The Chainlink

Milkcrate alternatives and odds of bike getting stolen

I love my milkcrate.  It carries all kinds of things for me--including my groceries and a commuting backpack--and I don't have to bring it with me when I get somewhere.
 
 
However, I've decided it's time to move on from my hybrid to a road bike.  In my "next bike" dreams, I've always wanted a road bike with a high top tube because that would make carrying the bike (which I do regularly) much easier.  Now that it's hit me that the reality of a high top tube means nixing my milkcrate (because I can't get on if I have both), I'm not so sure.
 
 
The best alternative to my milkcrate that I've thought of so far would be a combination of a collapsible side basket and using my rack with bungee cords.  At this point, I think my biggest hangup is that the collapsible side baskets I've seen (which isn't many) are so narrow.  You can't fit more than a paper shopping bag, and they definitely won't fit my reusable grocery bag.
 
 
At some point I have to make the choice about what's more important to me (high top tube vs. milkcrate), but I wondered what ideas other people have about this.
 
 
I did not realize how much I love my milkcrate until I started contemplating not having it!
 
 
Also, when I was looking at a used roadbike, the guy selling it told me he thought it would be more of a target for being stolen.  We're talking a used Raleigh Road bike that was less old than my 20 year old Raleigh hybrid.  What do you think about that?
 
 
My theory is that if someone REALLY wants to steal any given bike, they'll do it, and I can live with that fact of life.  Beyond that, the most I can do is make sure my bike and the things on my bike are harder to steal than some of the other bike options on the street.  Again, let's say we're talking about a used Raleigh road bike in Chicago, do you really think the chances of it getting stolen would go up that much from my current Raleigh hybrid?  There are so many factors involved in making a blanket statement like that, but the comment spooked me.
 
 
Then again, the guy also lives in the burbs, so I'm not sure I should take him seriously on that sort of a comment anyway.
 
 
Thanks for your thoughts!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mollie on December 2, 2012 at 9:03am

Also, any recommendations on how to get one if I go this route?

Mollie said:

Thanks...I'll definitely have to look into a soda crate.

Bikefreeek said:

A soda crate is a much better option than a milk crate IMO. It'll fit your back pack or messenger bag very well, it's a larger platform than a milk crate so it'll carry more, and it's much easier to swing your leg over. You will have to bungie things well (such as grocery bags), but it has enough of sides that things wont scoot off if secured properly.

If you're concerned about swinging your leg over when fully loaded step off of the curb when you're on the sidewalk and the bike is in the street. The extra 6+ inches of curb is more than enough to mount when loaded.

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on December 2, 2012 at 11:51am

Check the allies behind convenience stores. They're often found where milk crates are.

Mollie said:

Also, any recommendations on how to get one if I go this route?

Mollie said:

Thanks...I'll definitely have to look into a soda crate.

Bikefreeek said:

A soda crate is a much better option than a milk crate IMO. 

Permalink Reply by Reba 4.0 mi on December 2, 2012 at 12:25pm

(from vxla's photo stream on flickr) 

This is also my solution to the milkcrate issue. 

1. I'm short - 5'1 with a 27 1/2 inseam and even in the smallest, 44mm size bike with a slightly slanted top bar (I recently got a new Torker Graduate), I can't comfortably get my leg over the handlebars or a milkcrate. 

2. I like being able to more securely balance my load and not fuss with tying things down. And I've ridden short distances with these bags stuffed full, not folded over in good weather. 

The panniers were an investment; I got the largest size. But they absolutely stay dry even in a downpour, and I like the fact that they simply come off and are easily carried anywhere with a shoulder strap. The only thing you'll leave on your bike when locking up is your rack. 

just my two cents!

Permalink Reply by El Dorado on December 2, 2012 at 2:28pm

The milk crate itself could be a target for theft. As I have noticed that the "professional panhandlers" on Michigan Ave. and in the Uptown area seem to use them.

Permalink Reply by Mollie on December 2, 2012 at 4:09pm

It's an acceptable risk, but in almost three years, no one's touched it.  People will throw crap in there, but no one's tried to steal it.  And if they do so be it.  

Bikefreeeek, I am probably one of the few people who bought my milk crate (at a thrift store).  =)  I'll keep an eye out for soda crates.  

El Dorado said:

The milk crate itself could be a target for theft. As I have noticed that the "professional panhandlers" on Michigan Ave. and in the Uptown area seem to use them.

Permalink Reply by Mollie on December 2, 2012 at 4:13pm

Thanks, Reba.  It's nice to get confirmation on the front handles option of getting on.  I'll try it, but I don't think it's physically likely for me.  

My main hangup with panniers is that you have to take them with you when you get somewhere.  Usually that happens anyway, but not always for me.  They're definitely a really good option for a lot of cyclists, and I'm glad that they work for you.

Also, I really appreciate your perspective as another short lady cyclist!

Reba said:

(from vxla's photo stream on flickr) 

This is also my solution to the milkcrate issue. 

1. I'm short - 5'1 with a 27 1/2 inseam and even in the smallest, 44mm size bike with a slightly slanted top bar (I recently got a new Torker Graduate), I can't comfortably get my leg over the handlebars or a milkcrate. 

2. I like being able to more securely balance my load and not fuss with tying things down. And I've ridden short distances with these bags stuffed full, not folded over in good weather. 

The panniers were an investment; I got the largest size. But they absolutely stay dry even in a downpour, and I like the fact that they simply come off and are easily carried anywhere with a shoulder strap. The only thing you'll leave on your bike when locking up is your rack. 

just my two cents!

Permalink Reply by william on December 2, 2012 at 7:56pm
yo mollie -- if you want my wald foldable basket, send me a message (this website doesnt work well w/ my phone so I can send you one). later.

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