Cool Hunting
If you've ever walked through Manhattan's Union Square green market early in the morning, you might have noticed the jury-rigged bicycles chefs use to transport their produce purchases. Cycling city streets with a cargo platform, though, is not a task to be taken lightly. With spring just around the corner and nature's bounty soon spilling into markets nationwide, we thought a timely round-up of handy bicycle baskets most appropriate.
Top on the list is the Basil Blossom Basket (right). A throwback design that uses recyclable fiber in place of traditional wicker, the $37 basket features steel construction, carrying straps, and suspension hooks for a handlebar or rear-rack mount. It's available from Velo Orange.

For artisan enthusiasts, the Hershberger Baker's Basket (above left), at $65, will satisfy on many fronts. Made by an Amish family in rural Minnesota, the large basket is based on those used by old European bakers. Because of its size, it's recommended that one pair this with a front rack.
Reisenthel has been making inroads here in the U.S. through sites like Reusable Bags. All of their market baskets are comprised of a fold-down lightweight aluminum frame and a polyester covering. Sadly, their smart handlebar mount bag (above right) isn't available stateside. Nevertheless, you can purchase through the company's online shop for €60.
We couldn't help but include the lacy plastic Carrie (left) by Marie-Louise Gustafsson for Design House Stockholm. It may be a bit decorative, but the rugged material and carrying strap meld form and function, making it a no-brainer for market use. It's available in black, white or green for $55 at Scandinavian Grace or in green only for $60 at MoMA.
Finally, for those who find a front load basket too cutesy, and prefer a no bones about it style, there are a handful of simple wire baskets produced by the Kentucky-based company Wald. Oh, and if you need heritage, they've been in business for a hundred years. Rivendell Bicycle Works has a nice model (below right) for $20. Lash it to a rear rack and be sure to use a net, or you'll be losing that wild arugula on your way home.

Also, in the less-is-more category, the Swedish Lift-off Bicycle Basket (above left) hooks over handlebars and features a handle, making it easily adaptable for use in the market as well. The vinyl coated metal will protect it from weather and the cost is a reasonable $40. It's available online from Kiosk.
|
previous entry Tom Schmelzer: More Meat on the Bone |
next entry AMP Winter '08 |
by Rachel Felder Wheelies dominate airports everywhere, but a rolling case with tricked-out inserts, a sleek black finish, quirky dimensions and a wide flat top to sit out delays? For that, you'll need a backstage pass to a fashion show. M.A.C. Cosmetics recently commissioned Züca to create the Cadillac of their spacious rolling cases, a matte black version with the company's logo and a...
Hawaiian-born fashion designer Alexandra Cassaniti takes her surf style to the street with a silk-screen printed bicycle bag. Adding a touch of style, the unisex adjustable bag is fastened to your handlebars by two leather straps while a sturdy zipper keeps your contents secure inside the pouch. Available in Cassaniti's original "Striped" or "Hairy" patterns, the 100% cotton, limited-edition bags are handmade in Minnesota....
Cycling the streets of New York poses its own unique set of problems, not the least of which is finding gear that doesn't make you look like a rolling advertisement. Fortunately, there are a few emerging brands that recognize the value in creating stylish, classic apparel with discrete branding. The British company Rapha develops high-performance clothing and accessories for the most demanding road racers...
With the new Covert model, Timbuk2 expands on their classic three-panel messenger design with a few interesting twists. Namely, the fabric appears normal in daylight but it's specially engineered to be amazingly reflective in the dark, making wearers perfectly visible and, curiously, not very covert. (Click image to see the fabric in detail.)With a modified design, the San Francisco-based company appeals to bike messengers,...
From the gas-guzzling to the eco-chic, the following are Cool Hunting's favorite alternatives to transporting yourself and your precious belongings—whether for a jaunt around town, cross-country or overseas. Aptera Developed over the past five years, the Aptera, a three-seat automobile that gets 230 miles per gallon, is finally available to reserve. Three-wheeled and pod-like, the Jetson-like automobile is what I thought cars would look like...
Other than its elegant good looks, the main appeal of Jorg&Olif's new Dutch-style Scout bike is an upright frame that makes for a more proper way to get around town. What better way to accessorize than to add one of their coordinating bags? As a special promotion for the first 25 Cool Hunting readers to pre-order a Scout, Jorg&Olif will include one of their...
