How To Select A Dog Bicycle Carrier To Suit Your Needs

A dog bicycle carrier is designed to help you safely carry your dog with you on rides. There are a variety of styles out there. But, for the most part, they can be divided into three different types: Metal wire baskets, wicker/rattan baskets, and fabric baskets. Here we will have a look at each kind.

Metal Wire Baskets

Metal baskets tend to be the work horses of bike baskets. They aren't particularly attractive. But what they might lack in style, they more than make up for in strength. Most other baskets simply attach to your handlebars. Many of the metal baskets are designed to attach to both your handlebars and to your forks. This attachment scheme provides superior stability when your bike is under load. Stability = control = safety. In addition to better stability and control, a metal bike basket will be your best bet for carrying your medium sized dog with you as they have higher weight recommendations. Manufacturers to look for include Sunlite, Electra Bicycle Company, Schwinn, Bell, Kettler, and a personal favorite – Wald. The Wald 157 Giant Delivery is a beast of a front basket that I have used to carry not only my 45 lbs blue heeler, but other less important, but equally heavy cargo loads.

Wicker/Rattan Baskets

A wicker bicycle basket for your dog is a popular choice right now. As “townie bikes” have grown in popularity, so has the desire to have stylish accessories for bicycles to adorn them. Coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, this market segment is the most represented type of bicycle baskets for dogs. They offer the perfect melding of form and function: wicker is beautiful, it's strong, and it allows air to circulate ensuring your dog remains comfortable when the temperature start to rise. Nice features of some of the wicker/rattan baskets include a wire caged roof to keep your dog in, and a removable sunshade. Manufacturers to look for here would include Solvit, Nantucket, ProSource and Electra Bicycle Company.

Fabric Baskets

Fabric baskets are made out of the same material that backpacks are made out of. For this reason, there are many different colors available making them a good choice if color coordination is important to you. However, of the three different types, these baskets offer the least amount of stability. Even with a small dog, under 15 lbs, the lack of rigidity can leave you and your dog feeling less than secure. As with many things, when one aspect is lacking, often another aspect shines. In this case, where the fabric baskets are lacking in the stability department, they more than make up for in the cool features department! Water bottle holders, rain covers, leash attachment points, and microfiber clothe for easy cleaning make these baskets outstanding accessories for bicycles. The key with this choice would be knowing your dog and knowing the roads you'll be riding. If both are relaxed, you should be fine with the softer materials of which these baskets are made. Snoozer, Pet Gear, Solvit, and DoggyRide are all manufacturers you could look into.

Many well designed bicycle baskets for dogs are in the market place these days. You just need to decide what the important features are for you and your dog. If strength and stability are your first priority, then the metal bike baskets are the best choice. If stylish good looks ranks high, then the wicker baskets for dogs would be worth looking into. The fabric dog carriers for bikes would only be suitable for the smallest breeds. Good riding weather is here! Get that basket, get your dog and go have some fun!