How to Mount a Milk Crate on Bike: 3 Reliable Methods

This article describes methods for putting a milk crate on a bike with zip ties, bungee cords, bolts and nuts.
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
Bike The Site is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

A bike is one of the most owned vehicles everywhere in the world, and after a while, you’ll realize that you can use your bike to do more than just a ride around town or a race with your friends. Bicycles are used for multiple purposes, but one of the handiest a bike can offer individuals is a platform to carry loads around.

There are different methods for carrying groceries, supplies, and other heavy loads. Typically, people use backpacks, straps, and racks until they discover the cheapest and most convenient way is to use a milk crate on bike. This classical method is functional, and in this article, we shall give step-by-step instructions on how to go about it.

How to Put a Milk Crate on Your Bike: 3 Methods

Before getting into the steps for attaching a milk crate to your bike, you should make sure you have a sound bicycle system that can hold the milk crate and the loads you put in them. Females especially should look at their bikes to make and use the most comfortable. If you are interested in a comfy bike that’s cheap, you should look at the best women’s road bikes under $500.

There are three methods you can use to put a milk crate on a bike rack; each has different steps for placing them. Zip ties, bungee cords, bots, and nuts are the methods that can be used to put a milk crate on your bike.

Zip ties

This is the first and most recommended method as it is easy and only needs three materials to set up. You use zip ties, scissors, a bike rack, and a strong milk crate for this method. You can use any milk crate, but one that works well with the zip ties method and allows you to attach the milk crate to the front of the bike is the Basil Unisex Adult’s Crate.

Now that you know what materials you will need, here are the steps needed to attach a milk crate to a bicycle using zip ties:

  • The first step in installing is placing the milk crate on the bike rack and ensuring it is properly seated. Make sure it is in the middle and not too close to your saddle for comfort.
  • The next step is to use your zip ties around the grid of the crate and the metal rack. It is essential to make sure that it’s tight.
  • After this, you make sure that no extra zip lines are sticking out. If so, use the scissors to cut off excess cable lines.

Bungee cords

For this method, you will need two bungee cords Trusted Source Bungee cord - Wikipedia A bungee cord (sometimes spelled bungle; also known as a shock cord) is an elastic cord composed of one or more elastic strands forming a core, usually covered in a woven cotton or polypropylene sheath. en.wikipedia.org , one 16m long and the other 20m long. If done well, it is a quick operation, and one of the reasons people prefer this method is that it can also be easily removed.

Unlike the zip method, this is a method you can use if you need a crate for a short period. For example, if you quickly want to carry small groceries, you can attach them and remove them as soon as you’re done.

But it also has drawbacks as people have concerns that it is less secure than other methods and the bungee cords may snap.

The steps you will take to attach a milk crate using bungee cords include the following:

  • The first step is to mount the bike on a rack and ensure it is firm.
  • Thread the ends of the bungee cords through the opening of the crates.
  • Then you cross the ends of the cables under the rack and carry them through the crate.
  • Finally, you hook the two cords together and make sure it is firm.

There are many reservations about this method, but it is still a helpful method.

Bolts and nuts

How to Mount a Milk Crate on Bike: 3 Reliable Methods

The use of bolts and nuts is one of the most reliable methods to attach a milk crate to a bike. The bolts Trusted Source Bolt (fastener) - Wikipedia A bolt is a form of threaded fastener with an external male thread requiring a matching pre-formed female thread such as a nut. Bolts are very closely related to screws. en.wikipedia.org and nuts are the best way to keep the crate stable and firm, and you are entirely attaching it to your bike.

Although it can later be removed, most people who use bolts and nuts to attach their milk crates expect it to be attached for an extended period because it is pretty stressful to remove it. So as much as it is the most comfortable and durable, it is also the most complicated to install and remove.

For installation, you will need a set of bolts, nuts, metal plates, a milk crate, a screwdriver, and a wrench. Here are the steps to install your milk crate using bolts and nuts:

  • The first and essential step is placing. First, place the bike in a comfortable position and place the metal plates in the center.
  • After this, you place another metal plate with the one on top and put a bolt through it, and thread the nut.
  • When that is done, you tighten the bolt with your hands to retain its position.
  • You then use a wrench and your screwdriver to tighten the bolts and ensure it is firm.

With these steps, you can successfully install your milk crate on your bike with bolts and nuts. Remember that this method should be used if you are looking at using the milk crate for an extended period.

But before installing a milk crate on your bike, you should look at the vehicle you own. Is it strong enough to install a milk crate? If not, check out our list of best road bikes under $2000. It is a review of the best bikes if you are searching for wheels that will serve you well.

FAQ

Where to find a milk crate?

You can get a milk crate almost everywhere as they are sold on different websites, and you can have it delivered to you with ease. One of the most classic and most used is the Public Wooden Crate. It is one of the most reliable and easily accessible crates that you can attach to the front of the bike.

The best part of this crate is that it can be attached to mostly all types of bikes. You don’t need a costly bike before attaching it. Check out this compilation of the best road bikes under $500 if you want something cheap but quality.

Can I put a dog in a milk crate on a bike?

How to Mount a Milk Crate on Bike: 3 Reliable Methods

Yes, you can put a dog in a milk crate on a bike, but it is essential that you make sure that it is a milk crate in front of the bike so you can monitor and supervise it. There are different options on the market that you can use for this, but a strong and heavy crate is required, and the best option has to be the Buddeez Heavy-Duty Camo Crate, which is very durable and an all-purpose crate that will serve you for a very long time. You can easily carry your dog around in it.

Final Thoughts

These three methods of attaching milk crates to your bikes are tested and trusted, and the one you go with depends on your preference and what works well with your bicycle. Any of them will work, and the most important thing is that your bike crate is stable and firm while you ride.

The milk crate on bike is an extra attachment that can help you carry different loads, and once you start using it, you will realize its importance and usefulness. But it is important to note that you should always check if the crate is firmly put to avoid falling off or any unwanted situation.

References

1.
Bungee cord - Wikipedia
A bungee cord (sometimes spelled bungle; also known as a shock cord) is an elastic cord composed of one or more elastic strands forming a core, usually covered in a woven cotton or polypropylene sheath.
2.
Bolt (fastener) - Wikipedia
A bolt is a form of threaded fastener with an external male thread requiring a matching pre-formed female thread such as a nut. Bolts are very closely related to screws.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *