The 7 Best Bike Baskets To Buy In 2023

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If you’re in a hurry and want to know what the best bike basket is, then I recommend the Retrospec Bicycles Steel Apollo Bike Basket to be the best overall option.

This is the review for the best bike basket in 2023.

The bike’s basket is one of the most critical attachments if you use your bike consistently.

With all the options on the market, finding a suitable bike basket that would appeal to your needs can be a pretty daunting task! But that’s what this article hops in for the rescue!

I’ve taken my time researching and testing multiple options on the market to help you save countless hours trying to find the right one, and I’ll share all this information with you!

If you want to know:

  • The best overall bike basket
  • The best bike basket for each style
  • The best bike basket for various purposes and sizes
  • Things to keep in mind while shopping for a bike basket

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s jump right in!

Best Bike Basket Overview

Brief Reviews of the 6 Best Bike Baskets on the Market

Retrospec Bicycles Steel Apollo Bike Basket – Best Overall

Kicking off the list with my overall best recommendation for a bike basket. What I like about the Retrospec Apollo bike basket is how durable and well-designed the basket is all the while being not too pricey for the average buyer.

At first glance, it looked like any other metal basket. However, upon further inspection, the basket really showed its quality!

This basket is made of solid steel that is coated with molded plastic. This protects the steel from the elements and makes the basket decently comfortable if you want to have a ride with your pet on board!

The basket is quite easy to fit using a hook and velcro tape without needing any tools for the attachment process. Yet, you can also detach the basket and use the removable handle to use it as a standalone basket.

I also liked that the basket comes in a variety of unique colors, such as moss green, pink, and lavender.

Pros

  • Highly durable construction with a plastic coating for protection and added comfort
  • Has removable handles to the product as a separate basket
  • Available in a variety of unique colors.

Cons

  • You might need to replace the velcro tape with a stronger one after time

ANZOME Bike Basket – Best Fabric Bike Basket

Fabric bike baskets are highly popular nowadays because they’re super comfy for our little furry friends.

They’re also highly versatile and won’t add too much weight to the bike when they’re empty like other baskets.

This fabric basket is made of oxford canvas, which is the same material used to make tactical backpacks.

The material is known for its durability, water resistance, and ruggedness against the elements of weather. This makes it a nice shelter for your pet if the wind is strong.

The basket also comes with a front pocket to keep additional items and is capable of hauling up to 11 lbs.

The only drawback of the product is that I found it a little difficult to install, especially when you first try it. The instructions are a little confusing and you might need to make a few adjustments to make it stable but it gets easier when you get the hang of it.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Foldable and highly practical
  • Rugged and waterproof, which makes it easy to clean

Cons

  • A little tricky when you first put attach it to the bike

MEIEM Front Handlebar Wicker Bike Basket – Best Classic Wicker Basket

If you have a beach cruiser bike and you want to fit it with a classic wicker-style basket, you should consider this one!

What made me pick this bike basket is that it has a spacious half-circle design, so it looks nice while having an ample interior.

The basket is made of natural wicker, so there are some minor dents and bumps here and there, but nothing too serious or affects the performance of the basket.

The design of the bike basket allows it to fit on the front of most standard bikes out there. You attach it to the handlebar using two synthetic leather straps with buckles for easy adjustment, which makes it both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

The wicker is decently comfortable and the gaps between the willow are small enough. It also doesn’t have sharp pieces sticking out that may hurt your pet.

The basket comes in both white and natural willow colors, although this one seemed a little too orange for me.

Pros

  • Ideal for beach cruiser bikes
  • Highly adjustable and easy to mount and remove with straps
  • Comes in natural and white colors

Cons

  • The leather straps may get a bit flimsy with consistent use

Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Rack Basket – Best Bag-Style Basket

The Bushwhacker Omaha Bike Basket has caught my attention due to its unique design. The rear basket is composed of two separate compartments that are attached to the rack using a metal S hook.

The basket seems sturdy and stable while cycling. Also, when equally filled, the even distribution provides stability to the bike without affecting your control on the bike.

The basket is made of oxford fabric and polyester mesh, which provide both visibility and aeration of the compartments.

Although they tend to retain their shape, you can easily collapse them when they’re not in use. They also have bungee straps with clips to prevent them from reopening when you’re on the road.

The basket compartment is designed so that it doesn’t bow down when it’s loaded with groceries, so it shouldn’t get caught in the spokes of the rear wheel. Yet, the bikes are a bit bouncy when they’re empty.

Pros

  • Ideal for hauling heavy groceries
  • Stable when loaded with items
  • Foldable design that can be stabilized with bungee straps

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Schwinn Wire Basket for Bikes with Quick Release – Easiest Detachable Basket

For those who like shopping from a local market, you’ll need to take the bike’s basket on and off regularly. In that case, you need a solution that allows you to quickly attach and detach the bike, all the while staying stable while cruising around the block.

Schwinn is one of the most reputable bike makers on the planet, and they’re known for introducing some excellent innovations for bike lovers. In my opinion, I’ve found that this wire basket is the easiest to detach and return without hassle.

The basket comes with mounting hardware that is installed permanently on the bike. On the other half, you can instantly attach and remove the bike using a ratchet lock.

The basket itself is made of coated metal, which resists corrosion and stands the best of time. The basket has a collapsible handle, so you can easily carry it around while shopping.

The only issue I’ve found with this basket was its weight limit. The basket is quite large and seems like it can fit a lot. However, the maximum functional weight the mounting hardware can support is around 5 to 6 lbs.

Pros

  • Easily attached and released with a mounting hardware
  • Spacious bike basket
  • Comes with 1 year of limited warranty

Cons

  • The mounting hardware is a bit flimsy while hauling heavy loads

Wald 582 Folding Rear Bicycle Basket – Best Foldable Wire Bike Basket

If you want a large rear basket that can fit quite a lot without being too bulky when not in use, this solution will work like charm for you!

The Wald 582 basket is a folding rear basket that you can easily collapse over the rear rack and it won’t take more than a single inch!

One thing you should know about this basket is that you mount it to either side of the bike. The metal design guarantees that it won’t bow towards the wheels when loaded heavily.

However, you might need to buy two of these baskets in order to balance the bike out. Also, the bottom mesh has wide openings, so tiny stuff may fall off if they’re not inside a bag.

Pros

  • Foldable design for compactness when not in use
  • Durable metal construction
  • Available in 3 different colors

Cons

  • The bottom rack is a bit wide

Hoobbii Rear Bike Basket – Best Rear Bike Basket

Lastly, if you want a bike basket that will fit over your rack permanently, you should consider this one!

It’s durable and spacious with an ergonomically designed top, so it can fit more stuff while preventing the items from falling off.

I also liked that it comes with a waterproof cover that protects the basket from rain and preserves its contents from water damage.

However, this bike is not suitable for anyone who needs an easily removable basket, as it’s quite a hassle in that regard.

Pros

  • Excellent for heavy loads
  • Sturdy and ergonomic design
  • Comes with a protective cover

Cons

  • Not suitable for continuous removal

Things to Keep in Mind While Buying a Bike Basket

While shopping for a bike basket, there are some essential aspects that you need to consider in order to land yourself the perfect pick for you.

Now that you know more about the best bike baskets on the market, this section will help you pick the most suitable option for your preferences.

Material

One of the first things that you need to decide on while buying a bike basket is the material. It has a great impact on a variety of aspects of the product, such as durability, versatility, and aesthetics.

Ideally, most of the bike baskets on the market are made of metal, woven fabrics, or wicker fabrics. Let’s have a brief look at each one and see what they’re good for:

Metal Baskets

They’re the most common type of bike baskets on the market. The metal of choice is typically steel but can also be aluminium or stainless steel.

Steel is typically the most durable and offers the highest bending resistance. However, the metal needs to be coated with a protective material to prevent corrosion due to rain.

Metal baskets are typically made of thick wires, which guarantee excellent aeration to the contents of the basket. They’re also extremely durable and can haul multiple bags of groceries without any problems.

The main drawback of metal baskets is that they’re uncomfortable, so if you’re mainly getting it to take your little pet for a spin, you should consider more comfortable alternatives or line it with a soft blanket.

Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics make a bag-style basket that is incredibly comfortable. They’re the go-to choice if you put your pet in the bike’s basket.

Most woven fabrics are either made of canvas or polyester. Canvas has the extra perk of being rugged and durable enough to carry groceries without tearing while polyester is highly inexpensive and offers decent protection against the weather.

Wicker Fabrics

They were usually made of cane and bamboo, but they can also be made of plastics that have the same properties.

They’re quite versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. They’re not the most comfortable or the most durable. Yet, they’re capable of hauling items without wear and tear as well as keeping your pet comfy.

Basket Placement

Another aspect that you need to decide on before buying a bike basket is whether you want it to be a front or a rear basket.

Both of them have their own set of pros and cons, so the choice here depends on how each of them suits your needs.

Front Baskets

Front baskets are usually attached to the handlebar or the head tube in the front. This makes them easier to install and remove.

Another perk of the front baskets is that they allow you to stay in contact with the basket’s contents.

This makes them an excellent choice if you plan to take your pet for the ride because they’ll have a front-row view while staying under your supervision.

If you’re hauling a few items, the front basket will also be a good idea. This makes the items easier to access. This includes your carrying bag, gadgets, and small grocery bags.

Rear Baskets

Since front baskets are attached to the handlebar, I find the bike a little difficult to control when it’s backed heavy.

That’s why a rear basket is much better suited for that purpose. They can carry up to twice as much as front baskets without affecting your control of the bike. So, if you mainly use the bike for heavy bags of groceries, consider buying a rear basket.

Since they’re built to be sturdier, I usually find these baskets harder to attach and remove. Also, you won’t be able to observe the contents properly, so they’re not suitable for pets and other items that need careful supervision.

Size and Capacity

A bike basket is no use if it’s too big to fit your bike or too small to do the job you wanted it to do. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to have an estimated measure of the basket’s dimensions.

In addition to material, some manufacturers have a weight limit for the front basket, which usually maxes out at 10 to 15 lbs.

However, the weight limit of the rear basket is typically dependent on the rack rather than the basket, which usually carries up to 55 lbs.

Ease of Attachment and Removal

Not all bike baskets are attached to the bikes the same way. Some of them may require a few screws and bolts to stabilize the basket while others will have some sort of innovative clip-on design that makes them easy to attach.

The choice here depends on your personal preferences, as some find screwed-on baskets to be more stable and reliable while others prefer the quick process.

The most essential aspect here is to make sure that the basket has all the necessary items and instructions for a hassle-free attachment.

Some of the modern bike baskets support easy detachment, which enables you to use them as a stand-alone basket, adding to their efficiency and value. But keep in mind that they’re usually less durable than attached ones.

The Verdict

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of options on the market that will fit different users. However, I’ve found that Retrospec Bicycles Steel Apollo Bike Basket is the overall best option that would fit the majority of users’ needs without being too costly.

The bike basket is made of solid steel, which makes it incredibly durable. It’s also easy to detachable when you need it off and can carry a lot of stuff.

However, if you’re looking for a rear basket that can carry all your groceries without affecting your handling, you should consider the Hoobbii Rear Bike Basket.

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