such that the axel bolt gets in the way. Also, you'll need to measure the proper length of height, considering that you will be connecting a "T" to one end.

As you will see, the "T" allows an extended support to run towards the rear of the bike. The diameter of the "T" (and "L") just happens to be the right size to fit in the hole groove of the basket, but not through it. This is key. You'll see this in the next step.

Step 3: Fitting the Support

Note that the "T" and the extended "L" on each side fit inside the diamond shaped construct of the basket. Different baskets may be a challenge, but this worked great for me. One near the front and one at the rear allows good support of the basket. The other handy part is that a piece of 3/4" PVC will also fit through the "diamond" such that it can be locked in with a cap and a small piece of pipe.

Step 4: Connection to the Seat Post

Additional support is obviously needed so that the basket does not rotate back behind the wheel. This is done by a simple construct that goes around the seat post. See in the photo - it's a simple boxe made out of 2 "T" s and 2 "L"s with small pieces of PVC in between them. It's not that important that it fit exactly or snug, as you'll see. Add two lengths of PVC to the rear facing outputs. These will be cut to the proper length as the basket is fitted.

Step 5: Final Fitting of the Basket

Caps and pipe are glued with pipe cement on the support side. The other connections are also glued of course.

The, you will need to measure the appropriate length for the PVC that is connected to the seat post. Cut it the right length and cap it with pipe cement.

This keeps the basket level.

Step 6: FInal Fit

It should look like this. Adjust and swap out pipe size as needed.

Step 7: Some Pipe Insulation for Aesthetics Mostly

Done, now I can fetch veggies and other things.

Removal will be simple.

Unscrew screws and remove seat and lift off.

It's quite sturdy.