Bikester tests: Croozer’s Dog XL Dog Trailer

[qode_simple_quote simple_quote_text="The Croozer Dog gave me the perfect chance to take my dog anywhere by bike." simple_quote_author="Lisa Jakob"]

Structure and Assembly: No witchcraft

The Croozer Dog in size XL isn’t exactly small – it can’t be because it’s suitable for dogs up to a weight of 45 kg – which is perfect for my Frieda and her 28 kg. The packaging was also correspondingly large. However, I was pleased to notice that the trailer was carefully packed in a very space-saving way. In the box, the trailer was folded into a few individual parts, which, thanks to the user-friendly assembly instructions, was put together in 20 minutes. Now all I had to do was connect the Dog XL to my mountain bike. With the included universal coupling, which is compatible with 'solid axles' and quick-releases, this was quick and easy to do. My part was done, now it was time to see how Frieda would like the trailer. A tip for bikes with thru axles: For connecting the Dog XL to a bicycle or e-bike with thru axles, you can find Croozer thru axle coupling(s) in our shop.

The Practical Test: Frieda and her dog convertible

You don't just put a dog in a carrier and ride off. A bit of acclimatisation time is needed. The Croozer brand itself provides some helpful tips on how to do this in a short video. After one week, Frieda was ready, and the real test phase could start. We went from shorter tours in calm traffic areas, to two-hour trips with regular breaks, to runs on cycle paths, country lanes and busy roads in varied conditions. Due to its relatively high weight, I quickly realised that it wasn’t so easy to get off the ground without extra pedal support. But once it had really taken off, the trailer rolled smoothly and stably (even without suspension). Since the Croozer has a rather low entrance, the distance to the ground is small. The advantage is that dogs can simply get in and out, but the disadvantage is that you can easily touch down, even on slight bumps in the forest or on dirt roads. Also, you need to ride over kerbstones slowly, if at all. The Dog XL isn’t the narrowest and so it doesn’t fit through every door. There are many ways to open it and it has a roof that protects against direct sunlight. If dogs want, they can stretch their heads out while riding, but cheeky Frieda saw it more as an invitation to jump out.

Result: The Dog XL is a dog box and bicycle trailer in one

Lisa's Rating

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What is Bikejöring?

I’ve been bikejöring with my dog for about a year now. This is a variation of the draft dog sport. The dog is connected to the bike by a joëring lead and pulls the musher (rider) along forest and meadow paths. The dog must also react to verbal commands - left, right, slow, ok, fast, etc. The sport can only be practised in winter, spring and late autumn. Because a dog can only sweat for so long, you need to keep an eye on outside temperatures to avoid them overheating. Since January, Frieda and I have been taking part in tournaments. The distances vary from 3 to 20 km in training and between 4 and 6 km in competition.