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 line up and prevents it from tangling in the front wheel even if the dog slows down and the leash slackens. This greatly increases safety.

The spring/antenna on the bike antenna is flexible to follow the dog's movements. The spring itself is not made to withstand pulling, so the pull line 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 flexiblepull line 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 selectionincludes 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 the head tube - 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 tell us 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 andkick scootersis generally the same for 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 sledscompatible 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 constantly or moved from one bike to another. However, all antennas can be installed using basic tools, and some models have antennas that can be removed without tools.

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

     Frame mount 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 therefore not be too short.
  In Kainpo Ultra Swingthe spring alone can turn freely according to the dog's lateral movements, making it especially gentle on cables despite the frame mount.
• 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

     Head tube mount for bike antenna

• When attached around the head tube, 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 carefree 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 AntennaandSigné LP S/Line Pro Antennaare installed directly around the head tube, usually replacing one spacer. When installing Kainpo brand adapters around the head tube, it is necessary to use a separatenylon bushing, which replaces the spacer under the stem.
• Check these:
  • Your bike's head tube diameter
  • Is there space on the collar tube for the mounting part? (the mount usually replaces 1-2 spacer rings around the collar tube). Note that the antenna can be installed below or above the handlebar mount.

    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 steers in the direction of 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 carefree choice regarding bike cables.
• Handlebar mounted adapter isNon-stop KlickFix. Its advantage is the easy removal of the antenna by pressing a button, and other accessories such as 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 ULor an adapter attached to the collar tube/handlebar
• Downward facing handlebar mount:Kainpo Ultra Swingor a collar tube mounted adapter installed above the handlebar mount.

Dog running beside the bike?

If your intention is biking with the dog running 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 attaches to the biker's hips)

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