Product Review: Basil Buddy Dog Carrier

Who said dogs can't go on bikes? Not us!

One of our favourite brands here at Glow Worm is Dutch brand Basil. They specialise in bicycle bags and baskets, have been around since the 70s, and are widely known for their quality, durability and fun designs. They're also one of the only brands to make premium dog carriers specifically for bikes. One such carrier is the adorably named Basil Buddy. With front and rear mounting options and optional Spaceframe, carrying your dog on your electric bike has never been easier than with the Basil Buddy. Here's what we love about it.

What is it?

The Basil Buddy is a speciality dog carrier designed specifically for bikes. What do we mean by specialty dog carrier? Is it only for special dogs? (Joking - all dogs are special!) By specialty carrier we just mean that it's been designed specifically for pets. As such, it has some key features outlined below that make it the perfect choice for a safe and comfortable doggy bike ride.

Basil Buddy Front KF Carrier: Mounts on your handlebars with the KF Handlebar Holder (included). Can take a maxiumum weight of 5kg. Suitable for small dogs only.

Basil Buddy Rear MIK Carrier: Mounts on your rear rack with MIK quick release mounting adapters (included). Releases only via MIK Stick (included) for additional security. Suitable for small-to-medium-sized dogs, with a maxium weight of 15kg.

Spaceframe (sold separately): Domed open-air cover for the Basil Buddy, creating a fully enclosed safe space for your dog while riding. Secured with elastic straps, the Spaceframe can be attached/removed in seconds.

Key features

The Basil Buddy comes fully set up with all the creature comforts your dog needs for an enjoyable ride. No need to fuss around with DIY solutions; just click in place and you're ready to ride.

Comfort: Comfort is key to an enjoyable riding experience. A padded cushion insert provides a cosy spot for your pup to sit or lie as they watch the world whizz by.

Safety: Clip your dog's collar or harness straight onto the included safety belt. It's important that a tether is long enough for your dog to sit or lie comfortably, but not so long that they can leap out; Basil takes the guesswork out of safety and gets the length just right.

Mounting adapters: All mounting adapters are included, allowing for quick and easy installation onto almost any bike, with no extra parts needed.

Why we love it

Quick release mounting

The quick release mounting on the Basil Buddy means you aren't locked in to one carrier all the time. If you only ride with your dog occasionally, a quick release system like MIK or KF, that's cross-compatible with other products, is the way to go. Being able to quickly and easily swap out your Basil Buddy for panniers or a child seat can revolutionise your biking experience. The KF Handlebar Holder is compatible with Basil's range of front baskets, and the MIK mounting on the rear is compatible with a variety of baskets, panniers and child seats from Basil and other brands like Polisport. The best part is that the adapters are included, so no compatibility confusion.

Aesthetically superior

The Basil Buddy is unrivalled in style. The two sophisticated tones of Biscotti or Faded Denim will tone in with any bike, while subtle reflective detailing adds that extra bit of safety. The best part is, the Basil Buddy is fully functional and aesthetically complete with or without the Spaceframe, and we love that users are given this choice. The Spaceframe provides optimal security and peace of mind. There's no complexity here: simple elastic fastenings mean the Spaceframe maintains a snug fit while in use, and can be attached or removed in seconds.

Creature comforts

We've come across some wonderful home-made basket liners and cushion inserts, and some ingenious DIY clips and clasps for leads and collars. This isn't in everyone's wheelhouse though, and if you're the type of person that prefers ready-made, the Basil Buddy won't disappoint. There's something very satisfying in knowing every detail has been engineered for optimum performance. And it's not just your dog's comfort that has been carefully considered. The carry handle easily collapses by pushing in the side buttons, creating a more streamlined profile for riding, or to install/remove the Spaceframe. The ergonomic shape means no hard corners when lifting on and off the bike, and the smooth plastic shell means no cracks or gaps for paws or claws to get stuck, as well as being durable and easy to clean. Wins all round.

Considerations

Best for small dogs

The size and weight of your dog is the number one consideration when choosing a carrier. The Basil Buddy is one of the best options out there for small-to-mid-sized dogs, but for larger dogs a trailer or cargo bike will be a better choice. If your preference is to have your dog up the front but they exceed the 5kg limit, mix it up with a front rack and Basil Buddy Rear MIK Carrier. If your dog is going to be a back seat passenger, you might want to install a rear-view mirror, so you can still keep them in view.

Talk to an expert

Here at Glow Worm we're a big believer in test rides, and this is no different for dogs! A test ride will not only help determine what option your dog is comfortable with, it can also allow you to get a feel for riding with a four-legged passenger. Balancing the weight of live cargo can take some getting used to, particularly if you have a wriggly pup! Get in touch with our Showroom to see what options are available to try. In the bike world, there is no one size fits all option. We're here to provide you with our expertise: we can check the specifications, and determine if any adjustments are needed to fit your bike. Our workshop is available Monday to Friday to fit any accessories purchased from us for no extra fee.

Why should you choose Basil Buddy?

Amongst the multitude of dog-carriers out there to choose from, the Basil Buddy certainly sits at the premium end of the spectrum, in both price and quality. In this case, you do get what you pay for. The quality and attention to detail is exactly what we'd expect from Basil, and the ease of use and inclusion of all mounting adapters means all your focus can be on the riding experience, not faffing around with tools. The Basil Buddy is a stylish addition to any electric bike, and can be matched with other Basil accessories for a seamless aesthetic. Whether it's just for fun, or for an important trip to the park or vet, being able to take your dog with you on your bike can be transformative. One less trip in the car is good for the planet, good for your pup, good for everyone.

Glow Worm Electric Bikes

July 2023