A good number of cyclists have a need for a middle-of-the-line basket to fit in between larger trike baskets and smaller front baskets. That’s where the 22.5 liter, 4.5 stars, 45 buyer rated, and priced-to-be-cheaper-than-most-name-branded-wire-baskets rear bike basket comes into the picture.
Capacity and Build
The 22.5 liter size is plenty of space to get two grocery bags, lunch, and whatever else you might be carrying. The wire mesh design is standard fare and the folding design allows the basket to lay flat against the rack when empty, which many apartment dwellers love even if they don’t think about it.
With a 4.5 star average based off of 45 reviews, the overall customer experience is clearly positive. Buyers were particularly impressed with the value and durability of the basket. However, buyers did comment on an issue that is common to most affordable wire mesh baskets. Be sure to inspect the protective powder coating (if it was used) regularly for signs of wear since the coating will typically begin to fail at the mounts.
On the Bike
Installation is easy and the included hardware attaches to a typical rear rack. The basket sits very low on the bike so it doesn’t adversely affect the bike’s balance. When folded flat, the basket takes up very little additional room on the bike. However, just like with all folding baskets, the hinged area of the basket may require some maintenance overtime. Those who rarely fold their basket have reported no issues with regard to wear after using their basket for months.
Practical load limits are in line with the basket’s size class, around 25 lbs. Any heavier than that and the quality of your bike rack, not the basket itself, will likely become the limiting factor.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
In terms of customer feedback, this basket is right in line with the rest of the best-rated, budget-priced baskets available today. The 5-star reviewers praised everything from grocery shopping to errand running to how convenient it is to store away when not in use. The 4-star reviewers mentioned minor finish flaws upon receipt or that the wire mesh has a tendency to swallow small items. There were virtually zero negative comments regarding performance or longevity.
Who Is This For
For commutes that involve multiple stops or heavy loads, and you wish to spend less than the majority of name branded products cost, this basket fits perfectly in-between the large trike baskets and the small front baskets. If you require quick release capability or a water proof cover, consider adding the CXWXC model described previously for only a slight increase in price. If you simply want the highest capacity per dollar and your bike can accommodate it, then choose the trike style models. This product represents a reasonable compromise between maximum capacity, price and versatility.
Sizing It Against the Alternatives
This basket is represented in the “value” tier of our chart below. While it competes in terms of price, it does not compete in terms of features. Specifically it lacks quick-release mechanisms, additional accessories, and premium branding taxes. Essentially it provides 22.5 liters of durable wire mesh at a price lower than competing brand baskets with equivalent capacity.
The two neighboring tables in our comparison provide useful context to help illustrate why we chose this basket as the logical choice for commuting needs. The CXWXC basket adds a mount and waterproof kit for a slight price difference, representing an alternative for customers requiring a more comprehensive solution. The WEEROCK basket removes additional features for even more savings and targets users that desire permanent installation solutions. This basket offers a middle-of-the-line solution by offering a folding function without increasing the price above what most customers would reasonably pay for such a feature.
We emphasized fold-flat capabilities in particular because this feature is extremely rare within the budget tier. Many inexpensive baskets are non-folding designs that make them difficult to store in apartments, attach to cars or store inside garages. The addition of a hinge design to a wire mesh basket increases production costs - which equates directly to higher prices. Simply knowing that this feature exists at this price-point is already sufficient reason to select this product over others that lack this feature.
Long-Term Ownership Notes
While the hinges represent both a benefit (foldable), and a liability (wear item), regular folding causes excessive wear on these joints - creating loose joints that ultimately require intervention. Courier riders commonly solve this issue with a zip-tie or bolt securing the hinge once deployed to convert it into a non-foldable basket. These types of riders also report no problems whatsoever after months of daily use.
Similar to all coated steel products, rust prevention requires common sense practices for owners residing in wet climates - rinsing after salty road use, touching up scratches promptly, and storing the product in indoor spaces whenever possible. All of these recommendations apply to every single coated steel product - regardless of whether they are manufactured by SAMRELAX or another company - and owners who adhere to these guidelines are rewarded with longer lasting products.
The Verdict
Ultimately, this mid-range folding basket is ideal for an underserved niche of consumers - urban dwelling commuters who require capacity without permanence at a price without guilt. With over 40 buyers awarding it a 4.5 star rating from 45 total ratings - combined with the absence of unnecessary features and components - in practice that this product meets its advertised claims fairly well. Furthermore, when choosing a product primarily based on "liters per dollar" and considering your bike can support the wider dimensionally requirements of this product versus the Trike Basket offerings listed in our comparison chart - we recommend this product.
Please reference our full comparison chart - as well as our other guides and reviews - for comparisons between products.
Installation Walkthrough Notes
Based on volume alone, this product falls firmly into our "value" tier. While it is competitively priced relative to other products with similar volumes - it doesn't offer any significant advantage relative to those products' capacity. Its true positioning is defined by what it omits instead of what it includes. Specifically: no quick-release mechanisms, no included accessories, no premium branding taxes. So essentially: 22.5 liters of practical steel wire at a price that undercut's nearly all of its competitor's name brand baskets while still providing near-equivalent capacities.
Both of our table neighbors provide great contrast to this product. The CXWXC provides a mount and waterproof kit for slightly more money and targets customers looking for an end-to-end solution. The WEEROCK wire basket takes several features away for much cheaper and targets customers seeking utility installations permanently installed on their bikes. This product lies in between these two options as a simple folding version designed to provide the ability to easily collapse when not being utilized - thus eliminating the inconvenience associated with non-collapsible baskets for many users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it compatible with ebikes like the RadRunner?
Yes - provided your Rad Runner (or other similar utility ebike) utilizes a rear rack that uses standard dimensions.
How does the folding mechanism hold up?
It works fine - unless you fold yours constantly. Like all folding baskets, excessive wear occurs on the hinging part of this type of basket.
What is the actual weight limit?
About 25 pounds max - although your bike rack will probably complain sooner than that.
Does it come with a cargo net?
No cargo nets or covers are included with this purchase at this price point. Both can be added inexpensively if desired.
Will groceries bounce out on rough roads?
Like most wire mesh baskets in this category - yes - small objects may occasionally fall through due to excessive spacing between wires. Adding a 10 dollars cargo net eliminates this concern completely.
How is the finish quality?
Powder-coated matte finish over steel wire mesh. Better than expected quality for the price - although some owners have reported minor imperfections upon delivery that seem to be purely cosmetic.
Current pricing fluctuates so always review current pricing on Amazon prior to making your decision
See how the rest of the category stacks up on the basket and cargo comparison table, and browse more reviews and guides.