This post is about a great, strong, safe pet bike basket that we found – the Axiom Pet Bike Basket, which you can get for less than $60. A while ago I asked for advice on a good pet bike basket for transporting a small dog – our new puppy, 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: 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets
No. 1: Solvit Tagalong
Billy is a tiny guy, and a little timid (which is probably sensible when one weighs 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).
Here’s a video of 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!
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 weeks, 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 is so little and light that he runs and leaps like a lamb.
Bottom Line on the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket
At less than $60 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.
You can’t really go wrong with the Axiom Dual Function Premium Pet Bike Basket!
Update: All the time we spent with Billy paid off. He grew up to be an endlessly loving dog, and he now works as a Pet Therapy dog. This means that once a week he goes with Maggie to visit people in hospital, bringing a smile and some stress relief to sick children and other people, including people undergoing chemotherapy. And Billy loves his job!
Related: More ideas and tips about how to transport dogs safely on a bike.
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paddyanne says
Looks like you found a good one. I think Billy would look great in a pair of old racing goggles, and leather hat.
Average Joe Cyclist says
What a great idea! Just because you weigh 4 pounds, doesn’t mean you can’t look rakishly handsome …
Marisa Lee says
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.
Average Joe Cyclist says
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!