Questions about biking

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

I think I have decided to try biking with Jaxon and Baylee. I haven't ridden a bike in years so I could use some advice from those of you who bike or know someone who does. Like what type of bike? Size? suggestions on how to get them used to said bike? How to keep them from getting run over and me from getting toppled over? Walking just isn't keeping them entertained enough and I work 12 hour days when I work so they are bonkers when I get home. They are driving me insane but are still very good even so. Today they (not sure which one) ate 4 ornaments off my tree. Thank goodness I went to plastic after last year. LOL

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
Robin
Oh and xmas cards will go out tomorrow fot those of you who are on the list and thanks for the ones I have gotten so far. So great!!

[canadianjem]

the very first question to ask is where will you be riding? on road? off road? paved trails? dirt trails? trails with roots/rocks? How tall are you?
I started with Kona by walking him and my bike around the block..every time he would try and bark at or bite the bike i would correct him.
then found a nice grassy field and got on by bike ..Kona's leash in my hand and wold ride about 5 feet and stop..if he did well..cookie
If he would bark at the bike or try and bite it...stop and a sharp no and ignore him for a few seconds.
Now Kona loves biking and happily trots along beside me

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

Thank you for the response.

1. roads mainly, no trails around here
2. I am 5'4
Jaxon is scared of bikes. Mainly because he hasn't been around many. Baylee I think will be fine. Not much scares her. My husband thinks I am crazy and is trying to talk me out of it. But I really need the exercise and walking isn;t doing it for me either. I want to run but I don't and never have had the stamina for long distance. I was always a sprinter.

Robin

[Lee]

Hi there can't really offer advice on biking with the dogs as I have never done it but I plan to try when Alfie is older . But as for the bike I would suggest ur best option is to find ur local bike shop not a superstore and just go in and enquire most are more than helpful and will find u the perfect size. MTB's are the best all round bikes and sturdy enough to handle whatever u throw at them. I would suggest not getting the cheapest in the shop as if u start to enjoy it u may need to upgrade the bike which will cost more in the long run. Trust me the better the bike the more u'll enjoy the hole experience!



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[canadianjem]

I think if you are riding on the road you will not require a mountain bike. YOu don't need the suspension. suspensions= more weight and $$$.
If you straddle the bike the top bar should just reach the va jay jay. when sitting on the seat your arms should be "almost" fully extended to the handlebars. Not stretching and not elbows really bent. whatever feels comfortable..
I LOVE LOVE LOVE giant bikes. This is all i ride ..but them I am i cross country/down hiller.
If you are just toodling along and the only thing you want to do is trot your dogs on a paved road perhaps going to wal mart? Bikes are junk ( IMO) but if you are not doing too much then perhaps something there will work for you.
If Money is no object then get something that will last and you will LOVE.
By comparison I am 5'4" 119 Pounds by bike is a Giant Cypher in XS

Framehttp://www.giant-bicycles.com/enca/bikes/model/cypher.2/8109/45639/#geometry

H in the diagram = height from top tube to ground...This is my bike and I LOVE IT
if i haven't really answered your questions ask.

Also, for used bikes, gear, etc...
go to "pinkbike.com"... loads of stuff on here for sale

[canadianjem]

also...dont ride on the road yet...please, please find a nice grassy field and practice. I started walking Kona beside by bike at 11 weeks. also...get a helmet. If you pooches pull you down and you hit you head...game over.
however, riding slowly down the street with Kona is most enjoyable. he loves that he can trot along at his own pace.

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

Thanks Lee. I intend to buy a better bike from a bike store as all I have ever had have been dpt store bikes and they weren't very good. I am not looking for competition just fun and ease of riding. Plus one that in a year will still be working like it should.

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

Originally Posted by canadianjem

also...dont ride on the road yet...please, please find a nice grassy field and practice. I started walking Kona beside by bike at 11 weeks. also...get a helmet. If you pooches pull you down and you hit you head...game over.
however, riding slowly down the street with Kona is most enjoyable. he loves that he can trot along at his own pace.

I KNOW as a nurse I need the helmet but I hate the things. When I skydive, or ski or horseback ride they require you wear them. Im going to have to really think about that.

Money isn't that big a deal. I want a good one but not the best one. Middle of road here as far as that is concerned. LOL I plan on getting a consult at a bike store and let them help me. I like the idea od the big bike you posted. I may check one of those out too. Plus I am 47 now so don't have to look sleek and sexy...LMAO

[jessmke]

I bike with Aspen every day in the summer. I use a springer attachement on my bike:


That is not me and Aspen, lol, just a photo I found off google!

It's awesome because the springy part absorbs almost all of the pulling if the dog drifts or lunges after something. Aspen has lunged so hard after a bunny that my seat twisted (it's attached the the post that your seat sits on top of), but the bike stayed straight as an arrow! Aspen wears a harness that I attach the rope to, and the rope is short enough that the dog can't get in front of or behind the bike. You can attach one on either side of your bike if you have two dogs. They're great if you're riding on the road/pathway, not great if you're riding on narrower trails since the dog would need more freedom of movement.

Aspen wasn't scared of the bike at all, but I needed to teach her to pay attention to the bike so she wouldn't drift into me while riding. This sounds a little mean, but I took her to a park, attached her to the bike and then tried to ride into her! I didn't hit her hard, just a nudge a couple of times but she learned quickly to pay attention to me and the bike and not to get too close to me. I can also use my foot to tap her on the bum if I'm riding with her and she sees a squirrel or bunny or something.

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

I LOVE that!!! And I assumed it wasn't you or Aspen since it looks like a very young boy and shepard type dog. LOL