Thoughts on buddy rider?

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
Post Reply
ChrisDay
Posts: 14
Joined: 11 Mar 2018, 11:19pm

Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by ChrisDay »

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
simonhill
Posts: 5226
Joined: 13 Jan 2007, 11:28am
Location: Essex

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by simonhill »

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.
Grandad
Posts: 1451
Joined: 22 Nov 2007, 12:22am
Location: Kent

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by Grandad »

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 :D
User avatar
Paulatic
Posts: 7804
Joined: 2 Feb 2014, 1:03pm
Location: 24 Hours from Lands End

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by Paulatic »

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.
Whatever I am, wherever I am, this is me. This is my life

https://stcleve.wordpress.com/category/lejog/
E2E info
reohn2
Posts: 45158
Joined: 26 Jun 2009, 8:21pm

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by reohn2 »

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.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"All we are not stares back at what we are"
W H Auden
Jdsk
Posts: 24639
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by Jdsk »

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

Jonathan
User avatar
TrevA
Posts: 3551
Joined: 1 Jun 2007, 9:12pm
Location: Nottingham

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by TrevA »

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.
Sherwood CC and Notts CTC.
A cart horse trapped in the body of a man.
http://www.jogler2009.blogspot.com
ChrisDay
Posts: 14
Joined: 11 Mar 2018, 11:19pm

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by ChrisDay »

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
Airsporter1st
Posts: 784
Joined: 8 Oct 2016, 3:14pm

Re: Thoughts on buddy rider?

Post by Airsporter1st »

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.
Post Reply