If the cost of gas has inspired you to start using your bike for your weekly grocery shopping trips or daily commute then this insulated bike cooler will serve you well. Obviously during warm months, it's difficult to keep meat and dairy cool on your way home from the supermarket or to keep your lunch from spoiling on th way to work under the hot sun. The cooler solves issues like these by making sure your food stays cold while allowing you to remain eco-friendly.

Bonus tip: try to find a previously-owned cooler like the creator of this project did. You'll not only save some money, but also prevent something else from going to a landfill.

Intro: Cooler Bike Cooler
An insulated bike cooler makes an excellent addition to a shopping or commuting bike. Or, I suppose, a drinkin' & partyin' bike.

Step 1: Prepare.
First you're going to need a bike, and a cooler. I found mine at the police auction for $2, and it's a great shape for this project. See what you have lying around or can find at garage sales.

To do this the way I did, you'll also need the following:

- one bike
- one cooler. I think this is what I used: http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/ecommerce/product.jhtml?prodId=HpdProd200006&catId=HpdCat190071
- one steel right-angle bracket
- an electric drill and various bits
- something to attach the cooler onto the frame: I used the kind of brass bracket that slide bolts (for doors) slide into: see http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=73299-1277-SP1271for example. You could also use the kind of copper bracket they use to hold copper pipes against the wall.
- various bolts, screws, and bits of chain
- you might find it useful to have zip ties to temporarily hold the cooler in place while you try it out.

Follow the jump to finish building this innovative bike accessory!

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