Yes, it is possible to put a basket on a mountain bike. And considering that a lot of people prefer to commute to work on mountain bikes, or use them for casual rides and to do errands, a basket can come in handy.
If you are going to be commuting often, you will need something to carry your work items or personal supplies in. Attaching a rear basket or front basket to your mountain bike is the perfect solution.
Contents
How Can You Put a Basket on a Mountain Bike?
There are many different ways to attach baskets to mountain bikes.
The type of bike you have as well as your personal preference will help you decide what type of basket to get and where and how to attach it. For example, if you have a rigid retro MTB, you’ll have many options because these types of bikes are compatible with most major front basket models.
Here are some different options to consider that are compatible with most bikes.
Types of Front-Basket Installations
If you would like to have a basket on a mountain bike that attaches in the front, you will need to find a way to connect it.
Here are some options for front-basket installation.
- Baskets With Support Straps
Many front baskets fasten to the handlebars and forks of rigid mountain bikes. Bike baskets that go on the front rack come with support straps.
The straps wrap around the handlebars and the fork of the rigid mountain bike. This keeps the bike baskets stable so they don’t move around when you are traveling on rough roads.
Front baskets with support straps cannot be used on mountain bikes with front suspension but can be used on most other types.
- Quick-Release Baskets
These front baskets attach to the handlebars of the bike and have a special mechanism that allows them to be removed quickly if needed. These front-handlebar baskets can be installed on suspension bikes and rigid bikes and hold the front rack secure while allowing it to move with the bike as needed.
By attaching the quick-release baskets to the handlebar, you can avoid using zip ties.
- Front-Rack Baskets
You can also attach a basket with a front rack. The bike rack is attached to the suspension fork of the bike and supports the basket.
Many mountain bikes already have a spot where the basket can be attached. Once you have the basket attached to the rack, it will be safe and secure.
Why Choose a Front Basket for Your Mountain Bike?
There are several reasons why a front basket on your mountain bike might be the best option for you, and some basket types only work on the front of the bike.
Handlebar baskets and other front-basket models are a good option if you can’t install rear-rack models due to the bike’s suspension. Some people prefer to have front baskets because they can keep a close eye on their belongings and easily access them.
How to Install a Front Basket on a Mountain Bike With Suspension?
If your mountain bike has front suspension, you will have to think about different ways to install the bike basket. You can still install one, but the installation options will be limited.
Here are a few ways it can be done.
Attach it to the Handlebars
A handlebar basket can still work well on mountain bikes that have front suspension, for example, a handlebar bike basket won’t interfere with the front suspension.
You will need to find the right clamps for the handlebar basket to fit properly, otherwise, it will be loose. You can also get anchors that attach to the suspension fork in the front for extra stability on the bike racks.
Attachment clamps also make it easier to attach baskets to road bikes.
A suspension handlebar basket can also be secured with zip ties if you need some extra support.
Attach it to a Front Rack
You can also attach a front rack to a mountain bike without interfering with the front suspension. It may be more difficult to find a front rack that fits front-suspension bikes, and the installation process can be a little trickier.
The bike rack keeps the basket from interfering with the front-wheel axle and keeps everything safe and secure. You may even be able to use quick-release attachment baskets on the rack as well as zip ties to hold the basket in place.
How to Install a Rear Basket on a Mountain Bike?
If your bike has front suspension or if you would simply rather have a rear basket, you can install rear racks and rear baskets on your mountain bike.
Here are a few ways you can do it.
Attach it to the Seat Stay
You may be able to find a rear basket that can be attached to the seat stays of the mountain bike. These can be installed on mountain bikes that do not have dedicated rack mounts with a basket attached.
These bolt into place so they secure the basket to the mountain bike without getting in the way.
Attach it to the Rear-Wheel Axle
You can also find a rear rack or basket that can attach directly to the rear wheel axle. This can be a problem if you don’t want to have to deal with the rear rack support legs when you have to take off the wheel to repair it.
Most rear racks can be easily removed, but baskets that attach to the axle can take longer. Still, if you know you are going to have a loaded rear basket and want something that can handle the weight capacity, such a basket is a good option.
Another option is to attach the basket to the fender eyelets on the wheel.
Attach it to the Seat Post
A seat-post rack can also be used on a full-suspension bike. This is similar to how the front racks attach to the fork’s crown with bikes that have front racks.
The problem with this type of installation is that the baskets have a significantly lower weight capacity and can cause the weight to ride high, making it harder to balance the bike. So these types of racks are not an ideal option.
For bikes with fender eyelets, they will do better if you stick to a rear rack and a basket model that attaches to the frame instead of to the seat post rack and seat stays.
How to Install a Rear Basket on a Mountain Bike With Suspension?
Most mountain bikes have some type of rear suspension. If you want a back rack and separate front rack on a full-suspension bicycle, you will need to consider different ways you can attach the basket.
Attachment clamps won’t work on the back and a mini rack may not be big enough to hold all your belongings.
Here are some options that may work on a full-suspension bicycle.
Rear Rack for Suspension Bikes
Racks can be added to a suspension bike in a similar way to how they’re installed on rigid mountain bikes. With a rigid mountain bike, you have a little more room for flexibility.
With a hardtail mountain bike, you may be more limited in terms of the amount of space available for mounting the rack. A full-suspension MTB may have V-brake mounts.
You might need to invest in a special rack that will fit the bike and that can be easily installed around the suspension system and support struts. You may be able to rig the rack to the fender eyelets if needed.
Seat-Post Racks
These racks have low weight capacity but they can work with a special rack and full-suspension MTBs. Full-suspension MTBs, or any type of suspension bicycles, may have added support struts.
The support underneath enables you to install a special rack that attaches to the seat post.
Is a Basket Better Than a Bag?
If you aren’t sure if you want to attach a basket to your bike, you also have the option of using a bag. Bags are lighter, and they don’t need support struts to help hold them in place.
Some people use bags to carry their purchases when they go to the grocery store. Essentially, it comes down to a matter of personal preference when deciding if you want baskets attached to your bike or if you prefer to use a bag.
Keep in mind, some bags do have built-in attachment ports that make it easier to fit them to the MTB bars. Unlike baskets though, bags cannot be attached to the front axle, fork legs, or suspension forks as easily.
And bags tend to hang lower whereas baskets ride high on the suspension forks, so they’re not in the way. If your fork sinks low a bag may not be an option for you.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Basket on a Mountain Bike?
It is a matter of personal preference when it comes to deciding whether you want to install a basket on your mountain bike. The type of mountain biking you do will help you determine if a basket is necessary.
If you generally don’t bring a lot of items with you on your rides, it’s not necessary to install a basket. However, if you plan to use your bike for recreational activities, or you’ll be commuting on it, then it really can be useful to have a basket to haul all your stuff around.
Here are some of the pros and cons of attaching a basket to your bike.
Pros
Attaching a basket on your mountain bike
- gives you more storage space,
- makes the bike more useful,
- allows you to carry water bottles and personal items, and
- allows you to ride further while bringing necessities with you.
Cons
Attaching a basket on your mountain bike
- adds weight to the bike,
- could interfere with the balance of your bike,
- sometimes involves a tedious installation process; and
- can be difficult on bikes that don’t have room for a basket or bag.
Conclusion
So, can you put a basket on a mountain bike? Yes, you can. However, depending on the type of basket you want and the type of bike you have, it can be challenging and, sometimes, affect the performance of the bike.
It’s a good idea to think about all your options and decide which setup works best for you first. It’s also about ease and functionality, so think about what will allow you to get the most out of your bike’s performance and your overall ride experience.