General Questions

Q: Where can I purchase a Bike Tow Leash locally?

Follow this link for a list of Bike Tow Leash stores

 

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: Yes, we ship internatinallyFor internatinal sales, PayPal works best for payment or check out as a Guest on PayPal using your credit card.

 

Q: Why is the BTL usually shown using a dog collar?

A: We don’t typically use a harness with the BTL as you have better communication and control with a Martingale collar for Biking and Walking. The BTL has more dampening of forces and pulls to the side of the neck and on the outside shoulder vs up against the throat. Therefore, fewer throat area concerns than other products that pull up on the throat area. If you want to use a harness, biking with your dog, we recommend attaching forward on the side of the dog. This keeps the dog from being too far forward and the BTL mast as a barrier and communication tool between dog and bike.

 

Q: What makes the 1-Running-Dog BTL safer than other products?

A: With dogs that pull, lunge, have a strong prey drive or react to horns or diesels, you are much safer. The BTL design takes into account both the laws of Physics and dog behavior. Simply put, with a regular leash and other products, when the dog pulls sideways, you tip over. With the BTL the dog's ability to pull to the side is reduced and the tipping forces are virtually eliminated.  With weight on the bike, a single finger can keep the bike upright when the dog pulls sideways. Additionally, the BTL, like no other product, automatically communicates direction commands to the dog. For off road use, The BTL's flexibility makes rough terrain riding safe and fun.   The BTL allows the dog to get fully behind the bike to avoide obstacles, lets the dog trot along above or below you as the terrain changes without bumping into a ridged bar above him or choke as he runs lower than your bike wheels.  So you can check out those single track trails together!

 

Q: Are there any more instructions than those printed on the Bike Tow Leash itself?  

A:  Yes,  there is a 4 page pamplet that comes with each BTL.  The first is about use, second about installation on bikes.  The third and forth pages have to do with installing on trikes and mobility scooters. Here is the link to those Bike Tow Leash  instructions;  <Click Here> There are also video instructions on this site. 

 

Q: Can I use the BTL with a Mobility Scooter. Wheelchair or Tricycle?

A: Yes, Bike Tow leash works great with electric mobility scooters (ECVs), manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and trikes. Just attach the clamp to seat, armrest or similar bar near your seat and tighten accordingly. If you require a wheelchair mobility scooter rental anywhere in North America, visit http://www.scootaround.com.  The BTL, primarily for bicycles, also will attach and work great on mobility scooters, chairs, trikes and other personal mobility devices. The BTL will prevent toe pinches from the wheels while providing the same control and communication benefits as when biking.  For these special needs applications, please contact us prior to purchase for specific installation instructions for your mobility device. Emailing photos and links to the equipment is a great help and time saver.

 

Q: Can I install the Bike Tow Leash on the right side of my bike?

A: Yes, Bike Tow Leash easily installs on all single speed and internally geared bikes such a beach cruisers with the standard clamp.  On the RHS for bikes with rear derailleurs, the standard clamp can interfere with the two highest gears,(smallest sprockets).  Lots of dogs don't go fast enough to have this matter. You just shift to the large sprocket up front.  However, for those that have faster dogs or no large front sprocket to shift to, we have a couple other mounting options in our accessories page that will work for your bike.

 

Q: Does the 1-Running Dog BTL only attach to the left side of the bike?

A: No, the BTLs universal clamp will fit either side of most bikes, trikes, scooters and wheel chairs.  You will have to adjust the BTL to make it point forward when you place it on the RHS.  This procedure is covered with instruction #4 for bicycles.  When moving your dog to RHS from an normally trained heel, use caution as they can become confused and try to go around to the other side.  This can  happen  particullarly when your dog is getting tired or may anticipate a turn wrong.  If you have a particular need for right side use, it can be attached to most bikes with the standard clamp.  We also have a quick bracket that will prevent chain rubbing and any shifting interference in our accessories section.

 

Q: How do I select the spot to attach the BTL?

A: The inner clamp needs to clamp flat rear wheel drop out or clamp across two rounded frame members low and against the rear axle is best. Other locations are possible as well.  Reference the instructions page 2, videos, photos tab and accessories. 

 

Q: Can I buy the Bike Tow Leash pre-adjusted for use on the right side of my bike?

A: The standard Bike Tow Leash comes adjusted for left side use.  Once you've got your BTL in your shopping cart, go to accessories and add the Right Side adjustment option.  

 

Q: How do I know when I have mounted the BTL properly?

A: The clip end points forward.  When you can hold the bike vertical at the seat using a single finger, pull the Bike Tow Leash to the side and the bike doesn't tip and the clamp remains tight.

 

Q: How do I determine if the BTL is tightened enough?

A: Typically, tighten the knobs as much as you can by hand. Test tightness by rotating the mast back behind the bike repeatedly. If the clamp remains stationary, it is tight enough. If it moves, it may need to be repositioned to a flatter surface for better clamping. Check knob security between rides as the clamps intentionally conform to the bike frame over time making a custom fit.