jomconra

I just recently went car-less, with Bike being my main mode of transportation, I have run into a problem. How to transport by dog to my friends, to the dog parks.....to the vet. My dog is only 25lbs, and I have found back packs made to carry dogs, but 25lbs on the back and an animal that doesn't necessarly sit still could be tricky. I also know that some people use trailers, but i don't know if I want to drop that kind of money. Does anyone on here have this problem? Suggestions?

KrisPistofferson

A kiddie trailer's about a hundred bucks, unless your heart's set on a Burley, or something. I carry my dog in it, the recycling, and it's good for touring. 'Twas a good investment.

markhr

an alternative is buy a monster messenger bag - the PAC designs are the best but aren't cheap.

https://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm

jeff-o

Or, get a rear bike rack and a milk crate.

lala

Or an xtracycle

moxfyre

I went to college in Ithaca, NY and there was a guy in town who'd always ride around with a small dog (probably about 15 pounds) perched in a handlebar basket! It was pretty cool, the dog seemed to have perfect balance. But even if it doesn't, I am sure that you can secure a milk crate to a rear rack well enough to hold a small dog comfortably. Maybe put a pad in there so it can curl up comfortably.

DanO220

I've done the handlebar basket for a 15 lb dog. But I have a warning for anyone doing the basket or rear rack and milk crate. You'd better make darn sure they can't jump out. I thought I had my dog's harness secured, only to have her jump to the rear and not the front or side like I was worried about. I was able to stop quickly - but not before she hung upside down and bounced off the rotating front wheel. We got away with a cut leg. But if I had been riding faster - let alone been bombing down hill - it could have been much, much worse. It was a frightening and embarassing incident, both as a cyclist and pet owner. I have since figured how to secure the harness to the bottom of the basket so that she cannot get so much as a leg outboard. Still, I would only consider puting her in there for the most sedate trips.

DanO

ofofhy

You may want to check local laws. I know some states have laws preventing people from putting animals in the back of pick-ups. This may fall under that or some other animal negligence law. If some cop is a real dog lover (and bored) he might feel like writing you up. I know that the local SPCA won't let you transport a newly adopted animal in anything other than an enclosed car, truck, or van.

jomconra

Is there really a difference in quality between the Burley and Nashbar trailers? There is a $200 differnce, but I would rather spend the $200 than get a P.O.S trailer that is just going to break

schwinnbikelove

Something else to think about: I picked a bike up second hand, where the previous owner had regularily taken the dog aroung the neighborhood in the front basket- the front hub and spokes were a complete mess with dog hair intertwined everywhere. It was crazy! and not good for the hub, as you can imagine.

scoana

My Bloodhound is over a hundred pounds. Been riding in the Nashbar trailer over a year, no problems.

MichaelW

A wicker basket with a wire lid, mounted onto the rear rack is a good solution for small dogs that are too big for a handlebar basket.
I did post some links to baskets on this forum a while back, have a search.

DogBoy

A lot of the difference between the high end kid trailers and the low end trailers is in materials and such to make the enviornment more child friendly. They have more welds instead of bolts so they are also a bit lighter and their wheels/berings are a bit better. None of those things really makes much difference if you are hauling a dog or recyling.