Installation Instructions: Bike Tow Leash install
FIT Chart
- Please also check out the Questions Below and our FAQ if you have any more questions. Also feel free to Contact us!
- Scroll Down for instructional Videos or Check out ALL our Videos like the Bike Tow Leash in Action or on TV!
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Q: Does setting up the Bike Tow Leash require tools?
A: Setting up the Bike Tow Leash with the standard clamp or Chain stay clamp requires NO TOOLS! Set up the Bike Tow Leash on your bike 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 was designed for off road use in mind.
Due note to minimize the time your dog spends running on pavement, and it's also important to be aware that drivers may not always notice 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 to 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 the bike. When the dog is 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," whichever 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. A Hybrid cruiser bike is shown below 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 prevent slipping and to protect the bike's finish.
4. Thick frame member mounting is 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 the 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 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 vertically. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before use to lock the coupling in place. See video instruction.
8. 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 before purchase for specific instructions for your device.
Emailing photos and links to the equipment is a great help and saves time. Go to the Chairs product page to see examples of the BTL in use.
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. If you control where your dog looks you can control where your dog goes.
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.
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 of 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.
Click Here for our Dog Biking and Walking 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 and tires with bumpy tough tread. This type of bicycle, along with your dog, can readily negotiate trails, sidewalks and curbs. The wide wheels of these bicycles hold up to well to 1000's of safe miles of this type of riding. BTLs also mount directly on tadpole type recumbent tricycles, two front wheels one rear, and electric mobility scooters. With an adapter, BTLs are also used on wheelchairs, Segways, and electric shopping carts for those who have a disability. If you have a mobility aid application please contact us with equipment photos, make, and model.
- Q: What type of bike brakes are best for using with the BTL?
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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 an 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 dog's shoulder height.
-Instructional Videos-
Bike Tow Leash Easy Installation and Safe
Bike Tow Leash Installation on Suspension and Disc Brake Bike
Bike Tow Leash: Alcohol Adjustment Tutorial
Chain Stay Installation
Quick Mount Installation Video
Trike Adapter Installation Video
FIT Chart
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Bike Tow Leash Attachment: Will it fit my Bike/Recumbent/Trike/Scooter/Wheelchair?
Check our fit chart to see if you may need an accessory to attach the BTL to your bike. If you have any further questions you can send pictures of the back axle (back half) of your bike to info@biketowleash.com
How do I order?
Q: I see the Bike Tow Leash can attach to the right side of bikes. How do determine what I need for my bike?
A: Take a look at our fit chart
There are 3 ways;
1) If you aren't sure which bike you will use, want to upgrade soon or rent. Simply order the Right Side Bike Tow Leash Package. This will provide all you need to install on any bike. Yes, left side as well.
2) If you do know which bike or other mobility devices you want to use, Click on the Fit Chart link above. Scroll down alphabetically to find your bike, trike, chair or mobility scooter listing in that order alphabetically., then right to see photos. The chart will indicate what is needed for attachment for left then right sides.
3) If you don't find your bike etc. on the chart, you can still easily determine what to order with these simple steps;
a) If your bike has a single rear sprocket, the standard clamp will have plenty of room to clear the chain. Order only the Right Side Bike Tow Leash.
b) If your newer, lighter, bike frame is made of carbon fiber and/or has flat sided chain strays order the Chain Stay Clamp with your Right Hand Bike Tow Leash.
c) For older style bikes with steel or aluminum frames, order the Quick Mount. Just check there is 5/8 inch [16mm] flat or open area around the rear axle.
d) If for any reason you are still not sure what you need to order, have special needs etc., email make, model and photos to: info@BikeTowLeash.com We will gladly help with your order.
What Attachments do I need?
Q: It says The Bike Tow Leash comes with "The Standard Clamp" what is it? Will it fit my bike? and will I need tools?
A: Yes the Standard Clamp Comes with the Bike Tow Leash. Usually it fits the Left side of steel and aluminum bikes and hard tail bike frames with no suspension pivot near the rear axle.
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The Standard Clamp will also attach to single speed and single rear sprocket bikes on the right side if there is at least 1/4 inch [7mm] between the chain and bike frame.
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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 with our standard Clamp's hand turned knobs.
Please check out our Fit Chart for your bike or Contact us if you have any questions!
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Q: Does the Bike Tow Leash work on a carbon fiber frame?Also, if my dog does pull or even just by putting the attachment, will the attachment scratch the frame of the bike?
A: Yes, it works. We recommend the Chain Stay whether mounting on right or left. The chain stay protects the frame. Additionally, you can wrap the frame to protect it to further from any potential scratches.
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Q: Can I easily move my Bike Tow Leash from one bike to another?
A: Yes, the Bike Tow Leash quickly and easily removes and installs with two thumb screw knobs.
Or if you bike is compatible with the Quick Mount, it allows for easier mounting, sharing the Bike Tow Leash between bikes, and rapid adjusting for different dog heights; if you have more than one dog breed or dogs of different ages.
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Q: We want to buy a Bike Tow leash for a wheelchair, what do we need to do?
A: Please check our fit chart and then contact us! info@biketowleash.com
We would like to optimize your installation experience!
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Q: Can I use the BTL with two dogs? What do I need?
A: You'll want our Dog coupler and two of our Martingale style collars.
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Q: What type of Adult Trikes do the Adult Trike Adapter work on?
A: The Adult Trike adapter works on trikes with two rear wheels.
Makes and models include (but not limited to); Schwinn Meridian, Sun SX, Torker Tristar HD, Belize Bicycle Tri-Rider Comfort Trike, Kentex and Worksman.
Trikes with a single rear wheel, tadpole type, do not require the Adult Trike Adapter. Some tadpole makes are: TerraTrike, ICE, Ti-Trikes, Green Speed, Trident and Catrike.
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Other Common Ordering Questions
Q: Do the different colours of the BTL indicate different sizes?
A: No, the color of the BTL is purely aesthetic. Yellow , Orange , and Red were chosen for the BTL since they are safety colors. Many BTL fans like to try to match their leash to their bike and accessories too!
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Q: Hi, are there different sizes of BTL for different sizes of dogs, or is it a one size fits all?And how far or long can my dog go running?
A: The colors are for fun! And so that the BTL can be more easily seen for safety. The Bike Tow Leash® is for dogs 10 to 185 pounds. Please discuss with your vet your dog's specific limitations.
It's always best to start off slow and get your dog used to riding and build endurance. Never go more than a mile at first. Always take breaks, offer your dog water, and check their paws pads.
Remember, your dog will be working at least 4 times harder than you when biking. Don't drag your dog or make them stagger to keep up. Go at pace that is safe and fun for both of you.
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Q: So, I really like the BTL but my dog has a habit of falling back and goes behind my bike and can rub the BTL on the back tire. Any suggestions?
A: Pay attention to your dog; when do they do this? Are you going at a pace that is safe and comfortable for both you and your pup?
Are there distractions while you're riding? Consider riding on flat land with little distractions as possible if you can. Maybe you're riding a little too fast for your dog's comfort. Try slowing down and letting your dog set the speed.
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Q: Will the Bike Tow leash® keep my dog away from the Wheels by itself?
A: Yes, the BTL gently guides and guards your dog away from the bike as you ride.
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Q: Before I buy I want to know; what is the "smart arm" of the Bike Tow Leash® made out of?
A: It's handmade laminated composite to keep it strong but flexible.
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Comparisons: Why the Bike Tow Leash®?
Q: How does riding with a Bike Tow Leash Compare to riding with other types of attachments?
A: Safety, stability and comfort are a night and day difference. The BTL provides amazing stability and comfortable ride compared to all others that will tip toward your pulling dog. The BTL will let your dog propel you without destabilizing the bike as others do.
You will feel secure and your dog will be learning the heel command comfortably in your view. Others place the dog farther back so your dog is not visible as you look forward.
When the trail narrows your dog will automatically and be able to safely move fully behind you to avoid obstacles. Other products don’t provide for dog positioning behind when necessary, they will allow or cause impact with the obstacles causing injury or inadvertently releasing your dog. For more comparisons see this chart….
Q: Will the Bike Tow Leash work with my large dog with a strong prey drive?
A: Yes, the BTL is rated for dogs 10 to 185 pounds [4.5 to 84 Kg].
The BTL height adjusts from medium to short and tall dogs as well.
To counteract lunges away from the bike, the dog forces are applied to the bike below the bike’s center of gravity. This means the BTL’s low mounting point prevents bike tipping when the dog lunges away.
A great example of how stable the BTL is illustrated in this video; https://youtu.be/XmzFAIJhPOw?t=46
Q: Does the BTL require more or less training than other dog biking devices?
A: The BTL requires less or no training for both dog and rider. Since dogs naturally pull and other devices are much less stable, prior leash training and larger accomplished bike riders are necessary before biking is attempted with other devices. The word “attempted” is used because a startled, distracted or prey driven dog will tip or knock you off your bike using other devices.
The BTL can be used with dogs of all training levels, especially extreme pullers. The Bike Tow Leash is a true training tool. You can go for a ride then confidently attend an obedience class with improved behavior and attention span.
Q: How does the dog’s pulling on the BTL affect his neck compared to other products?
A: Concern about trachea damage with collars are warranted with other, higher mounted, products which pull up against throat and trachea when the dog pulls. When the dog pulls on the BTL the force is placed to the side, on the tougher outside shoulder and side of neck areas. Additionally, the BTL has built into it a couple feet of shock absorption to further protect you and your dog. Other products have just inches of shock absorption if any.
Q: How does the Bike Tow Leash warranty compare with others?
A: The Bike Tow Leash high quality materials and design are guaranteed for 2 years against manufacturing defects. Some others are covered up to a single year.
Q: How does using the BTL compare to using a seat post mounted type bike attachments?
A: The Bike Tow Leash is much more stable and does not add anything to the bike that can injure rider or tip the bike onto the dog that can cause injury. The BTL is mounted down below the bike’s center of gravity the so tipping is eliminated. In fact, if let go, the bike will fall away from your pulling dog. BTL parts are all smooth and resilient with no pinch points or sharp edges.
Seat post mounted type bike attachments mount high so when the dog pulls sideways the bike falls over toward dog. Typical seat post mounted type bike attachments have ridged metal parts that can cause injury when the bike is pulled over onto your dog. While riding, the BTL will place the dog comfortably forward in heel position rather than back out of riders view. When you get to an obstacle, the ridged seat post mounted type bike attachments will not let the dog get fully behind the bike as the BTL does to avoid the obstacle. Additionally, the seat post mounted type bike attachments will inadvertently release the dog from a hard pull on the cord. The BTL will only release if there is an actual hard impact between leash and signposts, fire plug or similar obstacle.
Q: How does using a Bike Tow Leash compare with Bikejoring or having dog out front attached to the front of the bike up above the front wheel?
A: The dog out front, can tangle, be run over by your bike and will hide from your view trail obstacles, an additional fall hazard. Using the Bike Tow Leash is much safer and easier to use as you have complete control of your bike and dog(s) travel direction and no possibility of running over your dogs. You also are not near as limited in where you can ride using the Bike Tow Leash.
An additional difference between using the BTL and bikejoring is you are closer with your dog(s) so you can experience their reactions to what they see and smell seeing their faces and bonding on your rides.
Shipping: When, Where, How?
Q: How long do the Bike Tow Leashes® take to ship Domestically?
A: It should take 2-8 business depending on location.
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Q: Do you ship Bike Tow Leashes® internationally?
A: Yes, we ship the Bike Tow Leash globally.
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Q: How do you ship internationally and how long does it take?
A: We typically ship DHL International with tracking and insurance. It takes about 2-9 days through customs to Canada, 3-10 to further locations like Europe and Australia.
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Q: Do I pay import duty?
A: For Canada, Mexico and other countries with free trade agreements with the U.S you may or may not pay GST. And for countries without a free trade agreement with the U.S you do pay import tax.
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Q: Do I save on shipping when I buy more than one Bike Tow Leash®?
A: Yes, because we ship 1 to 3 BTLs in the same box size.
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Q: Where all do you Ship from? Where are You?
A: We are in and ship from Orlando Florida. Although we have distributors elsewhere. Check out the Store Locator to see if you have anyone near you.
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If you have any other concerns please take a look at our Shipping. Delivery. and Returns page if you can't find your answers there feel free to contact us!
International Orders: Do you ship to my location ?
We ship internationally! Take a look at our store locator if you want local purchase locations. We recommend using DHL for international orders.
Canada: https://www.biketowleash.ca/
Why Buy From Us?
•FREE Shipping on orders with a minimum of $150 (a Bike Tow Leash & any Attachment accessory)
•Buying directly from our site, allows the inventor to put more than 10% of profits toward dog rescues.
•We minimize our carbon footprint and maximize sustainability.
•Made using solar energy!
•You won't have to pay sales tax in the US unless shipping to Florida
•We are able to provide better customer service and help you select the right product for you.
•WARNING: sites advertising Bike Tow Leash products at lower prices are not authorized or delivering our products!
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Adjustments: How do I get my BTL the right height?
Q: Why is the Bike Tow Leash mast height adjustable?
A: The BTL mast has several functions that work optimally when at the correct mast height. The communication to the dog for position; turns and speed by touching in the rib area. The mast also acts as a resilient barrier to keep dog off the bike pedals and wheels so it should not slide over the dog’s back or get under dog’s belly with the bike vertical.
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Q: How do I know if my Bike Tow Leash mast height is correct?
A: A quick rule of thumb is the forward end of the mast should touch your dog at shoulder height in the rib area. With the bike vertical, the mast is too low if the dog steps over it and too high if their back slides under it.
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Q: Where do I adjust the BTL height?
A: The adjustment or twist location is between the metal “L” shaped outer clamp and the black coupling. Loosening this area before adjustment requires alcohol or heat. Refer to the instructions provided with your BTL or view the Alcohol Adjustment Video.
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Q: Can the bike tow leash be adjusted with rubbing alcohol more than once or will that cause the coupling to become weak?
A: Yes, you can readjust the BTL more than once without making it become weak. It will actually loosen for adjust easier each time.
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Q: Can I have a copy of the instructions? Mine are missing?
A: Yes, please read the instructions carefully before using the Bike Tow Leash®!
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Applications: Any helpful tips for the Bike Tow Leash®?
Bikes
Q: What kind of bikes do you recommend for biking with dogs?
A: For strong energetic dogs I always recommend mountain bikes with good hand brakes and wide wheels. Beach, recumbent, comfort and cross roads type bikes work great as well. However, for best control, especially with multiple dogs, the bike should have a wide, aggressive knobby off road rear tire.
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Q: Will BTL mount on Mountain Bikes
A: Yes, The Bike Tow leash works with disc brakes. This link; https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zvTN0Qevhl4kxp0U6bFv6pkdoubKQlsm9GLzCu9qX_U/edit?usp=sharing will show you installation options for bikes, trikes, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. It is an alphabetic listing for left and right side installation listed alphabetically by make and model number. We have not found a bike we couldn’t fit so contact us. Follow this link for mounting templates and some of our installation instructions:https://biketowleash.com/pages/installation-instructions
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Q: I would like to use your product on a Diggler Dirt Dawg scooter? Please let me know if that is possible. Thanks!
A: Yes, the BTL works on a Diggler and other kick bikes. It clamps against the forward edge of the rear axle on either side of the scooter. As with bicycles, be sure to keep weight on the scooter with dog attached.
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Typical kick type bikes
Q: Can you ride more than one dog at a time with the Bike Tow Leash?
A: Yes, you have a couple options for riding multiple dogs. 1) You can install a second BTL on the other side of you bike. Or 2) You can use our Dog Coupler to attach the second dog’s collar to the faster pulling dog’s collar. The faster dog will be attached directly to the BTL so you slip your brakes to slow the pace to keep from dragging the slower dog. Our patented, Dog Coupler prevents tripping and tangling while taking advantage of the many safety features of the BTL. The Dog Coupler is available on our accessories tab.
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Q: Our trails are very busy, can I use the Bike Tow Leash on the right side of my bike?
A: Yes, the BTL can be mounted on either side of your bike. Just install it, and adjust the mast height so it is pointing forward. There are many mounting options detailed with photos in the instructions. We’ve not found a bike we couldn’t fit, so contact us if you have any questions or difficulty. Also, if you'd like you can add the Right Hand Side Attachment FREE of charge in the accessories with your BTL order.
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Q: What makes the Dog Coupler work so well compared to a simple rope or bungee cord?
A: Extensive and continuing testing reveals several reasons our patented Dog Coupler works best: The DC provides a multiple spring constant spacer between the dogs that comfortably reaches around the dogs head. The first inch of “pull and push” length change requires less than a pound of force. The second inch and beyond requires much more. This, as in proper leash training, rewards the dogs for proper positioning the correct distance apart, beside each other and the bike. A simple rope will droop and tangle when loose same with a bungee cord. Dog nature is to resist against a tight leash so the tendency is to stretch a bungee cord out fully and continue to pull against it. Sideways pulling against one another dramatically increases paw pad wear and tearing. Once torn your dogs will have to stop riding for awhile and/or wear booties for awhile. So best fo avoid doubling up the dogs without our Dog Coupler.
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Q: Is there a way to walk all three of my dogs at once.
A: Yes, to walk 3 dogs at once, you would mount a BTL on both sides of your bike, trike, scooter or chair and use (1) Dog Coupler from our Accessories page.
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Q: What type of bike frame do you recommend for riding with your Bike Tow Leash (carbon, aluminum, hybrid etc.?
A: All frame materials will work. I enjoy riding our dogs with carbon, steel and aluminum bikes. However, for strong pulling dogs, the less expensive heavier steel and aluminum frames provides a smoother ride and better workout for both you and your dog(s). Don’t worry about your bike’s finish. The plastic coated BTL clamp protects your bike’s paint.
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Trikes:
Q: I have dogs that are a strong pullers. Do I need a trike to ride with them?
A: The BTL will provide all the stability you need for the dogs pulling on a regular bicycle. However, if you are not stable riding a bike, then a trike is a great way to go.
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Q: What type and makes of Adult Trikes do the Adult Trike Adapter work on?
A: The Adult Trike adapter works on trikes with two rear wheels. Makes and models include; Schwinn Meridian, Sun SX, Torker Tristar HD, Belize Bicycle Tri-Rider Comfort Trike, Kentex and Worksman. Trikes having a single rear wheel, tadpole type, do not require the Adult Trike Adapter. Some tadpole makes are: TerraTrike, ICE, Ti-Trikes, Green Speed, Trident and Catrike,
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Q: What makes of recumbent, Tadpole type, two wheels in front, trikes do BTLs attach to?
A: On tadpole type trikes, two front wheels, the BTL attaches like on a bicycle just ahead of the rear axle without an Adult Trike Adapter. So far we haven’t found a recumbent trike that the BTL won’t fit. The BTL has easily installed on; Cattrike Road, ICE Sprint RS, TerraTrike Rover, Ti-Trikes, Trident Stowaway II, Green Speed and more…CLICK on the FIT Chart link at the top of this page and scroll down to TRIKES for more trike fitting information.
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Q: Hi, I am interested in buying the bike tow leash for my adult tricycle, but I don’t know how it would attach to the trike.
A: The BTL is attached to trikes having two rear wheels using the Adult Trike Adapter. Find it on our accessories page. Measure your axle tube here. Tube sizes from . 1 ½ in. dia. or [3.8 cm] to 1 5/8 or [41 mm] fit our standard trike adapter. If your trike has a larger tube when you order email us the diameter.
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Q: What size axle tubes does the Adult Trike Adapter fit and how do I measure it?
A: We can make several sizes. The most common and our standard size is 1 ½ inches diameter or 4 ¾ inch Circumference. Measure circumference by wrapping a measuring tape around the axle tube.
If you have a different size axle tube contact us with size make and model of your adult trike.
We can make other sizes to fit your trike.
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Mobility Scooters:
Q: Where does the Bike Tow Leash mount on Mobility Scooters?
A: Each BTL comes with mobility scooter mounting instructions. The BTL usually clamps on to the arm rest support or the seat back hinge. The standard clamp usually works. It can clamp up to 1inch thickness with a bolt spacing of 2.6 inches. Other clamps are available to accommodate any special needs. Check out our accessories page. If you don’t see what you need, just contact us.
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Q: Do I use the standard bike length Bike Tow Leash with my mobility scooter or the shorter wheelchair version?
A: If you plan to only walk your dog out doors, use the standard length BTL. If for indoor use, use the shorter wheelchair version.
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Wheelchairs:
Q: Where does the BTL attach on a manual wheelchair?
A: Typically the BTL mounts on the round tubes near the front caster on either side with a special clamp for round tubes. Contact us with chair make and tube sizes, photos help, prior to ordering.
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Q: Why is there a special Bike Tow Leash shortened for Wheelchairs?
A: When indoors, the dog needs to be closer and because chairs are shorter than bikes, we keep the dog farther back to avoid being pinched by front caster wheels.
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Power Chairs:
Q: Where does the Bike Tow Leash attach to power chairs?
A: The BTL usually attaches toward the rear of power chairs to allow your dog to get fully behind you through narrow doorways. It can clamp on any surfaces such as armrest supports, lift or tiedown anchors, seat rails etc.
Please contact us Info@biketowleash.com
with pictures of your power chair the sides and back for exact placement.
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Q: What size and shape can the standard BTL clamp attach to?
A: The standard clamp will clamp up to 1” thick objects as tall as 2.1 inches with the bolts above and below the part. With a bolt inbetween two tubes, the standard clamp will clamp up to 3 ¾ inches tall. For single round clamping, see the clamps on our accessories tab.
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Q: My dog and I love our BTL but while cycling today with my dog it broke today! Can it be fixed?
A: Yes! Check out our warranty or purchase a refurbishment to make your BTL almost like new!
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Bike Tow Leash® Everyday Use
Q: What kind of collar should I use with the BTL?
A: We recommend using a Martingale style collar for most dogs and usually attach to one of the two non-tightening rings.
This way we again don't tighten onto the trachea area and it differentiates between biking as we use the center tightening ring on regular walks to prevent walk pulling.
As far as control and stability the BTL design provides more control and stability than a walking human.
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Q: Do you recommend the Bike Tow Leash for Service Dog Handlers?
The BTL is fully 5 star safety approved by the American Pet Association for bikes, trikes, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. We do considerable work with Service dog handlers since training, raising and now needing a service dog ourselves; puppy raising is how we got started to begin with.
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Q: Can I use a harness with the Bike Tow Leash?
A: You can use dog control harnesses with the BTL especially with breeds susceptible to trachea damage. A harness that has an attachment point on the side and close to the neck area are best. Clipping too far aft on your dog will place your dog too far forward near the front wheel and beyond the communication and protection provided by the BTL mast. Clipping to a point on the back between the dogs shoulders allows the BTL mast to slip over top of the dog rather than the desired touch to the side for communication.
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Q: How do I know if I am going too fast down hill for my dog?
A: When riding with a dog always apply or slip your brakes down hills. The normal position for your dog is right beside you in the heel position next to the center of the bike. When they drop back from that position, slow down.
One of the unique safety features of the BTL is placing your dog visibly beside you. Remember, your dog’s only way of communicating fast is by dropping back. If the black is bending or your dog is behind you you're going too fast.
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Q: How far do I ride with my dog?
A: Always check with your vet before taking on a new vigorous exercise routine. Remember, your dog will be working at least 4 times harder than you when biking. All that being said, when starting a new dog I never go more than a mile, while it is cool out, at first to let them build up endurance and their pads.
Then evaluate how they recover and inspect their feet. Build up slow to keep it fun and avoid overdoing it.
Giving your dog a good rub down massaging legs, feet etc. after a ride will help you see if your dog has become sore and make the rides even more special for your dog.
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Q: Do I need to remove the Bike Tow Leash between rides or when riding without dog(s)?
A: No, you can simply clip your BTL behind your seat out of the way. If you desire to remove the BTL, it will come off in just seconds with no tools.
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Q: Can I ride with two dogs on a single Bike Tow Leash?
A: Yes, you can use our Dog Coupler to safely attach the second dog. You can purchase the Dog Coupler on our Accessories Tab. The Dog Coupler will take advantage of the communications between bike and dogs and help maintain proper dog positioning beside each other. Additionally, the unique DC design provides loose-leash-reward for proper positioning. Loose leash rewarding is how to train proper leash walking and will also help reduce paw pad wear and tears.
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Q: What can I do about loose dogs when I ride?
A: Loose dogs at any time can be problematic if they are aggressive to your dog or want to chase you. If there are aggressive loose dogs, the best thing is to avoid them.
However, you can go prepared for the worst with an air horn and pepper spray. I have out run chasing dogs but never had the occasion to use either and would have to be very sure before using pepper spray on any animal. You should probably test the air horn with your dog(s) to see what the reaction will be before using one on a ride.
I have had leashed dogs appear aggressive toward us biking but once convincing the owner to loosen the leash found them quite nice. This occurs since dogs feel stress transferred from their handler, through the leash.
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Q: I prefer to use a harness with my dog but they seems to get too close to my front wheel. What can I do to keep them further from my bike?
A: It appears the BTL is adjusted a little too high. Lowering the ridged end so it touches your dog's ribs will space them away from the front wheel. Also, clip to the side of the harness to keep the BTL at their side. Clip to the harness at a point further forward so the BTL mast is beside their ribs to space them from the bike as well.
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Q: I have been using the bike tow leash and love it but occasionally the round knobs fall off.
A: Look at the the yellow or blue outer clamp cover and make sure the bigger holes are towards the bike and away from the black flexible part of the BTL. you want the smaller hole side under the knobs. You need to pull the cover off with two fingers under the clamps side of the cover, and then flipping it over and back on. The material of the clamp cover should help you keep the knobs tighter. Also make sure you tighten your knobs between rides!
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Q: I am a longtime user of your Bike Tow Leash product. My high energy dog goes nuts everytime I bring my bike out, but over the years and miles the rope with the clip has all but bit the dust. The leash is pretty worn too. Can it be saved?
A: Sounds like you need a cord replacement and/or a refurbishment.
Send pictures of your leash to info@BikeTowLeash.com so we can get you and your dog back on the trails faster!
Then purchase Product Refurbishment And then send us your BTL to our returns address
LEI RETURNS8815 Conroy-Windermere Rd.# 197.ORLANDO, FL 32835
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Business Opportunities: Can I partner with LEON Engineering?
Q: Do you have wholesale and affiliate programs?
A: Yes, we offer opportunities for people and businesses to market Bike Tow Leash products. Please contact Mr. Mike Leon email him with phone number, your business information and questions at: LEONEngineering@BikeTowLeash.com
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My Dog and I absolutely love the Bike Tow Leash® !! How can I say Thank You?
We'd love to hear from you! We love pictures and video of you and your dog enjoying the BTL together!
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Follow us on our socials tag us #BikeTowLeash and/or @ us! We might share your content! Spread the word on the web and in person! Show off those brochures!
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We'd also love if you review us on amazon and upload pictures; especially if that's where you bought from originally!
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And if you have an extra used BTL lying around we'd love if you would charitably donate it to your local animal shelter.
Want to know anything else? Contact Us!
Office1: 857-BIKE-DOG or [857-245-3364]
Office2: 407-574-5260
For Local Orlando, FL USA Pickup call ahead to:
857-BIKE-DOG or 857-245-3364
Product Questions: 1RunningDog@BikeTowLeash.com
