Customer Reviews

Wald 582 Rear Folding Bicycle Basket (12.75 x 7.25 x 8.5, Silver)

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(47)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have spent the last 2 summers struggling with the decision of whether to purchase these baskets or not. I did not particularly want to add significant weight or bulk to my bike and yet I found myself frequently in a situation where I needed to haul things around and wished I had a "trunk" to put them in. After finally committing to the purchase, I must say I am thrilled about my decision.

As a frequent commuter by bike to work downtown, I often come home with more than I take in. Now, rather than fooling with bungie cords or hanging cumbersome plastic bags off of my handlebars, I simply unlatch the baskets and neatly place my shopping bags in them. So far I have conveniently and safely hauled such things as produce and potted plants from the farmer's market as well as bottles of wine and library books. The convenience is well worth the added weight. I love my baskets!

I think this is a wise purchase for anyone who uses their bike (rather than a gas guzzler) as a means to get around and complete common errands. One who rides merely for the sport of it, may find the extra weight too burdensome. The baskets are utilitarian in nature. Go without if you are looking for the fast and sleek ride.

The only reason I did not give a five star rating to this product has to do with the hardware that is included with the product. In order to attach the baskets to my bike rack, I had to purchase longer bolts to properly secure the braces, so keep in mind that, when it comes to hardware, one size does not fit all bike racks. After making this modification, however, I am glad to report that I am not experiencing the "rattle" that a few other customers have detailed in their reviews.

On a final note, I did benefit from reading the other reviews prior to receiving the baskets and I highly recommend others who are considering this purchase do the same. Having done so alerted me to the fact that I might need to make some hardware modifications. It also gave me insight into properly mounting the baskets; particularly the hint to place the baskets approximately 2 inches behind the rack to allow room for heel/pedal clearance. Had I not read this, I am sure I would have had to re-mount the baskets as the written instructions that come with the product does not make a note of this. So, my sincere thanks to all who posted reviews before me.

I use these baskets ALL the time. They're amazing. I recommend, though, getting a few small bungee cords to help secure things so they dont jump out over the top of your baskets, but other than that, they're quite sturdy. They are a little bit difficult to secure to the back rack, but once done you'll wonder what you had ever done without them.

This basket is reasonably sturdy and the quality of the gloss black finish is excellent. The folding design works well. It looks as if it would rattle like crazy when you're riding with it folded, but thanks to the tight retention hooks, it's quite solid. The basket's nicely sized for grocery bags.

The downside here is the same as with the other Wald products I've tried: The mounting hardware is appallingly out of date. It's English, not metric, and Wald doesn't use locknuts, only lockwashers attached to the screws (where they are useless). This is less of an issue here than it is for the other Wald products, because this one doesn't attach directly to your bike, only to the rack. Go out and buy some locknuts and you'll have no problems.

Alas, the mounting clamps are too small to fit the fatter tubing used on many modern racks. You'll probably have to use the Wald rack (or some other old-school, inexpensive rack). And that rack is well-built and sturdy, but its mounting hardware has to be adapted to fit current bikes.

These are great. I use them all the time.
You can use just one to carry things. It will not make the bicycle unbalanced.
But you must have a rear rack to attach the baskets.

These baskets are well worth the money, especially because they were alot cheaper than others i had priced. They mounted easily and work seamlessly. I thought i would have to secure them with zip ties, but they are stable enough without.

Delivered promptly and in good condition. Lightweight, more aerodynamic than panniers. Hold several bags of groceries. Very satisfied.

I use the baskets for my grocery shopping, and they have been working very well for me. They were easy to assemble, and feel sturdy--even with bags of flour and canned goods I have not felt like I was overloading them on weight. I love that the baskets fold up, it makes it so much more convenient for storage.

I am outfitting a bicycle to become my basic errand vehicle for my return to city living, and chose these as my carriers for a few reasons:

*They fold! When shut down, they collapse to about an inch thickness-- very convenient!
*Unglamorous metal framing lacks the sexy steal-appeal of voluptuous panniers
*They fit a purse, grocery bag, or school bag-- all things I'll be carrying.
*They come in a set of two, and are reasonably priced!

Once I had my rear rack on, these attached very easily with basic household tools. I had no problem installing them, but someone with very large hands may have problems. I have had no problem with rattling, and have not used any additional hardware to secure them. A tip-- I found it useful to pinch down the U-clips before screwing them on, to get rid of the gap.

They do add a bit of weight to the bike...around five pounds. My bike is no aluminum frame wondermachine, so it's not a huge difference to me, but it could be an issue for someone who wants something very easy to lift and carry.

The R-shaped mounting hardware that connects the basket to the bicycle rack needs to be reshaped to accomodate rear bike racks that have a larger diameter metal. The supplied bolts are a tad short and should be about 1/8 inch or 3mm longer.

It's easier to use some rubber tubing (cut lengthwise, inserted unto the leg of the rear bike rack to reduce noise from vibrations)) and plastic tie to mount the rest of the basket to the leg of the rear bike rack than use the supplied U-shaped bracket.

Love these baskets. They turn a bike into a very practical vehicle. Used them for years and have given them as gifts. Great for college students. Really sturdy!