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-   -   Please Advise Better Way Than This: (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1307977-please-advise-better-way-than.html)

michaelm101 05-10-25 02:32 PM

Please Advise Better Way Than This:
 
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...94333386f0.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...36368e9472.jpg
PLEASE READ MY RESPONSE LATER IN THIS THREAD

I use this PVC "T" fitting along with 4' PVC pipe and bungee leash to run my pup.
We've busted a few of them and they're quite a PITA to concoct.

Can anyone help me to come up with a better way?

Thanks lots in advance!

epnnf 05-10-25 03:01 PM

Not sure i follow. Are you trying to rig something so you can walk your dog while riding your bike? If so, PLEASE DONT. Trying to walk your dog/ride your bike at the same time will cause a crash. It could break your bike or arm and may kill your dog.
YMMV

easyupbug 05-10-25 03:33 PM


Originally Posted by epnnf (Post 23517298)
Not sure i follow. Are you trying to rig something so you can walk your dog while riding your bike? If so, PLEASE DONT. Trying to walk your dog/ride your bike at the same time will cause a crash. It could break your bike or arm and may kill your dog.
YMMV

Strongly agree.

michaelm101 05-10-25 03:38 PM


Originally Posted by epnnf (Post 23517298)
Not sure i follow. Are you trying to rig something so you can walk your dog while riding your bike? If so, PLEASE DONT. Trying to walk your dog/ride your bike at the same time will cause a crash. It could break your bike or arm and may kill your dog.
YMMV

Thanks for your concern. I'm very experienced at this and so is my dog.
We also only do it on a private trail.
I already have the contraption and have been using it more or less this way for over 5 years.
I just wanted to get other people's ideas on a perhaps, a better/different clamping system at the head tube, etc.

Mojo31 05-10-25 04:45 PM

Just luggage tag the leash around the head tube.

maddog34 05-10-25 06:26 PM

General Online Search: "dog leash to attach to bicycle"
hundreds of examples to choose from.
walmart even has a couple listed.

mstateglfr 05-10-25 06:27 PM


Originally Posted by michaelm101 (Post 23517284)
Can anyone help me to come up with a better way?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4a2717c12e.jpg

Bmach 05-10-25 06:37 PM

Can you train the dog to be off a leash. Seeing you said private trail a leash law would not apply. That is what I do with my dog.

spelger 05-10-25 06:37 PM

^
|

too conventional.

veganbikes 05-10-25 07:05 PM

Despite someone having done this for a period of time and thankfully the dog has never gotten hurt or you aren't telling us what has happened, this is a TERRIBLE IDEA. One of the worst. Dogs cannot always keep up with a bike going at speed and they also don't have a way of getting water and because we do not speak their language we cannot understand when they need a break and it might not be when you need a break or when you need water. If someone else comes along and the dog decides they want to check them out or chase them (maybe a squirrel or another dog or someone else) you won't be able to control them and they could get hurt with a bike and a full sized human falling on them.

All in all I never ever recommend cycling with a dog tied to the bike. Riding with a dog on a private trail with no other trail users probably not so bad if they can be off leash but generally that can also be bad if they decide to run away or someone again comes into view and the pup decides they want to follow them.

When it comes to dogs I would recommend walking with them it is safer and better for everyone.

Sierra_rider 05-10-25 09:10 PM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d00f7b9eeb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6edace1ccb.gif

RCMoeur 05-10-25 09:55 PM

What I've seen is this:
https://www.amazon.com/Springer-Dog-...93264684&psc=1

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...905f3b6487.png

It seems designed to deal with the possibility of the rider & K9 having different ideas in terms of trajectories.

Leisesturm 05-10-25 10:52 PM

O.p. is an example of 'rage posting'. It is an offshoot of <cough> trolling, where the o.p. innocently asks about a controversial topic. Depending on the topic it can be hard not to get caught up. No offense meant but I'm meh about dogs big enough to keep up with a bicycle. My cats are 20lbs each and have the raw speed and stamina but not the focus. I don't have to think about the topic at hand. Non issue. Sorry for the pain it might be causing those invested.

Ttom 05-10-25 10:57 PM

If it's a private trail just turn him loose.

indyfabz 05-11-25 03:44 AM

Is that you, Clark Griswold?

bboy314 05-11-25 07:40 AM

Very first google result. Lots of similar options out there too.

_ForceD_ 05-11-25 07:40 AM


Originally Posted by michaelm101 (Post 23517284)
Can anyone help me to come up with a better way?

There are much better, easier, safer ways.
The Woof-cycle dog trotter is the attachment I used for a long time. This one lists for $50 but I certainly didn’t pay that much for the one(s) I have. Got them over-the-counter at PetCo or Petsmart.

(https://www.dogzies.com/product-page...e-bike-trotter).

Of course there are some saying don’t do it. But I’ve done it for years, and if you’re cautious, use the right equipment, and know what you’re doing it can be awesome. Although I will advise you to don’t use anything that attaches to the front end of the bike as your steering can be affected if/when the dog pulls oddly (SQUIRREL!!!). But devices that attach to the rear axle, or chain stays…where most of your body weight is focused…are safe. And, it should extend from the bike, with a short enough leash, so that the dogs can’t collide with the bike.

A few other tips (if you haven’t already done these)

—Make sure the dog’s paws are callused for running on pavement. Attach the device to the non-drive side so that you can ride on the shoulder and that the dog can be in the grass. Also, the dog is on the non-traffic side of the bike.

—Make sure that you build up the dog’s fitness. Just like people, they have to gradually build up their endurance too.

—Take a bowl and plenty of water for the dog. Make stops so the dog can hydrate, and rest.

—Take a regular leash in case you need to leash the dog during an unexpected stop…such as repairing a flat. (It happens.)

—Don’t forget poop bags. Any don’t leave them for someone else to deal with.

Good luck, and have fun.

Dan

dedhed 05-11-25 07:42 AM

Try a schedule 80 tee and pipe

mstateglfr 05-11-25 09:20 AM


Originally Posted by Leisesturm (Post 23517516)
O.p. is an example of 'rage posting'. It is an offshoot of <cough> trolling, where the o.p. innocently asks about a controversial topic. Depending on the topic it can be hard not to get caught up.

Maybe it's rage bait.
Or maybe it's genuine.

Maybe your post is rage bait and it's the controversial topic! Mindblown.
^ not serious

genejockey 05-11-25 10:03 AM

My impression is most of the devices to leash a dog to a bicycle hook onto the rear wheel.. I think this is true because 1) the rear wheel has the most weight on it and thus is harder to redirect if your dog has a "SQUIRREL!!!" moment, and 2) it puts the leash and all that BEHIND the cranks and on the other side of the bike from the drivetrain, so they don't become entangled, which would do nobody any good.

I personally would not do this, but I know others do. I like Greyhounds, and despite what you might think, they aren't long distance runners. A nice walk of a mile or so, room for zoomies, and lots of comfy beds are more their style. But there are plenty of high energy breeds who could happily run for miles with their owner. The other thing is, owning Greyhounds I'm leery of believing any dog can be entirely trusted off leash. In my experience, there are lots more people who THINK their dogs are perfect off leash than there are dogs who are perfect off leash.

michaelm101 05-11-25 01:10 PM

My Dog's Exercise Rig – Let’s Clear the Air
 

Originally Posted by Leisesturm (Post 23517516)
O.p. is an example of 'rage posting'. It is an offshoot of <cough> trolling, where the o.p. innocently asks about a controversial topic. Depending on the topic it can be hard not to get caught up. No offense meant but I'm meh about dogs big enough to keep up with a bicycle. My cats are 20lbs each and have the raw speed and stamina but not the focus. I don't have to think about the topic at hand. Non issue. Sorry for the pain it might be causing those invested.

Post Title: My Dog's Exercise Rig – Let’s Clear the Air

Hey all,
I wanted to drop a quick note to clarify a few things, as my original post asking for mechanical advice somehow spiraled into a debate about whether I care about my dog.
Let me be very clear: I’ve been an animal lover and rescue volunteer for over 25 years. I've raised and cared for cats and dogs since I was four. I take their wellbeing as seriously as my own.

The dog in question is a 3-year-old, 15-pound spaniel mix who’s on medication that causes weight gain. He’s energetic, bright, and genuinely loves running. This setup isn’t about me getting in a ride—it’s about him getting the kind of exercise that a basic walk just doesn’t provide. Walks are nice, but they don’t raise his heart rate or help manage his weight effectively.

And for those suggesting I just let him run free: that’s simply not safe. We live in an area with coyotes, and mountain lions have been sighted in past years. A loose dog out here is a vulnerable one—that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Here’s a photo of the setup:

https://i.imgur.com/IN3VgWi.jpeg
I’ve been a competitive tennis athlete since childhood and have academic training in complex systems and physiology. I don’t just throw things together—I test, monitor, and adjust. And I’m here on this forum because I was hoping to improve the clamp mechanism, not defend my ethics.

I get that seeing a dog next to a bike can raise red flags for some people. That’s fair. But it helps to ask questions before making assumptions. I’m always open to constructive input. If you’ve got suggestions to make this setup better, I’d truly appreciate them.

Thanks to those who responded with helpful advice.
The rest—take a deep breath. I promise, I’m not the villain here.

Pratt 05-11-25 03:11 PM

I'd be interested to know: what kind of dog
Define private trail
How far is the ride
Ambient temperature.

michaelm101 05-11-25 04:28 PM


Originally Posted by Pratt (Post 23517894)
I'd be interested to know: what kind of dog
Define private trail
How far is the ride
Ambient temperature.

Please don't tell me that you've read my last post (with photo) and are asking these questions...

TiHabanero 05-11-25 04:41 PM

Does the dog run alongside you or alongside and ahead of you?

michaelm101 05-11-25 05:08 PM


Originally Posted by TiHabanero (Post 23517932)
Does the dog run alongside you or alongside and ahead of you?

Typically about 5 feet to the right with his nose in line with the front axle. He quickly learned to get direction cues from the front wheel...


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