The 10 Best Bike Baskets
Special Honors
Electra Rattan Pannier These double saddle baskets mount on your rear rack, making it easy to take your gear anywhere, whether it’s books, drinks, snacks, or beach towels. They’re made from a natural reed material and are mounted with leather straps that buckle. With a saddle width of 6-1/4 inches wide, they will fit a standard rear rack. trekbikes.com
Axiom Cycling Gear Axiom makes a bunch of great biking equipment, and while their baskets are a tad bit pricey, they're among the most well-made on the market. We especially like that both the front and rear designs come with integrated headlights. axiomgear.com
Editor's Notes
June 18, 2021:
Just a couple changes here. Our previous kids' option was out of stock, so we've replaced it with the Yehteh Wicker Kid's, which comes in 2 colors and is as durable as a rambunctious young rider could need. The Mattisam Handlebar Bag is a new addition, because we needed a zippered, insulated recommendation, and this one's perfect for picking up some frosty beverages from the store without warming them up on the ride home.
March 28, 2020:
These bike baskets are convenient for stowing anything from groceries to books to food and beverages, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet your needs and personality. In this update, we added in the Axiom City DLX, an attractive, wicker-style model that, unlike many, comes with a convenient carrying handle and detaches easily. These features enable it to go from your bike to inside the market with ease. It withstands water and won’t fade from being in the sun all day, and is backed by a generous lifetime warranty.
We moved the Nantucket Bicycle Basket Co. Lightship into the top spot on the list. Another wicker-style model, it’s hand-woven with rattan cane, which provides a touch of elegance, along with the leather straps. It’s big enough to hold a small helmet and is available in either a half-moon shape or an oval one. From the same manufacturer, the Nantucket Bicycle Basket Co. Surfside is a wire basket designed to let your little one carry a few of their favorite treasures. It attaches easily to the front handlebars with two hooks, so kids can remove it easily and carry it by the handle. It’s available in a variety of colors, like pink, white, blue, gray, and turquoise.
For other models geared toward kids, look to the Colorbasket Junior, which also comes in a nice variety of color options and is designed not to fade in the sun or splinter the way some others do. It can hold a good amount of gear and stays securely fastened with two leather straps. The Schwinn Lighted will help ensure your child stays visible in low-light conditions, as its three motion-activated flowers light up brightly. It’s got enough room for a drink, a snack, and a small toy or two.
For a rear-mounted bike basket, look to the Topeak Trolley Tote, which you can remove and take with you into the market or shopping mall, thanks to its built-in wheels and telescoping handle. It’s got a place on the back where a light or a reflector can be attached for added flexibility. The frame is also conveniently collapsible for storage.
In this update, we removed the Solvit Tagalong Pet Bicycle Basket amidst reports it can slide around rather easily on the handlebars, once installed.
Why Purchase A Basket For Your Bicycle?
Similarly, any professional with a bicycle should look into buying a basket.
Besides adding stylish flair to your ride, bicycle baskets are also incredibly useful. Here are a few reasons you might want to consider investing in a new bike basket.
If you're a student, you have a ton of books and supplies to haul to and from class each day. Instead of toting an overloaded backpack and enduring the associated aches and pains, carry your things in a bicycle basket. With a basket, the physical burden of your gear is transferred from your back to the bike, allowing you to move around efficiently and comfortably.
Similarly, any professional with a bicycle should look into buying a basket. Riding a bike to work (or anywhere, for that matter) as opposed to driving a car is great for your health and can help reduce your carbon footprint. There are plenty of baskets out there designed to keep your possessions safe and protected from the elements, so you can pack up everything from electronics to lunch with peace of mind.
If committing to riding a bike to work each day is too much for you, why not compromise by completing local errands on your bicycle? With a basket, you will be able to pick up dinner, drop off mail, and so much more. Even if you don't have the time (or energy) to take your bike everywhere, there are tons of creative ways to get yourself riding more often. A basket makes it possible to use your bike for tasks that would normally require a car.
Professional couriers can benefit from using bike baskets, too. Anyone who has to transport goods or documents for a living would be served well by a carefully designed basket. The right product will ensure your packages remain secure throughout the ride, no matter the conditions.
It should also be noted that traveling with a bicycle basket can make your trip safer. A heavy bag slung over your shoulder can throw off your balance and put you at greater risk of suffering an accident. Basically, it makes much more sense to ride with all of your belongings tucked away on the bike rather than in your arms.
Riding your bike instead of using a personal car is good for the environment. As long as you have a basket, you'll be able to get everything done that you thought you needed a car to do. And, if you happen to be a pet owner, there are baskets crafted specifically for the purpose of transporting your furry friend.
The points mentioned here should provide you plenty of motivation to begin your hunt for a basket. Plus, riding a bike is just plain fun. A basket also makes it possible for you to cart your stuff around town without the hassle of having to look for a parking spot once you arrive at your destination.
What To Look For In A Bike Basket
With so many bicycle baskets on the market, finding the perfect one can be a challenge. Review the following common features to get a better idea of the type of basket that will be right for your needs.
Metal baskets are durable and have a minimalist appearance.
First, think about the construction. Most baskets are made from materials like rattan or metal, though there are plastic and canvas varieties, too. Rattan baskets have old-school charm and are perfect for transporting basic items like food and books. Metal baskets are durable and have a minimalist appearance. If you live in a region that experiences frequent rain, a plastic option won't rust or damage with exposure to moisture. Those who intend to transport fragile items might settle on a canvas option that can zip closed.
Anyone who transports food regularly should search for a basket that has built-in insulation. This is an especially important note if you deliver meals professionally.
You'll notice that most of the baskets available feature one large, main compartment. This style of basket is popular because you can just throw all your stuff in and get going. For more storage options, choose a model that has separate compartments. Baskets made from canvas often sport multiple pockets, so you can keep your smaller items separate from the main contents of the basket.
Other aspects to review include how the basket installs. Some products have leather buckles that are simple to adjust, while others require hardware and tools to attach properly. If you plan on biking across rugged terrain with delicate items in your basket, go for one that installs securely. There's nothing worse than arriving at point B with a basket full of broken goods.
Tips For Bike Safety And Maintenance
If you're shopping for a bike basket, you probably already know a thing or two about how to keep your ride in good working order. The following are a few safety and maintenance tips for everyone else.
Always make sure your brakes are working properly. It may seem like a silly question, but when was the last time you tested your bike to see that it stops as it should? Before each trip, test your brake mechanism to confirm it's functioning correctly.
Many of the problems you'll encounter as a cyclist can be remedied with a little bit of elbow grease right at home.
The second thing you'll want to check on a regular basis is your tire pressure. It would be wise to invest in a pump if you haven't already done so. Otherwise, you'll have to drag your inoperable bike to the gas station each time you need to fill the tires.
You should monitor your bicycle's chain, as well. If you use your bike regularly, the chain's lubrication will inevitably wear off, resulting in a not-so-smooth ride. Lubricants are easy to apply and are quite affordable, too, so there's really no excuse not to perform this simple maintenance on a monthly basis.
Keep a bicycle repair kit nearby. Many of the problems you'll encounter as a cyclist can be remedied with a little bit of elbow grease right at home. Instead of taking your bike to the shop, you can fix it yourself as long as you have the right tools on hand.
There you have it: a few straightforward tips to keep your bike in top condition. With this knowledge, you can confidently tour the town without having to worry about a malfunctioning bike.