Top Bikes for Dogs: Reviews & Buying Guide 2024
Okay, so check this out, I wanted to build something cool for my dog, Max. He loves running alongside my bike, but it's not always safe, ya know? So I was like, "I'm gonna build him a bike attachment!" That's where the 'bikes for dogs' idea came from.

First things first, I started scavenging. I hit up my garage and found an old kids bike. The frame was perfect, small enough to work with. Next, I needed a way to attach it to my bike. I spent a while looking at different hitches online, but they were all kinda pricey. So I thought, "I can DIY this!"
I grabbed some steel pipes from the local hardware store. Figured I could weld something together. I measured the diameter of my bike's seat post and the kids' bike's frame. Then, I cut the pipes to the right lengths. Welding was a bit messy, I ain't gonna lie. My welds aren't pretty, but they're strong!
Next up, the platform for Max. I used a piece of plywood, cut it to a size that would be comfy for him. Sanded it down so he wouldn't get splinters. I also added some raised edges, like a little fence, so he wouldn't accidentally jump out. Safety first, right?
I attached the platform to the kids' bike frame using some heavy-duty bolts and screws. Made sure everything was super secure. Didn't want the whole thing falling apart while we were riding!
Then came the tricky part - connecting the hitch to the platform. I welded a metal plate to the hitch, and bolted it to the plywood platform. I reinforced the connection with some extra steel brackets. Again, ugly welds, but solid!
After that, I added some padding to the platform. An old dog bed I wasn't using anymore. Cut it to size and stapled it down. Max deserves some comfort, doesn't he?
Time for a test run! I attached the whole contraption to my bike. It looked kinda janky, but surprisingly sturdy. I put Max on the platform, and he seemed a little nervous at first. Gave him some treats and reassured him.
We started slow, just walking the bikes. He got used to it pretty quickly. Then we tried a short ride. It was a bit wobbly at first, but I got the hang of it. Max seemed to be enjoying himself!

Of course, there were some hiccups. One of the bolts came loose on our second ride. Had to pull over and tighten it. I learned my lesson - gotta check all the connections before every ride.
So yeah, that's how I built my 'bikes for dogs' setup. It's not perfect, but it works! Max loves it, and that's all that matters. Plus, I got to practice my welding skills (or lack thereof!). It's a fun project, and I'm glad I did it. Would I do it again? Maybe, but I'd probably try to find a better hitch system next time. It was a learning experience for sure!
- Scavenged parts from an old bike.
- Welded a custom hitch.
- Built a plywood platform.
- Added padding for comfort.
- Learned a lot about welding and bike mechanics.