Bike sections (eg brand/ type etc) - Cycle Heaven
Bike sections (eg brand/ type etc) - Cycle Heaven
Front baskets - the pros
They're handy and you can see your valuables when they're in front.
They look great - especially wicker.
Front baskets: the cons
Handlebars are not a great position to a place loads, as it makes the steering unstable. Worse with the 'lazy' geomentry of traditional town bikes - resulting in 'flip-flop' steering. If you want to carry big loads, you will be better off with panniers.
We do Wicker!
Twelve of the best bikes for baskets
At Cycle Heaven, we understand the desire to have a front receptacle to put all those important little things in your life. We also appreciate the aesthetic appeal of wicker, despite being much maligned by some of the sniffier elements of the cycle trade. We have fitted hundreds of baskets over the years, so have learned a thing or two about the best ways of doing so. If you want a basket we'll fit it.
Our Baskets are durable and high quality and once fittted by us will not wobble around, or fall off, like some of that cheaper offerings available elsewhere. As baskets can get in the way of front lights, we will also make sure that your chosen lighting option is safe and effective.
Below is a selection of some of the best bikes equipped with, or for suitable for a front basket. If not equipped, ask our advice about what to fit.
What to get
For a front basket, you basically have four options:
- Steel for a contemporary look - usually in black, steel is smart, functional and cheaper.
- Wicker for tradition. Looks great with retro styled bikes. Light and quite durable (we recommend that you varnish it).
- Quick release - for light loads only. Good for your handbag, ready meal and a botttle of wine, but not much more.
- Fixed is for heavier loads - with a support the reaches down to the front fork. For really big loads, consider bikes that come ready equipped with a front rack mounted basket - like the Miss Grace.
Bobbin Birdie
Bobbin
Town Bikes
£345.00
The Birdie is a loving recreation of that classic English three speed that our mums all used to ride around. Now available to the 21st century gal because some needs never change. Thus, a simple...
Bobbin Shopper
Bobbin
Town Bikes
£299.99
The Bobbin Shopper is a 1970s styled small wheeled 3 speed shopper. My grandma / mum had one on those - why on earth....
Well apart from being cute, these bikes are compact, with a low centre of...
Gazelle Chamonix Pure Women's 2012
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£679.99
The Chamonix Pure, with its funky angular aluminium frame and rigid forks, is one of the most striking Gazelles and also one of the lighter models in the range. It...
Gazelle Heavy Duty men's/women's
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£629.99
The NY Heavy Duty is basically a tank - albeit of a pacifist persuasion. Heavyweight, bombproof, very functional and immensely fun to ride. Upright and comfy with three speeds, roller brakes and hub...
Gazelle Miss Grace 3 speed 2012
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£629.99
They do make bikes like this again... Miss Grace is turned out in a range of luscious colours with a comfy saddle, jaunty riding position, three gears, roller brakes and just the right accessories....
Gazelle NY Cab 2011
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£629.99
The NY Cab is a funky and functional two wheeled, pedal powered take on that New York icon. Upright and comfy with three speeds, roller brakes and hub dynamo. Simplicity itself, complete with Dutch...
Gazelle Primeur 7 speed 2011 women's
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£629.99
The Primeur is the absolute classic Dutch roadster, but equipped to a very contemporary specification. It has a steel frame, which although heavier than aluminium, steel makes for a more comfortable...
Gazelle Worker 2012
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£674.99
The Gazelle Worker does the business in style. Heavyweight, bombproof, very functional and immensely fun to ride. Upright and comfy with three speeds, roller brakes and hub dynamo. Simplicity itself,...
Gazelle Worker 2012 / Freestyler 2012 Boys' 24" or 26"
Gazelle
Kids' Bikes
£349.99
The Freestyler answers the needs of those looking for a cool but practical bike for their kids. Beach cruiser styling with useful accessories - tough steel mudguards, chainguards and yes, the big...
Gazelle Xanta College 7 women's
Gazelle
Town Bikes
£549.99
Now only 499.99
A great looking, great value special edition bike. Very comfy, upright, seven speed low maintenance hub gears and brakes, with easy riding geometry, the Xanta College is the classic Dutch...
Ridgeback Avenida 6 Women's 2012
Ridgeback
Town Bikes
£349.99
The Ridgeback Avenida 6 is the entry level bike in the Metro range. In an effort to keep things very light and simple, the designers have come up with this, a 6 speed Shimano derailleur geared town...
Ridgeback Avenida 7 Women's 2012
Ridgeback
Town Bikes
£529.99
The Ridgeback Avenida 7 is a respectable, useable and very light town bike. Used on many Dutch and German city bikes, the 7 Shimano hub gear offers a broad spread of gears. We think you'll like...
Cycle Heaven 2 Bishopthorpe Road York, North Yorkshire YO23 1JJ tel: 01904 636578/ 651870 fax: 01904 672059 email us © Cycle Heaven Ltd., York All Rights Reserved