My 2 cents: I have always had a rack and panniers on the back of Gertrude (my 30+-year-old Raleigh 3-speed). Because it's directly bolted to and supported by the rear axle, a rack can support a surprising amount of weight -- I've strapped a box on the back and carried full loads of groceries, or a dozen library books. You do have to watch your balance with a heavy load because it's top-heavy, but the bike itself has no problem with it.
A front basket, IMHO, is mostly good for things you need to keep an eye on or be able to grab quickly while riding (valuables, for instance, if they aren't in a backpack). It won't hold as much as rear baskets, and you can't put anything tall into it because it blocks your vision.
So it depends on what and how much you think you will want to carry with you when you're bicycling.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2010-08-05 03:59 pm (UTC)A front basket, IMHO, is mostly good for things you need to keep an eye on or be able to grab quickly while riding (valuables, for instance, if they aren't in a backpack). It won't hold as much as rear baskets, and you can't put anything tall into it because it blocks your vision.
So it depends on what and how much you think you will want to carry with you when you're bicycling.