Drive adapter selection guide

What is a bike antenna?

As a bike antenna is called the flexible and forward part on the front of the wheel, the so-called antenna. It is intended for cycling, where the dog moves ahead of the bike, usually pulling. The bike antenna holds the traction cord up and prevents it from getting tangled in the front tire, even if the dog slows down and the leash loosens. This increases security considerably.

The spring/antenna in the bike antenna is flexible to follow the dog's movements. However, the spring itself is not made to withstand a pull, so the bungee line should ALWAYS be attached around the frame of the bike (or to the loop in the bracket part of some adapter models) . So the belt is never attached to the pulley at the end of the antenna, but to the wheel. A flexible should be used with the bike antenna a pull cord , the length of which should be about 2.5–3 meters when stretched. In this case, there is enough space between the dog and the bike.

There are different drive adapter models, because the wheels also differ from each other. From our selection there are several different adapter models, including those that fit a modern mountain bike/full suspension bike/fat bike. The drive adapter is most often installed either around the frame of the bike or around the neck tube - depending on the design of the bike and the adapter model. There are also handlebar mount adapters available. Get in touch if you need help choosing. Also tell us the model of your bike and/or put a picture of the front of your bike.

bike antenna for a bike, kickbike or Kickspark kicksled?

Bicycles and scooters the structure is generally similar in terms of bike antennas, so the same adapters work for both passing games. There may be model-specific differences, so check compatibility if you plan to move the adapter from one bike to another. Kickspark kicksleds models compatible with the frame are Kainpo brand adapters.

Differences in attachment methods

All adapters are relatively easy to install on the bike - there are minor differences if the adapter is to be removed constantly or moved from one bike to another. However, all adapters can be installed using basic tools, and in some models the antenna can also be removed without tools.

The most significant difference between the mounting methods is the mounting location - around the frame, neck tube or handlebar?

Frame attachment

• When attached to the frame, the lateral movements of the dog do not affect the steering.
• With a frame-mounted adapter, it must be ensured that when turning the handlebar, the brake and gear cables can move sufficiently and do not catch on the adapter. So the cables must not be very short.
  Kainpo in Ultra Swing the spring alone can turn freely according to the lateral movements of the dog, so it is particularly gentle on the cables despite the frame attachment.
• Especially with a bike with rim brakes, you should pay attention not to catch the brake cables when turning the adapter. The front brake cable of rim brakes is usually shorter and can hit the adapter when turning the front tire. In general, the safer choice for wheels with rim brakes is an adapter that turns with the steering.
• Check these out:
  • There is a suitable point on the frame of your bike for the attachment of the adapter you are considering
  • The size of the fastener in relation to the point in question

Neck tube attachment

• When attached around the neck tube, the adapter turns with the steering, i.e. the antenna always points in the same direction as the front tire. For this reason, even when the dog pulls to the side, for example during turns, the antenna is steered in the direction of the bungee and thus turns the steering in the same direction. The effect is not significant, because the antenna is flexible and bends with the pull, but it is good to be aware of it.
• A worry-free choice when it comes to bike cables.
• Installing the bracket part on the bike usually requires removing the handlebar bracket. However, this is the so-called one-time installation, if the mounting part does not need to be changed from one bike to another. The antenna part itself can be detached from the bracket in all adapter models.
• Non-stop Bike Antenna , Yedoo Mushing Antenna and Signé LP S/Line Pro Antenna is installed directly around the neck tube, usually in place of one riser piece. When installing Kainpo brand adapters around the neck tube, it is necessary to use a separate one nylon sleeve , which is changed in place of the riser piece under the handlebar bracket.
• Check these out:
  • The neck tube diameter of your bike
  • Is there room in the neck tube for the clamp part? (the bracket usually replaces 1-2 riser pieces around the neck tube). Note that the antenna can be mounted below or above the controller bracket.

Handlebar mount

• When attached to the handlebar, the adapter turns with the steering, meaning the antenna always points in the same direction as the front tire. For this reason, even when the dog pulls to the side, for example during turns, the antenna is steered in the direction of the bungee and thus turns the steering in the same direction. The effect is not very big, because the antenna is flexible and bends with the pull, but it is good to take it into account.
• A worry-free choice when it comes to bike cables.
• Handlebar mounted adapter is Non-stop KlickFix . Its advantage is that the antenna can be easily removed by pressing a button, and other accessories such as bike bags and baskets are also available for the bracket that remains on the bar. Fits most handlebars.
• Check this:
  • The handlebar diameter of your bike

bike antennas feature table

Examples of adapter choices

• A modern mountain bike with a thick frame: Inlandis Bikejor MAX UL or an adapter that attaches to the neck tube/handlebar
• Downward handlebar mount: Kainpo Ultra Swing or an adapter with a neck tube mounted above the handlebar bracket.

Dog next to the bike?

If your intention is to ride a bike with the dog walking next to the bike, check out these products:

• Kainpo Combi Plus (pull adapter that can be turned from the front to the side)
• Pro Dogger (traditional side-flow stand)
• Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Leash (flexible strap that fits on the cyclist's hips)

Read more about cycling with a dog on our sports page!