How to Tow a Bike with the GSD Gen 2

Once the GSD becomes part of your lifestyle, you may want to use it for some more ambitious jobs. One of our favorites is putting a bike on your bike—using your GSD to tow a kid- or adult-sized bike.

Towing a bike with your GSD can be useful in many different situations. Here are a few things to try:

• Let big kids ride their own bikes alongside you until they tire out, then give them and their bikes a lift back home.
• Haul kids and their bikes to a park or bike trail where they can practice riding safely.
• Tow an adult-sized road or mountain bike to a trailhead or other starting point. Park and secure your GSD, tire yourself out on your conventional bike, and then return home with help from e-assist.
• Pick up a friend at the airport or train station. Bring a bike for them to ride, and use your GSD to carry their luggage.

This article will cover our two recommended ways to tow a bike with your GSD Gen 2: using the Strap-and-Secure method, and using the Bike Tow Kit.

Contents

1. Strap-and-Secure Method

• What is the Strap-and-Secure Method?
• How do I tow a bike using fastening straps?
• Can I carry passengers and cargo while towing a bike with fastening straps?

2. Bike Tow Kit

• What is the Bike Tow Kit?
• How do I tow a bike using the Bike Tow Kit?
• Can I carry passengers and cargo while towing a bike with the Bike Tow Kit?

3. Important Safety Note

1. Strap-and-Secure Method

What is the Strap-and-Secure Method?

This method uses three fastening straps to carefully secure the front wheel of the towed bike to your GSD. By using three straps (instead of two or one) and three different attachment points on your GSD, you'll ensure the towed bike stays in place.

Here’s what the setup looks like:

How do I tow a bike using fastening straps?

Step 1: Support the front wheel of the towed bike using your GSD’s lower deck

Place the front wheel of the bike you want to tow on the Integrated Lower Decks, or Sidekick Wide Decks or Sidekick Doublewide Decks. Make sure to position the wheel as close as possible to your GSD frame. If necessary, add some padding to protect the GSD frame or the towed bike's fork from getting scratched.

Step 2: Secure the front wheel of the towed bike to your GSD

Use straps to secure the towed bike’s front wheel to your GSD using three points: one point on the upper rear rack tubing, one point on the lower rear rack tubing, and one point on the lower deck.

If using the Sidekick Doublewide Decks, make sure the lower strap wraps around all three elements (the towed bike's wheel, the integrated deck AND the Doublewide Decks) to prevent the Doublewide Decks from folding up.

Also, make sure the towed bike’s fork is free to pivot around the wheel—this will ensure a problem-free ride even over bumps and dips in the road.

Can I carry passengers and cargo while towing a bike with fastening straps?

Probably! Depending on the size of the bike(s) you're towing, the size of your passenger, and your accessory set-up, you may be able to both tow 1-2 bikes and carry a passenger on the GSD.

However, keep in mind this method limits the accessories you can use while towing a bike. The Cargo Hold 52 Panniers or the Storm Box, for example, would block access to the lower deck and the rear rack tubing.

If you need to tow a bike while also carrying passengers and/or cargo, there's an alternative. Read on for more information.

2. Bike Tow Kit

What is the Bike Tow Kit?

Designed for the GSD Gen 2, the Bike Tow Kit lets you securely tow a kid- or adult-sized bike. This method lets you bring a bike even if accessories like the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers or the Storm Box are installed on your GSD. It also keeps the towed bike away from the passenger, meaning they will have more space to travel in comfort.

This is what the Bike Tow Kit looks like:

The Bike Tow Kit has been rigorously tested by EFBE, a worldwide leader in bicycle testing, to make sure it is safe and reliable for towing bikes that weigh up to 30 kg (66 lbs).

How do I tow a bike using the Bike Tow Kit?

Step 1: Install the Tail Hitch L

The Bike Tow Kit requires the Tail Hitch L on your GSD. Fun fact: the Tail Hitch allows you to tow a trailer (when you're not towing a bike). If you'd like to learn more, check out this article.

Step 2: Install the Bike Tow Kit

To install the Bike Tow Kit on the Tail Hitch, carefully follow the user manual.

Step 3: Attach the bike to the Bike Tow Kit

In short, you will need to remove the front wheel of the bike and attach its front fork to the Bike Tow Kit. Please follow the user manual.

Can I carry passengers and cargo while towing a bike with the Bike Tow Kit?

You sure can! The Bike Tow Kit lets you tow a bike and use key GSD accessories—like the Storm Box, Cargo Hold 52 Panniers, Sidekick Doublewide Decks, and more—at the same time.

3. Important Safety Note

No matter which bike towing method you choose, it's always best to test it yourself and to practice on your own before you decide to take your bike and your passenger(s) on your next ride. When riding, pay particular attention to your surroundings, and make sure you ride on wide roads and avoid sharp turns.

One Important reminder: When towing a bike and carrying a passenger at the same time, never carry the passenger on the towed bike.