Cycling is a fun way to commute and stay fit but sometimes it can be hard to carry things with you while on two wheels. There are a few options when it comes to loading items on a bicycle, but carry baskets offers some nice advantages. Unlike backpacks, bike baskets take the weight off your shoulders and back. This in turn enhances airflow, so your back won’t necessarily be drenched in sweat after a long ride. What’s more, it becomes easier to glance over your shoulder when using a bike basket.
Before rushing out to buy a bicycle basket, you should know that there are different types available. Generally, categories are based on the type of materials used for construction. Metal bike baskets are quite popular. They are often made of tubular steel, wire mesh, or solid metal plating. These materials provide a strong and durable basket for holding large items. If you intend to carry small items, keep in mind that they could slip through wire-type baskets. However, some steel wire baskets come with close-knit mesh bottoms to mitigate this problem.
Bike baskets are also designed from a variety of natural materials. For example, wood and woven wicker twigs are popular choices. The latter material is usually made from pliable twigs of willow, which are plaited together to form a basket. They can be dyed in a variety of colors and often come with leather straps for mounting on a bicycle’s handlebar. Other natural materials used to manufacture bike baskets include seagrass, bamboo, and rattan.
Plastic is another material that makes lightweight, all-weather bike baskets. In most cases, plastic baskets are inexpensive but not as durable as the metal ones. You can also find woven plastic bike baskets, which resemble wicker designs.
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Fabric bike baskets exist as well. These baskets are usually made from waterproof canvas and can be inserted into a wire mesh frame in order to have shape. Some designs may feature zippers, which can be very helpful when trying to keep contents dry while cycling in the rain.
The last bit of information that any buyer should know about bike baskets is that there are two mounting options. Front-mounted baskets often attach to the handlebars and/or front fork. On the other hand, rear-mounted baskets usually attach behind a rider’s seat or frame on the back wheel.
Armed with the knowledge provided above, you can now start to look into various bike baskets with a good idea of what to expect. This guide will provide some suggestions to help you make an easy buying decision. We will list the top best bike baskets that have earned the highest ratings from buyers. Read on to get the inside scoop on some of the leading brands and get to pick a bike basket with confidence.
10. Ohuhu Front Handlebar Bicycle Lift Off Basket
Enjoy convenient shopping with the Ohuhu lift-off bicycle basket. This removable basket comes with carrying handles, allowing you to carry it right into the store. Its foam coated hooks and Velcro strap will not scratch your handlebars. These attachments allow for easy installation and detachment that can take place in seconds.
This bike basket is manufactured from steel wire. The special plastic coating on the metal wires prevents rust and gives this basket a waterproof design. At the bottom, a mesh base helps to contain small, loose objects.
09. Sunlite Standard Mesh Bottom Lift-Off Basket
Looking for carrying baskets that can match your bike? The Sunlite standard basket increases your odds by offering a dozen eye-catching colors from which to choose. This front-mounted basket is made from powder-coated steel wire that will resist rust. Its meshed bottom makes it possible to carry small items without worrying about them falling through the open wire spaces. The basket has handles and detaches from the basket bracket, which makes it ideal for grocery shopping.
08. ProSource Wicker Front Bike Basket
This Nantucker-style front bike basket was designed for cruiser and comfort bikes. It is made using traditional wicker twigs, which are tightly woven into a sturdy basket. The basket features a weather-resistant coating that helps it stand up to the elements. Provided straps also facilitate fast and easy installation to your bike’s handlebar.
07. Schwinn Wire Basket with Quick Release Mechanism
Easily carry your luggage on the front of your bike with the Schwinn quick release basket for adult bikes. Made from steel mesh, this lightweight basket will hold your belongings in a medium-sized cage. Tiny items remain secure inside the basket thanks to its mesh design. Additionally, the quick release feature lets you transition from bike to a shopping basket in a matter of seconds. Included with your purchase of this Schwinn bike basket is a bracket with mounting hardware as well.
06. Wald 582 Folding Rear Bicycle Basket
The Wald 582 bicycle basket comes in black, chrome silver, or white color choices. It mounts easily on the back of an adult-sized bicycle and allows you to carry two bags filled with groceries. However, this metal wire basket is not ideal for carrying little items because of its relatively large openings. You can unmount it from your bike, but the lack of carrying handles would make it awkward to handle. As an added bonus, the Wald 582 rear bike basket folds up when not in use.
05. Solvit Tagalong Pet Bicycle Basket
Take your dog with you on bike rides with the Solvit Tagalong pet bike basket. This basket was specifically designed to go on the front handlebars so that your pet is always in sight. It can accommodate pets that weigh up to 13 pounds. A leash attachment is provided for your dog’s harness in addition to the sunshade cover that keeps pets cool and comfortable on hot days.
Materials used in the construction of this Solvit pet bike basket strike a good balance between style and comfort. The body is made from interwoven synthetic Rattan wicker, which is weather-resistant and attractive to look at. For the basket interior, Solvit used cozy faux-sheepskin lining that can be removed and washed.
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04. Schwinn Girl’s Bicycle Lighted Basket
If you have decided to buy your daughter a bike, customize her ride with this cool carry basket. The Schwinn girl’s bicycle basket features motion-activated flowers that light up. Its reflective properties improve safety when your little one is cycling in low light conditions. Schwinn offers this basket in one size but it fits most handlebars. The adjustable straps also make installation effortless.
03. Sunlite Classic Flower Basket, White
Crafted from a finely woven type of plastic, the Sunlite Classic Flower bike basket for kids is designed to last. The synthetic weave material is weather-resistant, so you can expect it to hold up to the scorching sun or rain.
Young girls will find this bike basket appealing due to the brightly colored flower embellishments attached to the front. However, these flowers can be removed to make the bike more appealing to boys. The basket comes in two size options to fit different bike frames. Included in the package are a couple of plastic straps for attaching the basket to a bike’s handlebar.
02. Wald 157 Giant Delivery Basket
Perfect for adult bikes, the Wald 157 front-mounted bicycle basket measures 21(L) x 15(W) x 9(H) inches. This generously sized basket is built on stout steel wire. It offers a large compartment for carrying heavy loads. Along with the basket, Wald also supplies stout legs that bolt into the front fork. Extra holes at the bottom provide multiple mounting options as well. With the heavy-duty handlebar clamps, the basket remains tight on the bike and doesn’t move while riding.
01. Sunlite Rack Top Wire Basket
The Sunlite rack top wire basket is one of the few rears mounted models that made it on our list of top 10 best bike baskets and with good reason. This basket is made of top quality steel with powder coating finish to prevent rust.
To facilitate fast and easy assembly, the basket comes complete with mounting plates and hardware. Perfect for carrying large items, the basket measures 13 x 16 x 8 inches in size. However, the spaced welded wire mesh design makes this bike basket unsuitable for carrying small items.
Which Bike Basket Should You Choose?
The top best bike baskets listed above offer a wide range of prices to suit any budget. However, there is more to choosing bicycle baskets than just considering the price. As you read about the features of various bike baskets, it is important to identify which designs would best serve your needs.
Think about what you intend to carry while cycling. This can be anything from groceries and school books, to pets or laundry. If you intend to transport a small dog or cat, consider bike baskets that come with a lid, leash, or harness that will stop your four-legged companion from jumping out unexpectedly.
To cart groceries home from the supermarket, a removable, waterproof bike basket with handles, zippers, or lid should come in handy. A lock could be a great addition to your bike basket if you are going to leave your bike unattended. Alternatively, opt for baskets that detach from the bike. This makes it easy to bring your personal belongings with you when leaving the bike locked up in a parking lot.
Lastly, it is important to decide which mounting option you prefer in a bike basket. If you are the type of rider that wants easy access, a front bike basket is a way to go. Ideally, the basket’s opening should be wide enough so that you can easily insert or extract whatever items you intend to carry on the bike.
In most cases, front-mounted bike baskets tend to be small. Much of this has to do with the fact that front baskets attach to the handlebars and thus carrying heavy loads can throw the bike’s handling off balance. Some front baskets may feature an attachment at the base that connects to the front fork in order to improve stability.
Such baskets might improve handling but still, it is not practical to carry heavy loads in front of your bike. In addition, heaping too large of a load in a front basket could obstruct your vision. Baskets that mount on the backside of your bicycle may not be the most easily accessible but they are the best when carrying heavy items.
Such baskets tend to be large and present no vision obstruction problems for the rider. They also keep cargo low on a bicycle, which in turn lowers the center of gravity and improves stability.
