Which Basil Bike Basket Should You Buy?

Key Takeaways

• Basil's Australian range includes more than 60 bike baskets across MIK, WSL and fixed-mount styles; see other current options by mounting system below.
• Choose the Portland Front Basket if you want a fixed 25L basket that keeps groceries and personal items visible while riding.
• Choose the Portland Rear Basket MIK if quick, tool-free removal is the priority and your bike has a compatible MIK rack or adapter plate.
• Choose the 26L Icon Medium for the largest capacity and lowest price among the three spotlighted models, provided a semi-permanent WSL rear mount suits your needs.
• All three spotlighted baskets carry up to 10kg, but you must also follow the load limit of your rack, fork and mounting hardware.
• Rear baskets generally suit heavier groceries because they affect steering less, while a front basket provides easier access to your items.

What Basil Bike Baskets Are Available in Australia?

Basil lists more than 60 baskets on basilbags.com.au, across front and rear positions and three mounting systems. This guide spotlights three representative models, one per system, the Portland Front Basket, the Portland Rear Basket MIK, and the Icon Medium WSL Basket, and lists further current options by system further below.

Key facts:

• The Icon Medium's 26L capacity is the largest of the three spotlighted models; both Portland baskets hold 25L.
• All three spotlighted baskets carry a 10kg maximum load.
• Only the Portland Rear Basket MIK is designed for quick, tool-free removal among the three spotlighted models.
• The Icon Medium is the budget option of the three, at roughly half the price of either Portland basket.

Other Current Basil Basket Options by Mounting System

Our basket range runs well beyond the three models compared above. The table below shows how we break the full range down by mounting system, based on our basket category. Price ranges show regular prices, and some of our models are currently discounted, as marked in the lists below.

MIK (quick-release)

• Portland Rear Bicycle Basket MIK 25L, Black $239.99 or Chrome $249.95
• Cento Rear Basket MIK 2.0, from $116.96, in Black ($129.95), Nude Metallic ($116.96, reduced from $129.95) and Rattan Look ($199.95) finishes
• Cento Neo MIK Rear Basket, $169.95, in Black, Off White, Sand and Silver Green
• Classic Carry All ISO Rear MIK Basket 18L Black, $149.95
• Carry All Flair Rear Basket MIK 22L, $239.95, in Green or Navy
• Nordland Bicycle Basket MIK 2.0 23L, $174.95

WSL / NX Multisystem (semi-permanent)

• Icon Medium Rear WSL Basket Black, $114.95 (spotlighted above)
• Icon Small Rear WSL Basket Black, $104.95
• Icon L Rear Basket Multisystem NX WSL Black, $134.95
• Cento Rear Basket WSL, from $94.95 to $159.95: Small in Black ($94.95) and Large in Brown ($159.95)
• Cento Neo WSL Rear Basket, $149.95, in Black, Off White, Sand and Silver Green

Fixed fork mount, clamp-on or KF/BE bracket

• Portland Bicycle Front Basket 25L, Black or Chrome, $219.95 (spotlighted above)
• Bilbao Front Basket KF, $74.95 to $79.95, in Black ($79.95) or Nude Metallic ($74.95)
• Bremen Front Basket, BE/KF mount, $139.95 to $149.95: Rattan ($139.95) or Alu ($149.95)
• Bloom Field Carry All Front Basket KF, in Blue ($199.95) or Yellow ($179.96, reduced from $199.95)
• California Rear Basket, mesh with handles, clamp-on, $99.95
• Capri Rear Basket, mesh with handle, spring clamp, $34.95

Browse Shop All Baskets, Front Baskets or Rear Baskets for the complete current range, including colours and sizes not listed here.

Which Basil Basket Mounting System Should I Choose, MIK, WSL, or a Fixed Fork Mount?

MIK is a quick-release adapter system: the Portland Rear Basket MIK clicks on and off its mounting plate in seconds, useful if the same rack needs to carry different things on different days. The MIK system was originally developed by Basil in partnership with Massload, a Taiwanese rack manufacturer, and has since become an industry-wide click-on standard. WSL, used on the Icon Medium and several other Basil rear baskets, is a semi-permanent system: adjustable to fit the rack but not designed for quick removal. Fixed fork-mounted, clamp-on and KF/BE bracket baskets, such as the Portland Front Basket, suit a basket left permanently in place. These systems aren't interchangeable, so check what your bike's rack or fork can accept before choosing.

Is a Front or Rear Bike Basket Better for Groceries?

A rear basket is generally better for heavier groceries because the load sits over the back wheel with less effect on steering. A front basket keeps items visible and easy to reach, but too much weight over the front wheel can make the bike feel harder to steer. The right choice depends on how much you usually carry, whether your bike already has a compatible rear rack, and where you'd prefer the weight to sit.

How Much Weight Can a Basil Bike Basket Carry?

All three baskets in this guide, the Portland Front, Portland Rear MIK, and Icon Medium, are rated to a maximum load of 10kg. That rating isn't the only limit to check, since your bike's rack, fork and mounting hardware may have separate maximum capacities of their own. Keep the load evenly distributed and never exceed the lowest weight rating within the complete carrying setup.

What Is the Basil Portland Front Basket?

The Portland Front Basket is a 25L, aluminium bike basket priced at $219.95, built for 26 and 28-inch bikes and mounting to the front fork with a bracket suited to 12-13mm axles (included). It carries a 10kg maximum load, includes a detachable adjustable strap, and has space to fit a bike light. It's fixed once installed and not designed to be removed.

What Is the Basil Portland Rear Basket MIK?

The Portland Rear Basket MIK is the same 25L aluminium build as the front Portland, but designed for the rear with a pre-fitted MIK adapter plate. It's the only basket in this comparison that clicks on and off its mount in seconds, priced at $239.99 with a 10kg maximum load.

What Is the Basil Icon Medium WSL Basket?

The Icon Medium is a 26L, fine-mesh steel basket priced at $114.95, the largest capacity and lowest price of the three. It mounts with Basil's WSL system, adjustable in both length and width to fit a wide range of rear racks including e-bikes, for a semi-permanent rather than quick-release fit. It carries a 10kg maximum load.

How Do I Buy a Basil Bike Basket in Australia?

Basil Bags & Baskets Australia ships all baskets Australia-wide, with orders dispatched within 1 to 3 business days when stock is on hand and free shipping on orders over $100. Basil has designed bicycle bags, baskets and accessories since 1976; read more on About Basil. The current range is listed on Basil's baskets page, and further detail on rack and carrier compatibility is on Basil's MIK system page. Questions about fit or compatibility can be directed to Basil's customer service team.

Frequently Asked Questions