I really was excited to get my Springer and have the option of running my dogs in less time than it took to walk them and getting a bike ride in at the same time. I have a Cannondale F400 and F900. I couldn't mount it to my bike frame without it hitting my heals (size 10 women's shoe). I'm not sure if it is a shoe size problem (not that likely) or a Cannondale frame problem. I ended up mounting it on my seatpost out of desperation to use this product. I have 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks one about 80lbs the other 95lbs.
I should mention that I am an pretty hard core mountain biker so know how to balance well, control the bike, etc. Not just a casual on the road neighborhood biker.
Here are some things you should be aware of:
1) If you don't mount it tight enough(I'm not gluing it to a Cannondale), when your dog decides to lung at her favorite dog friend as you pass them by, the whole Springer will rotate and pin your leg between it and your bike and cause you to be trapped as you attempt to put your foot down to stop your overly excited dog, you will then fall on your side, the dog will be startled and then you and your bike will be dragged a couple of feet by your dog trying to get away from you. I won't mention the embarrassment.
2) After the above episode, I decided it was better to use a pinch collar for my highly energized, high sight hound driven female ridgeback. They say not to do that. She's 95lbs.
3) If you see a stray dog while you are out, it is hard for your dog to defend himself if needed. My female was rendered "defenseless" and "body language" mute since she didn't have enough slack in the line to sniff or protect herself from being sniffed. If it was a mean dog, I think we would have both been in trouble.
4) Mounted on the seatpost (they do not suggest it), when the dog pulls, if feels like you are a parasail. I can counter their weight though unless I hit the side of the sidewalk and then I just get pulled into the grass. If I stop and put one foot down while my dog is pulling, the bike will be swept out from under me. Better to parasail by.
5) After a few runs (and my pinch collar for my female), they get use to what they are suppose to be doing and not doing and eventually get worn out enough to not care about the squirel or the cat.
I would LOVE this product if it fit my bike. [...] was VERY slow in mailing it. Someone in another review mentioned an attachment for bikes that don't conform but there is no mention of it on their website.
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Springer Bicycle Jogger Pet Supply.
