Most folding rear baskets stop at the basket. The Huntoshon folding rear bike basket includes a 420D waterproof cover. A cargo net. The waterproof cover may define what the Huntoshon basket is useful for.
The Waterproof Cover Is the Real Differentiator
An uncovered wire basket is perfect unless it rains. At that point, your grocery is in a colander, road spray is spraying onto your rear tire and making everything wet, and the paper bags have turned into mush. Commuters address this issue with a plastic bag from their local grocery store stuffed into a jersey pocket. More often than not, the bag rips at the absolute worst time.
A fitted 420D waterproof cover (approximately 15 x 13 x 10 inches) fixes this problem correctly. That material quality is similar to what is used in many good panniers and duffel bags. This means that the material will repel rain and last for many years before abrasing against a rack. If the seams are taped, I would expect it to withstand rain adequately, though I don't know that for certain.
The cover does a secondary job that the listing did not mention. It conceals what you are transporting. An obvious bag of grocery in an exposed basket at a bike rack invites someone to steal it. Concealing it eliminates that invitation completely. In addition to being an added value to protect your groceries from rain, that alone makes it worthwhile to select this product over an open-wire basket.
Folding, Quick Release, and Storage
When folded, the thickness of the basket measures 15 x 11 x 1.77 inches. That is flat enough to mount on a wall hook or place behind a door. That is essentially the sole reason for having a folding basket. As soon as you remove it from the bike, a stationary basket attached to your rack becomes an annoying nuisance that you'll constantly bump your shins against, and causes an obstruction in narrow hallways.
In contrast, the ability to quickly detach the basket allows you to remove it from the rack entirely, allowing you to carry it into the store, load it, and carry it back out again. This allows you to utilize it as your actual shopping cart instead of transferring bags back-and-forth each time.
The manufacturer states that the basket can be installed on any standard rear bike rack. However, universal fit is always somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, I recommend checking your rack platform prior to installing the basket. Also note that there may be some initial loosening of the mounting bolt due to vibration during the first few uses of the basket. This applies equally to all bicycle accessories.
Build, Load, and the Handling Consequence
This basket is constructed primarily of metal and has a rust-resistance coating applied. Durability on any wire basket ultimately depends upon that coating. Cracks in the weld areas are typically where corrosion begins, particularly if you live in an area that utilizes winter salt for deicing roads. Paint touch-ups for minor chips take about 5 minutes and extend its life greatly.
Unfortunately, no maximum load capacity was provided for this basket. This is somewhat disappointing. However, I can inform you that almost all setups limit themselves based on the rack itself, and not by the basket. Most rear racks are limited anywhere between 25 to 55 lbs., and attempting to exceed either of these ratings will cause damage to your rack stays. Damaged rack stays will subsequently contact the tire, which will end your ride.
Carrying heavier objects above the rear axle affects how your bike handles. The steering will feel lighter, the rear-end of your bike will feel less stable while cornering, and stopping distances will increase. Heavy items should therefore be carried low and forward of your center-of-gravity. The cargo net and strap should be utilized together to secure them. Additionally, you should allow yourself more space than usual when riding in heavy traffic. A basket filled with unsecured cans that you run over in a pothole could ruin an otherwise excellent day.
Who Should Buy It
The commuter who currently owns a rack. Transports cargo several times per week. And resides in a region where rain is simply part of everyday weather conditions. By providing coverage for both rain and prying eyes, the cover converts this item from a seasonal accessory into one that is usable throughout the year. The only other consideration is whether you prefer to carry cargo in a basket versus panniers. Panniers provide more balanced cargo loading which provides better stability when loaded with cargo. Ebike commuters will find that the additional weight of cargo is negligible due to the motor assistance.
The inclusion of a reflective tail light and securing strap contribute to improved safety on dark evenings when returning home. You can view current pricing on Amazon here. Commuters who transport heavy cargo daily should opt for panniers regardless of cost.
For those individuals who wish to address common problems such as protecting their cargo from rain and prying eyes without carrying panniers or large amounts of money, the folding rear bike basket provides the necessary protection and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is what matters next.
What is included in the box?
Your order includes the basket. Mounting hardware. A securing strap. A cargo net approximately 15.75 inches square. A 420D waterproof cover. And an integrated reflective tail light. While most products in this category include little-to-no accessories, this basket offers nearly every component that you might need.
Does it fit any bike?
It mounts to standard rear bike racks, however compatibility exists with all types of rear frames according to the manufacturer. Measure your rack platform prior to installation. You require an existing rack for this product as it cannot be attached directly to a bare frame.
How much weight can it hold?
While the manufacturer did not specify a maximum safe load capacity, I can state that your racks' safe load capacity will be slightly higher than this product. Typically, most bikes have rear racks with capacities ranging from 25-55 pounds. For example, consider utilizing the lower capacity number when loading items towards the front of the basket.
Is the cover fully waterproof?
While the 420D-coated material will prevent rain from penetrating the basket, whether or not the seams are taped (sealed) is unknown. While I can confirm that it should be able to keep your groceries dry during typical rain showers, I am unsure if it would withstand being submerged underwater.
Can I leave it on the bike all the time?
Yes, you may install it on your bike at all times. The folded configuration will collapse against the rack when empty and is designed to minimize contact with your leg while pedaling. Quick-release allows you to easily remove it from your bike for storage purposes or to utilize it as a shopping cart.
Does the tail light need batteries?
No. It is simply a reflective surface which requires another vehicle's headlight to illuminate it. Ensure you possess an adequate battery-powered rear light installed on your bike and ensure that the basket does not obstruct it.
As far as completeness goes in this price bracket, this folding rear bike basket is probably one of best available options. Although they've omitted mentioning a maximum load capability, as mentioned previously this limitation is generally defined by your rack rather than the basket itself. They've also only included a reflective surface for increased visibility as opposed to a powered tail light. Nevertheless, I believe this is sufficient justification for purchasing this product over a basic wire basket given its compact folded size and quick-release mechanism make it sufficiently convenient to keep on your bike.
You can check the Huntoshon price on Amazon if this matches your build.
Good purchase option for commuter who shops en route home
See how it stacks against the rest in the comparison table, or browse more hands-on reviews.