In my last post in this series I noted that I had successfully installed my PURCHASED front basket, however this led to a big problem for someone who often commutes in the dark - handlebar mounted headlights are rendered ineffective when placing contents in the basket. But thanks to inspiration from previous posts on this blog, I had a relatively easily solution. I proceeded through what one might call a Goldilocks and the Three Bears progression.
I thought about this solution, which I had spotted on a bike on the mean streets of NYC back in the day - nice, but reaching the light while riding would not be natural or easy . . .

I then thought about this bikecommuters.com inspired idea - two lights is a concept I liked very much . . . but when using a bungee net to secure contents in the basket, the straps and lights might not get along due to the lights being close to the "loading/strap zone" . . .

So I settled for the best of both - keeping the lights under the basket means they stay out of the way of strapping things in, and keeping the lights off to the sides means I can reach them easily while riding. I chose plumping clamps as the means to secure the PVC pipe to the basket.

I love this solution as well due to the fact that you never know when your batteries are going to give up on you. Yes, you can carry extra batteries with you, but then you have to stop and put them in. Now, if one light goes out I have the other. Also, I can use a combination of modes if I like - I can have one set to constant and the other set to blink. Or if it's really dark or the surface is really challenging, I can set both to the high constant setting.

To get the fit of the light mounts just right, I used some gaffer tape - not matching of course as I want my bike to be as offensive to the eyes as possible.

You might think the story is over, but after cutting the PVC pipe to the desired length I had some left over. This got me to thinking, "What might I use the extra pipe for?" I did come up with something and guesses in comments based upon this previous picture of my bike are welcome . . .

. . . and those who leave a comment will be considered for a bikehacks.com sticker giveaway.

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