Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Bags
Basil Bassimply basketBasil Basimply II mesh basket

Basil Bassimply basket

7
by Mike Stenning
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 26, 2009

0
£26.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Well made, adaptable, if weighty basket for roadsters and town hacks
Weight: 
1,500g
Contact: 
www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Featuring a super-sturdy handlebar bracket that greatly reduces unsightly and annoying scratching of head tubes and handlebars coupled with genuine 5 litre, 5 kilo carrying capacity Basil’s Bassimply basket has to be one of the most practical and arguably likeable I’ve encountered. However, while convenient, it seems pricey compared with a single utility pannier and heavier loads can negatively impact upon handling.

Weighing a hefty 460g the sturdy adjustable stem mounted bracket is well finished if a little agricultural and accommodates stem diameters between 22 and 26mm. I managed to successfully mount ours to a substantial alloy mtb/expedition rack, converting it into a useful open grocery pannier, overcoming potential handling quirks into the bargain. However, I would recommend using a shim made from old inner tube to protect a nice stem or rack from scratches.

Rigidity is impressive - even laden to the recommended maximum - while the fitting kit is equally robust. Allen bolts ensure easy tightening - liberally greasing the threads ensured best purchase. Using this design of adjustable extension eliminates conflict when used in conjunction with a forward mounted child seat and the fitting kits are available separately for £15.99 should your fleet include two utility bikes.

Engagement/removal is very similar to Klick Fix, although it took a few practice runs before becoming second nature. The black mesh basket, although not as tactile as the old fashioned wicker type, is certainly more practical. Soft padded foam handles turn it into a very handy shopping basket off the bike whether pottering around the library or laden with a top-up food shop. However, it benefits from lining, especially if your cargo contains wine bottles or similar glassware.

Summing up, the Bassimply is undeniably better than most but with an all-up weight equal to that of some Cro-moly expedition carriers, I’d only consider pairing it with a traditional roadster.

Verdict

Well made, adaptable, if weighty basket for roadsters and town hacks

road.cc test report

Make and model: Basil Bassimply basket

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Bassimply is a practical and very sturdy basket fantastic for errands and general use and shouldn't interfere with front mounted child seats.It is very heavy and those carrying children in this fashion might be better with an open-top grocery pannier for better weight distribution.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Klck fix type bracket assembly clamps to the stem with the basket sliding into position. Allen key fixings make for easy adjustment/assembly. 5 litres and five kilo maximum capacities seem very genuine while the basket with soft coated handle is very practical around the supermarket/library etc.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Meets the design brief but can have adverse effect upon handling-especially nearing the maximum five kilo mark.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
4/10

1,500g (combined weight of basket and bracket)

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

There's no doubt the bassimply does exactly what is says on the tin and won't wilt under load, although I preferred it mounted to a sturdy rack given the impact upon steering. However, unlike cheaper models, the nicely designed bracket ensures it doesn't scratch bars or head-tubes and remains firmly attached while easily removed at will. Substantial build quality sees it laugh in the face of casual utility abuse too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Solid practical design

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Weight and the subsequent impact upon steering.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? On an old school Utility hack, maybe

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Luggage
basket
Basimply
Basil Basimply
Basil

Latest Comments