Installation Instructions: Bike Tow Leash install

• Please also check out the Questions Below and our FAQ if you have any more questions. Also feel free to Contact us!

 

Q: Does setting up the Bike Tow Leash require tools?
A: Setting up the Bike Tow Leash with the standard clamp 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 them 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 they respond best to.
• If you know where they may become spooked, try and ride in the direction that places the bike between them and the threat. They will then pull away from you.
• Of course, if you do stop and they manage to get their head behind the front wheel, have them back out before proceeding.
Riding will make your dog more accustomed to the other dogs barking, etc.
 

The Following Numbered Photos Provide Installation Guidance on Left Side of Bike

1. Hybrid cruiser bike is shown with BTL installed, left side, close the rear axle. The outer clamp is close to vertical with the flexible coupling on the bottom. Note the mast is directed up and forward. Rotate the clamp on the bike frame so the clip end of the mast is at the dog's shoulder height with the bike vertical.

2. Shown is the most common placement of inner clamp clamping across 2 rounded frame members. Note: the inner clamp bolts are above and below the 2 frame members. If these members are too far apart, put the long-bent end of the inner clamp up to capture the upper frame member. 

3. Clamping across the axle mount with bolts above and below is the second most common mounting arrangement. Note: On thin frames the bolt ends must not protrude beyond the end of either knob. Add washers under the knobs to cover all the bolt threads. Also, the inner and outer clamps are covered to preventing slipping and to protect the bike's finish.
 

4. Thick frame member mounting shown with the supplied washers (black) on both bolts between the inner and outer clamps This is done for the bolts to reach across the thick red frame into the knobs.

  

5. Disc Brake Bike Installation:  The simple trick with disc brakes is to first slip one bolt out of the inner clamp.  Then slip inner clamp up between the disc and frame just ahead of the axle.  with this bike frame type, the inner clamp is slipped with long end up to clamp the seat stay part of the frame. Note: during tightening, lift the clamping unit for securely clamping the upper cross member.

6. BTL fully installed on rear disc brake bike. Note: once clamped, make sure there is clearance between the inner clamp and the disc brake.

7. The BTL comes set for left side use with medium size dogs with the outer clamp vertical. The outer clamp can be rotated before tightening to adjust height. If the outer clamp cannot be rotated far enough, release the coupling by adding regular 70% rubbing alcohol all the way around inside the coupling as shown. Let stand at least 6 minutes, grip the clamp in one hand and coupling in the other, then twist hard, with knobs removed, to release the outer clamp from the coupling.  Adjust  so mast meets the dog's shoulder height with the bike standing vertical. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before use to lock coupling in place. See video instruction.

 

8. The BTL comes defaulted to left side. For right side installation see the Accessories tab for pre-adjustment and right-side mounts.  
9. The BTL, primarily for bicycles, also will attach and work great on mobility scooters, chairs and other personal mobility devices. For Chair Users please contact us prior to purchase for specific instructions for your device.  Emailing photos and links to the equipment is a great help and saves time. Go to the photos tab to view some examples of installations.

 

 

Collar Recommendations:  

We recommend using our Martingale type collar, in our accessories.  It has a larger secondary tightening loop, 3 attachment rings plus holds adjustment better than most making it ideal for riding and walking.  Use the center ring for walking on a regular leash and biking in high distraction and risk areas.  Adjusted properly,  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. Click Here for our Dog Biking and Walking collar; https://biketowleash.com/collections/accessories/products/bike-tow-leash-martingale-collar   

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: Well functioning hand brakes are best for controlling bike and dog's speed regardless of pedal or foot positions. For rear disc brakes, mounting the BTL on left side,  you may push out the upper bolt from the inner clamp.  Then simply pass the bolt back 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.