Searching for a Front Loaded Dog Bike Bag

Earlier this week, our 9-week old miniature schnauzer puppy came home. Appropriately named Burley as he’ll be spending a LOT of time inside of a Burley trailer or underneath the Burley stroller. One of the reasons we opted for a smaller dog compared to our 80lb chocolate lab and 45lb Australian Shepard was bikeablity, and because we didn’t want to deal with a large puppy with a 2-year old toddler!

After picking up the pup I realized I wouldn’t want to use our Bullitt cargo bike or Burley trailer every time I wanted to bring the dog to the coffee shop or coworking space. I hunted online for too many hours reading reviews on baskets, backpacks and rack bags. While I’m sure they will all be wonderful, and I may end up testing out a few of them, they are initially not for me.

From there, I searched the internet learning too much about randonneuring bags and racks. Ultimately thinking I would be ordering a few front racks with a Velo Orange decaleur kit to use a Swift Ozette Rando Bag to carry the dog, leash and water bowl between all my bikes.

Then I learn that Velo Orange is sold out of that very critical piece until the summer.

Next Try

Back to the drawing board, I went. Remembering the Swift Sugarloaf Basket Bag, I then watched the Path Less Pedaled review that sealed the deal. I didn’t like that it wasn’t sturdy on the sides, but I did like the utility of a basket on the front of my rando bike.I  also liked the price of the recommended Soma Fab front rack that you attach a Wald 137 basket on to.

The bag isn’t vented, but the dog will be sitting on the front of the bike with the wind in his hair. After contacting Swift to ask questions, they were willing to stitch in a leash clip inside so I can leave the bag fully unzipped when necessary. While I’m not 100% sure he will fit in the bag long term, I think it’s a good first step for the next few months while we wait for the Velo Orange parts to come in stock and for the little dog to learn to love riding on a bike (I hope!)

The bag, rack and basket should be arriving this coming week. I’ll be documenting the process of installation and the first few rides with Burley riding shotgun!

How Do You Carry Your Dog?

We would love to hear from you to see how you carry your dog, big or small, by bike!