TOW DEVICES
Yes, you can use a couple of tubes and rope to tow the kids to the top. Perfectly good solution. That said, these towing devices are more refined and offer good value to increase the fun factor. Bonus, a few of them allow your to tow your spouse or hungover buddy and are ebike tested. These are not meant to tow the kids around the neighborhood. Face Palm, some parents are trying to use this like tag along bikes never detaching rope, don't be that parent. Use for inclines only at moderate speeds off-road.
Tow Whee
This simple & lightweight tow strap works great. It contains a high stretch bungee cord inside an ultra strong hollow webbing. It only weighs 5 oz. & has been designed to keep the strap from dangling to the ground/wheels while adding a very soft feel to the second rider so there is never a harsh jerk at the end. At max length it is 15'/180" and only 4.6'/56" relaxed. This will help you tackle larger rides together with younger riders or your buddy who had to many beers the night before. We have multiple ropes and have been known tow three kids one behind the other with the emtb. It's amazing to use when the kids hit the wall and can't climb on their own or to pound out the laps to maximize the descents. Make sure to get the quick stem loop or beaner/loop strap add-on for 10 bucks. We prefer to holster the rope cross-shoulder when descending so we usually use the beaner and loop strap or the new quick connect built in rope.
Where to buy: Amazon | Mac Ride | Prevelo | Amazon Canada | MSRP: $39.99-$59.99 USD
Tow Whee Quick Loop
This quick loop and beaner are a must for the tow whee if not using the stem hook. The beaner is also great for lopping the rope around your chest for descending.
Where to buy: Amazon | MSRP: $9.99 USD
Tow Whee Quick Release
The Quick Release is a friction based instant detachment system accessory for TowWhee Adventure Tow Bungees. If the 2nd rider gets frightened or out of control, by simply loosening their grip the system will release immediately keeping both riders safe and happy! Loop the Quick Release through the TowWhee loop, then through its own loop. Pull tight as an extension of the TowWhee itself. Loop the Quick Release around the stem or frame once then up to the handle bar. The 2nd rider holds the Release in their grip. We recommend looping the Quick Release entering on the opposite side of the rear brake of the bike, around under the strap then up to the front brake hand.
Tow Whee Fast Stem Hook
The Fast Stem Hook is an instant connection/disconnection accessory for the TowWhee. The 2nd rider (my five year old can do it) can easily make their own connections in an instant. A Fast Stem Hook is the fastest TowWhee connection method to the 2nd rider. It is an 8” loop of high end cord that holds its shape well. Loop the Fast Stem Hook through the TowWhee loop, then through itself. Pull tight as an extension of the TowWhee itself. Loop the Stem Hook over the handlebars, back under the stem. The shape of the material will retain its shape and hold well in a variety of terrain. We actually prefer this sometimes to the quick loop as kiddo can connect/disconnect himself with us not having to help.
Where to buy: Amazon | MSRP: $9.99 USD
Kids Ride Shotgun MTB Tow Rope
Kids Ride Shotgun MTB Blue Tow Rope and Tow Rope/Hip Pack combo
The original Kids Ride Shotgun MTB Blue Tow Rope. Rated to 500lbs and works well for kids and adults and comes with a Carabiner. Also in a combo pack with a sweet hip pack so the kids can carry it themselves
Where to buy: Kids Ride Shotgun Combo Pack | MSRP: $90 USD
Kids Ride Shotgun Original Tow Rope and Carabiner | MSRP: $60 USD
Kommit Retractable tow rope
The Kommit is a great little tow device that mounts to the rails of your seat. A 2 meter long rope with 90 KG tow rating, the end loop goes over your stem and secures under stem bolts for a quick on/off tow attachment. We really like the ease of mounting the kommit, it's light weight, retractability and the secure mount to the rails of your seat rather than the seat post itself. It's a really nice device for situations where you are getting the kids on/off tow often. It also has a really nice build quality and finish.
Where to buy: Kommit| MSRP: $60 USD
Tirevelo
This French designed retractable tow device solves most of the problems we see in the trax (below) some mountain bikes. The elastic attach cord eliminates harsh jerks and the easy on/off in addition to mounting near the saddle allows for significantly more tire clearance. 280 grams, 15x10x7cm, just over 8 feet stretched. Our only concern would be while descending hard as it may make a lot of noise and rattle around.
Where to buy: TIREVELO| MSRP: $52 USD
Trax Pro
At 190 grams with a tow capacity of 290lbs, the Trax pro is a great static line that is a quick on/off. Much better than the origianl, this is more comparable with the Kommit. The Trax pro can be mounted under the seat or on the seat post. Definitely worth the extra 10 bucks over the original.
Where to buy: TRAX MTB | MSRP: $49.99 USD
Trax Flex
This is probably the smallest and lightest bungee style tow rope available. Only 50 grams, unstretched at 1 metre and full stretch of 2.5m, it does not have he same elasticity of the full size tow ropes and is a harsher pull (almost like a static line) but it does fit in your pocket.
Where to buy: TRAX MTB | MSRP: $29.99 USD
Trax MTB
TRAX is a device designed to be assembled at the seat post of any bike allowing it to tow another one. The traction is made by a Kevlar wire and a mechanical system designed to pick it up back and to avoid any possibility to become tangled to the wheel. You will need enough clearance under the collar of your dropper to mount and enough above rear tire to avoid wire rubbing. It mounts with zip ties so its not an easy on/off.
Where to buy: TRAX MTB | MSRP: $41.99 USD
