This post is about a great, strong, safe pet bike basket that we found – the Axiom Pet Bike Basket. A long time ago I asked for advice on a good pet bike basket for transporting a small dog – our dog, Billy. Billy is a Yorkie-Poo, but as I find that name embarrassing to say out loud in public, I prefer to call him “mainly a Poodle.” A lot of good advice poured in, and we did a bit of investigating on our own.
Related: 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
Billy is a tiny guy, and a little timid (which is probably sensible when you weigh less than four pounds). So we needed a basket he could be well confined in, and feel secure. We did quite a bit of research before buying an Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket. It’s constructed out of sturdy wire, with a non-slip rubber bottom, and is rated to carry pets up to 55 pounds (about 12 Billy’s).
Billy’s Rirst Ride in the Axiom Pet Basket
Here’s a video showinng Billy’s first ride in the Axiom Pet Basket. As you can see, we introduced him to the experience of riding in a pet basket very slowly and gently!
Related Post: How to Carry your Dog Safely on Your Bike in a Pet Bike Basket
Installation of the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket
Installation of the Axiom Basket was pretty simple. The cool thing is that you can attach the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket to a quick release bracket on the handle bars, or use the built-in adjustable brackets on the bottom to simply snap it onto your rear bike rack. We chose to install it on the front of the bike. I was happy to find that the quick release really is quick, and that it is a cinch to put the basket back on.
This is Billy, the first time he got in the basket:
Safety Features on the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket
At first, Billy was not at all convinced he wanted to be in a pet bike basket. Fortunately, this pet bike basket is set up to control ambivalent pets. First, there are these easy lift-and-place wire flaps, so that the dog’s shoulders are covered, while his head pops up. However, Billy is so small that all of him can pretty much pop up. So fortunately there is also a handy little clip to attach to his harness (or collar, but I think a harness is safer, as you don’t want to hang your dog if he decides to jump out).
When I first pulled off Billy decided he would rather not, and attempted to step out of the front of the basket. This could have been disastrous, as about 180 pounds of me and my bike riding over his 4 pound body would have been really, really bad. Fortunately, the clip attached to his harness saved him. I was able to stop and gently scoop him back in.
After that, Billy settled right down, and within 5 minutes seemed to be enjoying the experience, even though it was a very cold day. Within a few days, we were doing really fun rides with him.
One of the advantages we discovered about taking Billy along on a bike ride – when we found ourselves on a quiet trail, we could let Billy stretch his legs and enjoy a run!
Billy was so little and light that he ran and leapt like a lamb.
Durability
We bought this basket 13 years ago, when Billy was a puppy. Now he is a senior dog, and he has passed the bike riding baton to a younger dog, Ripley. She is our 11-pound Maltese/Shih Tzu, and she was happy to take over the bike basket.
Now that Billy is a senior dog, he has passed the bike riding baton to a younger dog, Ripley (on the right)Below is Ripley in the same basket. It is a very durable basket that has shown almost no signs of wear over all this time.
Bottom Line on the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket
At a reasonable price from Amazon, this pet bike basket is sturdy, easy-to-use and great value for money. It offers a simple no-fuss-no-muss way to safely transport your small pet. And it could double as a picnic basket as well, or for transporting small loads of groceries. The two options for installation are a bonus, as this offers versatility. Ride quality was slightly compromised by the weight added to the front handlebars. However, that’s a small price to pay for a committed pet lover. Finally, it has stood the test of time, lasting us for 13 years – and counting.
You can’t really go wrong with the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket!
Other Pet Baskets for Your Bike
Here are some other pet baskets that we recommend.
 | Best multi-function option. Intended for pets up to 13 lb. Can be used on and off the bike to transport your pet. Can also be used for shopping. Available in fabric style and also in retro wicker option | Front handlebars. The bracket system has 3-way adjustability so you can fit the basket on any bike. • Bracket system makes it possible to take the basket on and off your bike in seconds with one hand. | • Safety harness. • Extra pockets. • Shoulder strap for use as pet carrier. • Removable sun shade. • Lifetime warranty. • Very handy, multi-purpose carrier with zippered pockets. • Included adjustable safety leash. • Bottom line: a well-made, affordable, multi-purpose dog bike basket for small dogs. • Also available in a retro wicker version. | Price is usually less than $80. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Best for dogs that feel safest close to their owners. Comes in a range of sizes, rated for dogs up to 30 pounds. | Simply wear it like a backpack. • This carrier is obviously best suited to cycling in an upright position. | • This innovative Dog Backpack Carrier is Veterinarian Approved and could be just the ticket for anxious dogs. • Available in a range of colors. • A side pocket is provided to carry things other than your dog. • Backed by strong customer service • Use it to take your dog along when you go biking, hiking, on transit, shopping or even skiing. • Includes ventilating side panels. • The 5 safety features should keep your dog safe. | Price is usually around $55. Please click here to check the best current price on Amazon. |
 | Best Budget Option. Intended for pets up to 11 lb. Multi-function. Can be used on and off the bike to transport your pet. Can also be used for shopping | Front handlebars. Attaches with a quick-release handlebar mount. | • This budget basket is both removable and foldable. • Like all of the baskets, it can be used for pets or shopping. • The quick release mount means you can quickly remove it. • The adjustable 15” sewn-in leash will keep your pet safely secured. • The fabric is waterproof, making it easy to wipe down and keep clean. • The frame is metal. | Price is usually less than $30. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Multi-use carrier with pockets. Intended for pets up to 19 lb. Included tether to attach to your pet’s collar, plus a draw string mesh cover to make your dog more secure. | Front handlebars. Features quick-release buckles. Easy to install, & collapsible. | • A nice touch is the padded sheepskin liner bottom. • Easily remove the bottom floor board for cleaning. • This is a multi-use carrier: can also be used as a dog shoulder bag using the shoulder strap, a dog backpack, or a pet car seat booster. • You can unzip the front window to reveal a mesh side that lets in cooling air. • Also included are mesh pockets to carry treats, keys, etc. | Price is usually around $50. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Keeps your dog super safe and secure. Intended for pets up to 12 lb. Best suited to short-legged dogs. | Front handlebars or rear rack. Mounts with a quick and easy, but very strong, spring-loaded attachment on the bottom, which can be attached to your handle bars or your rack. Also, it is easy to put it on the bike and remove thanks to the quick release bracket. | • This basket will keep your pet very safe and secure, thanks to its combination of spring loaded caging on the top, plus included safety leash, plus an extra safety strap that you loop onto the bike. • It is also multi-functional – the padded carry handle makes it easy for you to use it as a pet carrier. • This is a sturdy, affordable, coated steel-wire basket. • Ships with an anti-microbial padded floor liner. | Price varies between $40 and $60. Please click here for best current price on Amazon. |
 | Best for dogs who don't like being in baskets, or cyclists who don't like baskets. Intended for dogs up to 50 pounds. | Attaches to rear of bike. Coupler easily attaches to almost any bicycle. | • Adjustable internal leash to keep pet safe. • Includes safety flag. • Has a rear doggy-door to allow for easy entrance and exit. • Has 16-inch aluminum rims and air-filled tires • Includes adjustable bug screen. | Price is usually less than $200. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Multi-function pet carrier intended for pets up to 15 lb. | Front handlebars. • Use included straps to attach it to the front handlebars. • Quick release. • Quickly converts into a backpack. | • Foldable and soft-sided. • Reflective tape for safety. • Includes a rain cover. • Includes a safety leash. • Suitable for dogs up to 15 pounds. • Large breathable mesh windows on top and front. | Price is usually around $50. Please click here for the best current price on Amazon. |
Related: More ideas and tips about how to transport dogs safely on a bike.
Related: 6 Steps to Gently Teach Your Dog to Ride in a Bike Basket.
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Looks like you found a good one. I think Billy would look great in a pair of old racing goggles, and leather hat.
What a great idea! Just because you weigh 4 pounds, doesn’t mean you can’t look rakishly handsome …
Glad you found something AJC. my husband and I have had lovely cycle tours with our little dog Champ. He loves the wind sailing through his hair. Don’t forget to phone ahead to see if your b&b takes dogs though. It can be hard to find one that is dog friendly & bike friendly.
Nice to hear from you Marisa. If you want to send me a photo of Champ on your bike, please d0 – I could publish it on my blog, if you like!