Getting Started
Q: Does setting up the Bike Tow Leash require tools?
A: Setting up the Bike Tow Leash on your bicycle requires NO TOOLS! Set up the Bike Tow Leash in just minutes.
Q: Where can I ride my bike with my dog using the BTL?
A: Start in a familiar area and your dog will spend less time trying to stop and sniff. The Bike Tow Leash is for off road use. You should limit the amount of pavement your dog runs on and drivers pay too little attention to both bicycles and dogs. Sidewalks, rail trails, dirt roads, bike trails, beaches and parks are great fun and you are obeying leash laws!
Q: Where do I apply the alcohol to adjust mast height?
A: Pour 1/2 ounce of 70% rubbing alcohol into the coupling where it meets the outer clamp. Rotate the BTL all around to completely soak the inside of the black coupling. Let it sit for 7 minutes. Then twist the metal outer clamp hard while holding the black coupling. A garage door roller track, vice or plumber's strap wrench will help for leverage. Once dry, the mast will stick back in the new position. So make sure the black coupling is pushed fully to the clamp bend and positioned where you want it before it dries.
Q: Are there things I should avoid when using the BTL?
A: Hot pavement, slippery surfaces, grates, glass, sandspurs, erratic turns and traffic.
Q: Is it possible for the dog, when startled, to move inward toward the bike?
A: Yes, the mast is a resilient barrier that gently nudges the dog away from you. When the dog is startled in too close, you have these options:
- It is best to keep moving. If there is room, steer and pedal away from her and the threat.
- Stop pedaling and nudge the dog away with the side of your leg. Resume pedaling away from the threat and tell her to "settle, leave it, let's go or watch me," which ever she responds best to.
- If you know where she may become spooked, try and ride in the direction that places the bike between her and the threat. She will then pull away from you.
- Of course if you do stop and she manages to get her head behind the front wheel, have her back out before proceeding.
Riding will make your dog more accustomed to the other dogs barking, etc.
Collar Recommendations:
We recommend using a Martingale type collar, having the secondary tightening loop and 3 rings. Use the center ring for walking on a regular leash and biking in high distraction and risk areas as the dog cannot back out of this type collar. Use one of the outer rings for normal riding so that you differentiate between loose leash walking and allowing your dog to propel the bike. The outer rings provide a looser collar and since the BTL pulls from the side the force goes to the side of the neck and shoulder not up against the dog's throat.
Bicycle Recommendations:
Q: I am going out to buy a bike to use with my BTL, what type of bicycle is best?
A: The BTL is recommended with mountain and beach bicycles with fat knobby rear tires. This type bicycle, along with your dog, can readily negotiate trails, side walks and curbs. The wide wheels of these bicycles hold up to well to 1000's of safe miles of this type of riding. BTLs mount directly on tadpole type recumbent tricycles, two front wheels one rear, and electric mobility scooters. With an adapter, BTLs are also used on wheel chairs, Segways and electric shopping carts for the disabled. If you have a special needs application please contact us with equipment photos, make and model.
Q: What type of bike brakes are best for using with the BTL?
A: Regular, well functioning caliper, hand brakes are best for controlling bike and dog's speed regardless of pedal or foot positions. Rear disc brakes also work for mounting the BTL. The only trick is to push out the upper bolt from the inner clamp. Then simply pass it thru an opening in the disc to capture the frame.
Q: What do I do if I have a bike with rear disc brakes?
A: Disc brakes can offer challenges to available mounting space, but I've not found a bike we can't fit. There are several ways to orient the clamp for secure mounting. To slip the inner clamp between the frame and the disc, you may remove the upper bolt and pass it through disc a opening back through the inner clamp. The inner clamp can also be oriented with the long end up or down to accomplish clamping. The flexible coupling is then rotated on the outer clamp bracket to adjust to dogs shoulder height.