Cycling UK Forum

We now have a 10 kg dog and just half wondering if she can hop on the bike...

Thinking about various ways of doing this - trailer etc - but came across buddy rider here:

https://www.madaboutadog.com/product/bu ... ycle-seat/

Does look like it might place a potentially very significant load on the seat post - anyone got any experience or thoughts?

Not rushing out to buy one but your collective wisdom would be appreciated....

Chris

I wonder how legal it is. It looks like it would interfere with your steering. An insurance company could have a field day. All probably made worse if the dog is bit frisky.

On the London to Brighton ride many years ago I saw a rider in an old fashioned butchers delivery bike with a terrier in the basket. Reminded me of my Saturday job when still at school - delivering meat, not dogs

I would imagine a terrier is about as big as you could go carried on the front. Years ago I met a guy cycle touring with a Jack Russell in a wooden box attached to the front. Larger dogs are going to be best in a trailer.

I've met a couple of people with small terriers that travel in a plastic crate on the rear rack attached with a short leash so they can't jump out if the mood takes them.
The arrangement seemed to work very well for both dog and owner.

Does the Buddyrider take the whole weight on a cantilever from the seat post rather than using a strut down to the frame?

Jonathan

I bought a similar contraption when my kids were small, but only used it a couple of times. It interferes with you pedalling, so that you have to stick your knees out. Also, your pet is exposed to the elements. They’d be better off in a trailer, which is what we have for our dog.

Thanks for all responses...

Yes it does appear to put all the load on the seat post - seems odd engineering when crossbar just below.

I did wonder how my knees would avoid hitting it.

Not rushing to get one - but I bet our v sociable dog would rather be up with us than behind in a trailer!

C

I’ve had one in regular use for more than 3 years and can highly recommend it My dog loves it . As soon as I put my cycle gear on, he goes and stands by the bike.

My dog is 6 kg and there is no doubt that the extra weight raises the CoG and that we are a bit more susceptible to side winds, but I rapidly got used to it.

It does not interfere with straight bars at all. It is supported only by the seat post and is readily removable by pulling out a safety clip and removing a single pin.

Its designed and marketed in the US. I don’t believe it would adversely affect your insurance but then I’m not an expert.