Well now, mt-ac......
A little history lesson? In the 1800's, it was very fashionable in Paris and throughout Europe to ride your bicycle on cross country jaunts. However, after leaving the confines of the cities, one on a bike could encounter 2 rather nasty opponents: Robbers waiting in the brush, or numerous rabid dogs. In order to combat this, various French and Belgian arms makers made small size, but large caliber revolvers. (usually .44) The best place to keep these handguns for easy access? Up in the front "handbasket" mounted between the front handlebars. So, if a highwayman or rabid dog approached the bicyclist, you could THEN, 'send them to hell in a handbasket." Or so the story goes.......