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 |
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...
From tricked-out messengers to a rebirth of the proper satchel, men's bags are experiencing a design evolution and losing their stigma as sitcom fodder. Evolving to accomodate the gadget- (or diaper-) toting needs of the modern male, we've rounded-up 12 of our favorite daybags. Ting Small Canvas Satchel Inghua Ting set up her company in London in 2000 after graduating from the Royal College...
Highway, add a modern touch to its retro-ski jacket looks. At 15" wide, it has room enough for most laptops and a magazine or two, making it handy for urban commuters or as a carry-on. Available in blue, black, red, silver, and green (pictured) for $154 from Highway (tel. + 01 212 966 4388)....
As a judge for the Scientistic Invitational earlier this Spring I had the chance to look at some really great projects. This one, by Eddie Lee from the Art Center College of Design, was one of my favorites. The Personal Anti-theft Portable Locker draws inspiration from roly-polys, armadillos and lobsters. It has a soft inner backpack and a hard articulated shell that can be...
