In Europe bikes aren’t just used for leisurely rides or for a commute to work. In Europe, as well as many other parts of the world, bikes are used as a main form of transportation. That might not seem like a big deal, but imagine what it means for just going to the grocery store? Hauling anything that won’t fit in a shoulder bag can be an ideal. To solve the problem innovative bike makers have added baskets to bikes, and some have looked at low-tech solutions.
The Danish company, Velorbis, has announced the release of the ‘world’s strongest’ wicker basket. If you have ridden a bike with a front basket loaded down, you might have noticed how squirrelly the handling of the bike can be while riding. The new basket from Velorbis is being advertised as being able to have 15kgs (33lbs)… or the equivalent of four gallons of milk and a pound of butter.
Utilizing the company’s patent pending ‘FrameFix’ mounting bracket, the weight in the wicker basket rests on the head tube of the frame instead of swinging from the handlebar. By fixing the basket to the frame, this decreases the risk of an accident caused by the weight shifting around the basket while maneuvering through traffic. Velorbis undertook the design mission after studying stylish female Copenhagen cyclists and their needs. The ability to safely carry a couple of shopping bags and a handbag featured highly for the demographic.
There are some technical considerations need to be mentioned for those wanting to mount a Velorbis basket to their bike. The Velorbis FrameFix mounting bracket has been designed so that its height can be adjusted (up/down by 1-2 inches) once it is mounted to the frame’s head tube. It has been designed specifically for all Dutch style classic bicycles with a round steel head tube. The bracket wíll not fit on or be appropriate for racing bikes, mountain bikes, dirt bikes and BMX bikes – carbon fiber cruiser bikes need not apply. If you choose to use your own basket, it needs to be a 90 degree shape at the back to fit the Velorbis FrameFix mounting bracket (available alone without a basket). Most baskets on the market have this capability and will therefore fit the Velorbis FrameFix’s L-shaped bracket design.
There is not a wide distribution of Velorbis products in the U.S. yet, but there are a handful of retailers around. Checkout Velorbis’s website for a complete list of where to get this product that will make it a bit easier to get home with a big haul.
Velorbis framefix is designed by Flavio Deslandes, industrial designer based in Denmark.