Recreational & Family - Help choosing new bike for dog!

Hello! I am a recreational biker and already have a mountain bike. I know this sounds silly, but I want to take my dog biking with me. He's 25 lbs. and I have a basket picked out, but it won't work on my mountain bike. Since the bike is 25 years old, I am willing to purchase another more universal bike. I believe I want a hybrid bike, but the braking is the problem. The cable cannot come out of the stem and go down in front of the head tube if I am to allow for the basket. I will require loopy cables in plastic that can be moved. I really would rather stay away from a cruiser if possible as I am in Michigan on pavement and not around any beaches or anything. Does anyone have any suggestions for me that fit the bill? I would appreciate any ideas as I am not familiar at all with any of the bikes out there. I am rather small and would prefer something on the lighter side--
Thanks so much!
Kris

Why not get a rear rack and mount a basket of sorts on it. OR, a bit more pricey, a tandem trailer of sorts.

25lbs huh.......I say bungie cords............JOKING

The LBS suggested the rear mount, but then I couldn't see what was happening and would always be turning around to check on him. There are harnesses that you purchase with the basket, so setting him up safely is not the problem. The problem is the brake line so many of them have, and I'm not even sure of the correct terminology. After going through several of the forums here, I am going to look at a Trek and a Specialized and an Electra Townie and start there. It doesn't sound like many carry their dogs? They are all over my neighborhood, but maybe it's just a local thing?

Any bike that fits him should work.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/01/22/article-1126577-0324BC28000005DC-500_468x315.jpg

25 lb in a front basket would make the steering unstable. A milk crate on the back would be better. Best would be a sprung leash holder attached to the rear rack so he can pull you along without affecting the steering.

Boneshake, that is hilarious!

Any bike that fits him should work.

Wait, if he's been neutered, he should be riding fixed.:p

if you don't like the rear rack idea because of not being able to see the dog, you could always pick up a handlebar mirror and adjust it so you can see the dog at all times. i would put the dog on an extremely short leash attached to the basket or frame so the dog could move around a bit, but not enough to jump out.

25 lb in a front basket would make the steering unstable. A milk crate on the back would be better.
+1

if you don't like the rear rack idea because of not being able to see the dog, you could always pick up a handlebar mirror and adjust it so you can see the dog at all times. i would put the dog on an extremely short leash attached to the basket or frame so the dog could move around a bit, but not enough to jump out.

This works for me with my 22lb Bichon. Be sure to use a harness, not a collar, to prevent accidental choking, of course.

I tried the trailer and the "run alongside" device and this rear set-up works best for us.

This is what I do. We go FAST sometimes, but he is much to intelligent to jump out.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Bilde081.jpg