Why choose a bike tow rope?

What can towing offer your riding group or family? The main advantage with towing is that you do some/most of the work for whoever you are assisting. Therefore as the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on this extra work, this extra load that towing requires.  Do you have the fitness/strength or bike confidence that is needed?  Do you understand the dangers of towing someone and how to be safe?

The bungee cords inside these tow ropes will stretch to 4x their length, this eliminates drooping and prevents the rope becoming entangled in wheels.   

Kids & Adult tow rope – measures 1.4m at rest and will stretch up to 4.6m.

E-Bike Tow Rope – measures 1.8m at rest and will stretch up to 4.9m.

For use with an E-Bike a tow rope can save you if any batteries fail or unexpectedly go flat.  It is a great idea to carry a tow rope when riding in isolated areas that would be difficult for help to access.

Towing broadens where you can ride and how far you can ride.  You can choose to go further or over terrain that some may struggle with, knowing you have the back up of a tow rope if needed.  This provides more riding experiences and challenges for your family or riding group.

If a bike tow rope would be a good solution for your riding group or family, to open up your riding opportunities and experiences then please read on…

Below is a table with the solutions available and a quick comparison guide. As well as more detailed information about factors to consider to understand the right solution for you or your family.

Types of Tow Rope.

There are three types of tow rope to choose from.  Each rope has been designed with a different use in mind so the rope will match well to the situation you need to tow in.  The names of the ropes give a strong indication of who it is meant to be used with but each rope can have multiple applications.

Kids Tow Rope:  This is the original rope, designed to help with the problem of getting mountain biking/adventurous kids up hills and over distance.

Adults Tow Rope:  An adult version was added to the range when demand was shown to be there.  This is a great way to get adult riders who are not yet strong or fit enough to come on a challenging ride with you.

Electric Bike/Moto Tow Rope:  A stronger version of the two ropes above this rope can handle the weight of an E-Bike easily.  We suggest it is more for help in a break down or emergency than just towing an E-Bike.  If the lead bike is also an E-Bike care needs to be taken with the speed at which you tow.

Safety & Tow Ropes.

To tow a child using a bike to bike tow system your child must be able to ride a bike, preferably with a bit of confidence.  Where you can use them with your child may depend on your child’s skill & confidence level on the bike. Kids need to be quite good, independent riders to enjoy this option. At the other age end restrictions depend more on the adult doing the towing (their strength & confidence).

Towing using an E-Bike. E-Bikes give you the ability to travel at a much faster speed than you would achieve under your own power.  What does this mean when towing?  While it might not be an issue while going up a hill, what does it mean on the flat?  If you are towing with an E-Bike we recommend you spend longer in the practice/safe environment when you first get set up, going over safety, speed and stopping distances.

Environments.  As this rope is non rigid it requires more learning to use safely.  Designed for off road environments it should only be used on the road with confident riders who understand the risks with traffic.

Down Hill Riding & Towed Bike Position.  A bike tow rope should not be used for descents.  It needs to be completely removed.  These tow ropes have been designed to have tension when a trailing bike is behind the lead bike.  The trailing bike should maintain this distance and should not come level or try to pass the lead bike.

Bike compatibility & attachment points.

All three tow ropes can be used with any type of bike.  There are no restrictions as a simple loop over/through process is used to attach.  It is really simple to use the tow rope with any bikes so it can be easily switched to another bike or rider.

Tow Rope: Attachment from the adult seat/saddle to the steering tube on the trailing bike. Learn more at Will a Bike Tow Rope Fit my Bike?

How often will you tow?

Bike to bike towing with a tow rope is best suited to intermittent towing. Towing to assist a rider or your child when needed. To get up and over terrain that may be a challenge, to ride further, or to ride more regularly. If you are wanting to tow regularly in a more permanent way, from the beginning to the end of your ride for whatever reasons especially for children then the Bike Tow Frame or Bar (both rigid solutions) are probably better options.   Please see the Towing a Child who Rides Their Own Bike Buying Guide

Storage when you ride and at home.

Often with bike to bike towing the product is being carried as you ride independently.  With a tow rope this is easily achieved.  The ropes are lightweight and roll up easily.  It can be put in a bag or can be worn in a loop over your body.  There is no mounting system permanently attached to the adult bike.  There is an option to have a quick loop – nylon webbing – around the steering tube of the child’s bike being towed.

At Home: The rope takes up minimal space and can be easily stored with your bike gear to grab it quickly and go.

MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…

Riding safely when towing with a Tow Rope

There are some simple things to do and check to keep both you and the towed rider safe.  For the first time and as it becomes a regular activity for you and your riding group or family. Use our resources to help support your enjoyment of your towing experience.