Basil Stylish Bicycle Bags

If you’ve ever done a search for bicycle pannier bags you know how limited the selection is.  If you’ve got a cruiser bicycle or a bike that requires a bit more style and sophistication than the sporty selections available at most bike shops, I am going to save you a few hours of research and send you directly to Basil, a company based in the Netherlands that makes the coolest bike bags anywhere.

143122 Pannier bags are more than luggage for your ride, they are what makes hauling the gear you need for your journey, work stuff, picnic paraphernalia, and more possible without having to wear all that weight on your shoulders.  Since our regular bicycling oftentimes includes grocery shopping and farmers markets and always includes kiddos, having a good bike bag is an absolute necessity. 

For years now I have been lamenting the fact that pannier style bicycle bags for my beautiful ride were impossible to find.  A quick look into bicycle chat rooms will tell you that there are many, many bicycle owners who agree that bike pannier bags are rarely described as stylish.  I had almost given up the hope of a bag as beautiful as my bike until I found Basil and promptly fell in love with numerous pannier bags in their collection. 
Here’s a look at some of our favorite Basil Pannier bags:

17380L The Basil Jada Double BagWhat originally sold me on the Basil Jada was the adorable design.  Yes, I know I require a lot of hauling and handling from my bike bag and shopping for biking accessories based on looks alone is not the best plan, but since cute was an ultimate requirement of mine if it was going to permanently ride with me, I thought I might as well choose my favorite design and give it a whirl.  It just so happens that the grey/white floral print Jada Panniers couldn’t possibly be a better fit for my little beach cruiser bicycle, both in looks and in functionality. 

Basil Jada The Basil Jada is made from water repellent polyester and each bag measures 14.5”*6”*12”.  While they are lightweight when not loaded, the Basil Jada Panniers come packed with features of a serious pannier bag, from reflective strips to pockets galore to store all that little stuff that would easily get misplaced on a bumpy ride in a big bag.  While it does have numerous pockets (5 on each bag, 10 in total) and various storage capabilities including elastic holders to keep items upright and organized, the two main compartments can only be described as cavernous  with 35L capacity combined.  The bottoms of each bag can be rigid with the included bottom insert, or you can fold the rigid bottom up or take it out completely if you’re hauling soft items. 

I have been able to cary obscene amounts of gear with me in the Jada Panniers, adding some serious style without horribly effecting the quality of my ride.  The bag has a cinch-able top that is covered by a double lined flap top with a stiff edge to keep the flap from flying up as you ride.  You can still access all four side pockets of the Jada Double Bag as well as still unzip the very front pockets on both bags when the top is closed, making grabbing little items even easier on the trail.  I love that when the water repellent double lined flap is down it completely covers the top of the bag and the main storage compartments.  So, when the Pacific Northwest weather doesn’t cooperate and I get caught biking through a downpour, the contents of the Jada Panniers stay surprisingly dry.

Basil D’Azur Double BagA classic look with a slightly military-esque feel, the Basil D’Azur is anything but your typical bicycle pannier bag.  Made of a thick and robust water repellent canvas with a blue striped inner lining, the Basil D’Azur styling can work on both145051 classic bicycles, city cruisers and European inspired rides, and every thing in between.  The double D’Azur can hold an amazing 40L of gear with a boxy and utilitarian classic styling, which makes it perfect for day trips as well as hauling groceries and more home from the market.  The bottoms of both double bags can be reinforced with the included rigid inserts, or you can keep the bag folded flat against your bike by folding up or removing that insert.  The bottoms of both bags have an even higher level of waterproofness, which is great if you remove your bags at your destination and need to stand them up.

145054 Each Basil D’Azur bag measures 15”*7”*13” and comes with straps to attach additional gear to as well as a huge main storage compartment.  Both sides of the bag has reflective strips for safety, all without compromising it’s great looks for function.  The Basil D’Azur line of Basil bags is absolutely one to check out on the Basil site – there are messenger bags, an amazing D'Azur Weekender bag measuring 17”*7 3/4”*12” with more pockets than you could use in a lifetime, and even more D'Azur products available that can give your bike it’s very own luggage set.  For those of you who bike for weekend trips or even load up for camping, the D’Azur series is absolutely for you.   

Basil Tour XL Double Bag  – For those of you who have a sportier ride to outfit, Basil also makes a line of practical and functional pannier bags that can go from mountain bike to city streets with ease and makes hauling all your gear easy and efficient.  Each Basil Tour XL bag measures 13”*7”*13” and is extra large for transporting everything from work bags to sports equipment and makes these the ultimate city necessity.  They are made from a water repellent 600D polyester and have sporty features like a rounded front for those who tend to kick their bags with their heels when riding vigorously. 

142552 The bag is reinforced and sturdy, which makes it great for hauling just about anything and everything, and it comes with pockets to help organize all that gear while you ride.  The sides and bottom of the Tour XL can even be double reinforced when you use their included side and bottom rigid inserts.  These inserts can all be removed if you find them unnecessary, which allows the bag to fold flat against the sides of your rear rack and keeps them out of the way when you’re not using them. 

When full, the bags can unfold to hold all of your gear and they have a slightly padded top that covers both the top of the Tour XL as well as rounding over the sides to keep the insides of the bag from filling up with water in a downpour and keeps the contents of the bag safe and secure no matter where you ride.  The inside of the Basil Tour XL is covered with a wipe-able material that is easy to clean out and adds to the bag’s water proofness.  Reflective strips on all sides are great to help make the dark bag visible at night, which is great because you just may forget what time it is when you’ve got a whole days worth of gear and toys with you on your journey. 

17044L A note to keep in mind – the Basil Pannier Bags don’t come with much in the way of instructions and trail-and-error may be required in order to fit the bags to your bike or rack.  Since the Basil Pannier bags are secured with adjustable straps and bands, you can get a really nice custom fit to your bike by making minor adjustments here and there as necessary.  Most pannier bags require a rear rack for your bicycle, and Basil bags are no different.  Basil does make their own rear bike racks you can purchase, or you can simply use any old bike rack in your local bike shop.  

To see more Basil products, visit their website at http://www.basil.nl/.  Prepare to spend some time there, they've got one of the largest supplies of bike gear anywhere, all of which I would love to own. 

Where to buy: In the States you can use the Basil retailer locator on their website.

 

234 thoughts on “Basil Stylish Bicycle Bags”

  1. I like the animal baskets. They are so neat, and it doesn’t mean you HAVE to use them for your pet. I would use mine for shopping.

  2. i’d love to try this one:
    Article: 50005
    Colour: black
    Description: BASIL COVER, raincover with elastic band all around, suitable for Basil-front baskets, black
    phranne[at]yahoo.com

  3. I entered the Ape to Zebra Online Toys Store Review and Giveaway
    sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

  4. This would be great for my bike!! I also like the BLOSSOM-BASIMPLY II, front design basket that is removable. I could use it for those quick trips to the store and actually take it in with me and save another plastic bag from the landfill. 🙂

  5. It’s hard to pick — all the Basils are so thoughtfully designed — but I do love the classic good looks of the Kavan II Natural double panniers.
    Thank you for a terrific contest!

  6. I found your website by researching Electra Townies and came upon your earlier rave review about your Townie. Your post was what persuaded me to go and give it a test ride. I loved the bike so much that I purchased the Electra Townie Euro 24D this weekend – wasabi color!
    Of course, I will need all sorts of accessories including panniers and I was happy to find this post of yours as well. European companies seem to have many more products for these style of bikes and Basil seems like a fantastic option. They had some very cute baskets for the front of the bike. I particularly liked the BERN #10063 black mesh one.
    Your blog is full of fun & fabulous information and I have been sure to subscribe!

  7. What a great site! I love all of their bicycle accessories–especially the BLOSSOM TWIG-SADDLE COVER!! So classy!

  8. I also adore their “BASIL-BEAUTYSHOPPER, Wicker Bike Basket!” I love the lid and the look of the wicker.
    Thanks, Cindi

  9. I like the Lemon Yellow Bicycle Basket, it hooks on the front and has a removable handle…very cool and great color. My daughter rides her bike all over Chicago, this would be great for her!!! Great giveaway, thanks.

  10. I’d get the BASIL MEMORIES-BERN front bike basket since it looks like it would be super convenient and would fit the front of my old-style bike well. I love those cute bicycle bags too!

  11. my bike (and purple basil pannier) was stolen wednesday, so i’m looking to replace them.
    got the new bike yesterday (it’s red!) – and i’m totally in love with your gray bag.
    maybe i’ll get lucky on top of being unlucky and win a new basil! i’m off to enter the giveaway.
    ** voted on top baby blogs & tweeted (biggekrissy)

  12. 10116
    Colour: silver
    Description: BARO, front ‘design’ basket, mesh steel, removable WITHOUT BasEasy-system, handle with nylon grip, strengthened bottom, adjustable in height by means of grooves, silver
    Dimension: 33*28*26
    Fastening system: BasEasy-system

  13. BASIL – What a great find! I honestly want (at least one) of EVERYTHING – but I am especially interested in the ANIMAL BIKE BASKET!
    Article nr: 15003
    Colour: nature
    Description: DAVOS, bike basket, wicker, rectangular, with hooks for front or rear suspension, handle, with steel space frame 73006 also suitable as animal bike basket, varnished natural Dimension: 46*29*22 – Fastening system: Hooks
    This would be like a godsend to SO many people!

  14. Voted for Rave and Review in Top Baby Blogs:
    You are currently ranked #21
    (vote sent in: 668 sent out: 792) ?

  15. In addition to the Basil Tour XL Double Panniers, I would love to ride with the Dutch Blue Saddle Cover.

  16. The attachable umbrella is a great idea, and one I had actually never really thought of as possible.

  17. I also like the Denver Bike Basket in Nature.
    Thank you so much for the chance to win.
    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  18. BASIL D’AZUR-DOUBLE BAG, double bike bag, of robust water-repellent canvas, luxurious innerlining, topside with two bands for LED /straps /child’s seat, double reflection on all sides, cap. 40L, warm sand.

  19. I like the Basil Cover, looks quite useful when stuck in the rain. This seems to happen to me alot.

Comments are closed.