Bike antenna selection guide

What is a bike antenna?

A bike antenna is a flexible, forward-pointing so-called antenna at the front of the bike. It is intended for biking where the dog moves ahead of the bike, usually pulling. The bike antenna keeps the pull leash up and prevents it from tangling in the front wheel even if the dog slows down and the leash slackens. This significantly increases safety.

The spring/antenna on the bike antenna is flexible to follow the dog's movements. However, the spring itself is NOT made to withstand pulling, so the pull leash MUST ALWAYS be attached around the bike frame (or to the loop on the attachment part of some antenna models). The leash should never be attached to the ring at the end of the antenna, but to the bike. A flexible pull leash about 2.5–3 meters long when stretched should be used with the bike antenna. This leaves enough space between the dog and the bike.

There are different bike antenna models because bikes themselves vary. Our selection includes several different antenna models, including those suitable for modern mountain bikes/full suspension bikes/fatbikes. The bike antenna is usually installed either around the bike frame or around the Steerer tubes - depending on the bike's design and the antenna model. Antennas that attach to the handlebars are also available. Contact us if you need help choosing. Also provide your bike model and/or send a picture of the front of your bike.

Bike antenna for a bike, kickbike, or Kickspark kick sled?

The structure of bicycles and kick scooters is generally the same from the perspective of bike antennas, so the same antennas fit both vehicles. There may be model-specific differences, so check compatibility if you plan to move the antenna from one bike to another. Kickspark kick sleds compatible models include Kainpo brand antennas.

Differences in attachment methods

All bike antennas are relatively easy to install on a bike - there are small differences if the antenna is meant to be removed frequently or moved from one bike to another. However, all antennas can be installed using basic tools, and some models have an antenna that can be removed without tools.

The main difference between mounting methods is the mounting location - around the frame, steerer tubes, or handlebars? 

     Frame mounting for Bike antenna

• When mounted on the frame, the dog's lateral movements do not affect steering.
• With a frame-mounted adapter, ensure that when turning the handlebars, brake and gear cables can move sufficiently and do not get caught on the adapter. The cables should not be too short.
  In Kainpo Ultra Swing the spring alone can turn freely according to the dog's lateral movements, making it especially gentle on cables despite frame mounting.
• Especially with rim brake bikes, attention should be paid to ensure that brake cables do not catch on the adapter when turning. The front brake cable of rim brakes is usually shorter and may hit the adapter when turning the front wheel. Usually, with rim brake bikes, a safer choice is an adapter that turns with the steering.
• Check these:
  • There is a suitable spot on your bike frame for the mount of the adapter you are considering
  • Size of the mounting part relative to the specific spot

     Steerer tubes mounting for Bike antenna

• When attached around the steerer tubes, the adapter turns with the steering, meaning the antenna always points in the same direction as the front wheel. For this reason, when the dog pulls to the side, for example in turns, the antenna aligns with the direction of the pulling line and thus turns the steering in the same direction. The effect is not significant, as the antenna is flexible and bends with the pull, but it is good to be aware of this.
• A worry-free choice regarding bike cables.
• Installing the mounting part on the bike usually requires removing the stem. However, this is a one-time installation if the mounting part does not need to be switched between bikes. The antenna part itself can be detached from the mount on all adapter models.
• Non-stop Bike Antenna, Yedoo Mushing Antenna and Signé LP S/Line Pro Antenna are installed directly around the steerer tubes, usually replacing one spacer. When installing Kainpo brand adapters around the steerer tubes, it is necessary to use a separate nylon bushing, which replaces the spacer under the stem.
• Check these:
  • Your bike's Steerer tubes diameter
  • Is there space on the steerer tubes for the mount part? (the mount usually replaces 1-2 spacers around the steerer tubes). Note that the antenna can be installed below or above the stem.

    Handlebar mount for bike antenna

• When attached to the handlebar, the adapter turns with the steering, meaning the antenna always points in the same direction as the front wheel. For this reason, when the dog pulls to the side, for example in turns, the antenna directs itself towards the pulling leash and thus turns the steering in the same direction. The effect is not very large, as the antenna is flexible and bends with the pull, but it is good to keep this in mind.
• A worry-free choice regarding bike cables.
• Handlebar-mounted adapter is Non-stop KlickFix. Its advantage is the easy removal of the antenna by pressing a button, and other accessories like bike bags and baskets are also available for the mount left on the handlebar. Fits most handlebars.
• Check this:
  • Your bike's handlebar diameter 

Bike antenna features table

Examples of adapter choices

• Modern mountain bike with a thick frame: Inlandsis Bikejor MAX UL or an adapter attached to the steerer tubes/handlebar
• Downward facing stem mount: Kainpo Ultra Swing or an adapter mounted above the stem on the steerer tubes.

Dog walking beside the bike?

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

• Kainpo Combi Plus (bike antenna that can be turned from front to side)
• Pro Dogger (traditional side running frame)
• Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Leash (a flexible leash that goes on the biker's hips)

Read more about biking with your dog on our sport page!