Wald 139 and 137 are not only different in size but also in function. I’ll compare both models and go over the major differences in this post so you can make an educated decision on selecting your next front basket.
First, let me be clear about the basket model numbers. Wald 139 is actually referring to the new 1392 basket. There’s no difference in size between the 139 and the 1392. Wald made some updates to how the basket is attached to the handlebar and decided to call it the 1392. Same thing for the 137 and 1372 model numbers. Everyone still refers to these baskets by their “old” model numbers 137 and 139.
OK, now that I have that out of the way, let’s talk about the difference in size between the two models.
The Wald 137 is significantly smaller than the 139. Easy, 7 < 9, thus 137 is smaller than 139. But how much smaller?
Well, the 137 is 13 in x 8 in (330 mm x 200 mm) at the bottom of the basket but it opens up to 15 in x 10 in at the top. The basket is about 4.75 in (120 mm) deep. While the Wald 139 is 15.75 in x 10.5 in (400 mm x 266 mm) and 6 in (150 mm) deep. This makes the 139’s footprint 50% bigger than its smaller sibling.
Here’s a nicely formatted table with the specs:
| Model | Width | Length | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wald 137 | 13 in (330 mm) | 8 in (200 mm) | 4 3/4 in (120 mm) |
| Wald 139 | 15 3/4 in (400 mm) | 10 1/2 in (266 mm) | 6 (150 mm) |
Alright, but what can you fit inside these baskets?
Lots of beer!
Personally, I use the Wald 139. I use it for commuting to work, buying groceries, and running errands around town.
On a typical commute day, I carry a computer bag, a full change of clothes, travel toiletries, travel towel, a thin rain jacket (depending on the weather), and snacks/lunch. It all fits in the Wald 139 with room to spare.
It is possible to carry a laptop inside the Wald 137, but one would probably have to ditch the computer bag to have room left for other items. The 137 is perfect for carrying a tablet computer though. I’m also able to carry a full change of clothes, toiletries, travel towel, snacks, and sundries on the 137. This is similar to what you would carry during a basketpacking outing.
How about a trip to the grocery store?
I took the picture below during a summerly grocery stop on a Friday afternoon.
That’s a six pack, a four pack, a bottle of wine (you can barely spot the brown bag in front of the four pack), and room for chips and salsa (if I had remembered to buy them) on the Wald 139.
Surprisingly enough, you can haul just as much beer, chips, and salsa on the Wald 137 if you “forget” to buy wine for your significant other.
Based on the pictures above, you can see easily fit two six-packs inside the Wald 137. Please mind that I have no affiliation with these breweries. I just happen to think about size/volume in terms of how many beers I can carry at once.
Here’s another photo of the Wald 137 and the Wald 139, this time, compared to a famous tablet device manufactured by a fruit-named company. This is the 9.7 inch version of said tablet device.
And finally, both baskets outfitted with the Rolltop Basket/Rack Bag. I made sure to line up the back of both baskets for size comparison fairness.
Feel free to leave comments down below if you have any other questions about the two different sizes.
Thank you for writing this very informative comparison!
this is super helpful…
Thanks. Good to know it’s helpful.
GREAT article! Really helpful. I am off to get a 139 and at least two six packs!
Yes! I like how you think.
How does the new handlebar attachment work, I was just wondering because the old attachment was nice and solid on my 1392.
The handlebar attachment is now made of two pieces, as opposed to the old U-shape attachment – making it easier to install. It is also sturdier than the old one. If the old one worked well on your bike, the new one is going to work just as well, if not better.
What do they weigh?
Hi Morten, that’s a tough question to answer. It really depends on the hardware you use to attach the baskets to your bike. The 139 basket is attached to my bike and I don’t have a way to weigh it but the 137 I have weighs 650g (no hardware, just the basket alone). The beer is much heavier than that 🙂
Hi
Would you say either is suitable for putting on the rear carrier?
Or do you think they are too big?
Hi Sarah, some people use milk crates on the back of their bikes so I don’t think the baskets would be too big. It all depends on what you want to carry and what kind of riding you plan on doing.
Cheers
I’m extremely grateful for this article
Glad to hear!
Thank you great information given on both basket sizes. Do you think the 139 would hold up a dog? I have a Dotson she’s short, weighing 15-20 lbs.
Hi Marina, not sure about its dog carrying abilities but a six-pack of beer weighs around 7 pounds and as you can see from the pictures, I have carried more than 2 six-packs at a time with no problem. Keep in mind that I use a rack with my Wald baskets, which makes it a lot sturdier than just using the included hardware.
Probably a good idea to ask Wald if the included hardware they send with the baskets has a weight limit.
I’m super interested in an olive 139 bag, are you restocking soon or taking pre-orders?
Hi Brian, I’m working on a large batch of bags and will be restocking soon (2 weeks max). I also accept pre-orders. If interested in pre-ordering, you can send me a message through the contact form so I can have your email and shipping address.
Thanks, exactly the info I was after while researching which of these 2 Wald products is better for my needs.