Thursday, July 10, 2014

My HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer by Solvit Products: Review & #giveaway

You all know how I love my outdoor adventures!  I especially love when Ma and Daddy-dog taking me bike riding because I don't have to do anything but lounge about and enjoy the scenery while they do all the work.  I used to ride in a dog bed-like basket on the back of a bike but I really didn't fit in it as it was made for smaller dogs.

                 
That's why I was so excited when Solvit Products asked me if I wanted to try their new HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer!  How could I say no?!  I love a good bike ride and with the HoundAbout, I would be riding in style.

Solvit Products HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer
The HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer is made from lightweight, rust-proof aluminum with a spacious cabin that provides great views and plenty of headroom for a dog to sit or stand.  The front door has both a zippered mesh screen and a zippered vinyl window just in case you need to block out the weather; the back door is a zippered mesh screen.  There are pockets on three sides to store gear including extra bike inner tubes, cellphones, keys, leash, water bottle and treats.


I received the Medium HoundAbout which accommodates dogs up to 50 lbs.; there is a Large size too.  When fully assembled, the Medium HoundAbout is 46 x 23 x 28.  It can fold down for storage or for travel to 26 x 24 x 9.   And it weighs only 20 lbs.

The HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer connects to the rear wheel of a bicycle via the quick-connect hitch and towbar and it can be used on a bicycle with a quick-release wheel.  We connected mine to Daddy-dog's mountain bike but it could connect to his race bike as well.  It is very easy to hitch up.


Taking My HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer for a Spin
I say "Fare thee well" to my old bike basket!  No more being squished in...I am riding in style in my new HoundAbout II! 


Daddy-dog likes that I can move about in the HoundAbout II and not throw off the balance of the bike.  He says that it tows easily even at higher speeds and because of its lower center-of-gravity, it doesn't affect the turning of the bike on corners or curves.

I say it is super comfy.  I can catch the breeze and scents through the front window/door and through the sunroof!  And yes...you can ride with the sunroof open because there is a short leash that attaches to the interior of the cabin and to your dog harness.  The trailer is very stable during a ride so I can even have one of my travel bowls with water in the cabin with me!


Honestly, I love the HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer!  So does Ma and Daddy-dog since they feel I am much safer in the trailer than on the back of a bike.

And here is something extra...if you want to go jogging or for long walks, the HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer converts into an all-terrain stroller with the Stroller Conversion Kit.  You can see the HoundAbout II as a stroller on my good friend Pepper Pom's blog.


Are you an adventure dog?  
Do you want to go for bike rides with your family?
Then enter my Solvit Products HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer giveaway
for a chance to win a trailer of your own!  Giveaway is open through Thursday, July 24!



Review Disclaimer:  I received the HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer from Solvit Products for free in exchange for an honest review.  I received no other compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by any outsider.


89 comments:

  1. well darn = that looks so super cool - but it only had one bar that attaches to the bike - not one on each side? Mom and Dad both have bikes - but Mom can't ride anymore because of her arthritis and Dad just never have time (dad use to do professional cross country racing way back when) Mom says she wishes she could still ride as she would love something like that for me.

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    1. Nope, just one towbar and it works out just fine. That is a shame your mom cannot ride anymore. THIS would have been perfect for you!

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  2. That looks like a very sweet ride. Happy trails!

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    1. It is pretty sweet! I was afraid Daddy-dog wouldn't want it hooked to his bike but he is fine with it.

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  3. OMD….. dat is soooooooooo cool. Mom and Aunty D bike all da time wiffout me. If I won dis, I to cruise wiff dem.
    Wags,
    Ranger

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    1. Mom and Aunty D ride, Ranger?! Then you REALLY need to win this bike trailer! You could go everywhere with them.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 10, 2014

    Oz how have your peeps managed that you went into the trailer? Is there a trick you could share? My mom bought such a thingy for me once and I refused to enter that thingy, not even for treats or money.... or shoes. Mom said it's a fabulous thingy to visit even places what are not "dog-comfy" and she would like it to take a ride on her bike with me... butt sadly I said "NO"

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    1. Well, Easy...I don't need to be bribed to go in when I know I am going on a road trip (even if said road trip is on the bike and not in the car). Besides, I am a terrier...going into small spaces doesn't bother me at all. Just don't ask me to go swimming...

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  5. Ding dong dog ~ Oz you got that free just for doing your review! Why now you can travel in style. Guess I will fill out the entry form. Happy Birthday Gina.
    Sweet William The Scot

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    1. Sir William...you better fill out this entry form! You and Lee could cruise around your city taking all kinds of photos to share with us! Get on it, my Scottish brethren!

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  6. WOW, that looks so pawesome! Momma says her balance isn't good enough for biking, but if it was we'd definitely use one of those.

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  7. This is probably the cutest thing ever. Seeing things like this makes me wish my dogs were a tad smaller sometimes. Or that I had a puppy I could utilize these for ;)

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  8. that is one fancy set of wheels Oz!

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  9. OZ this thingy is SUPER DUPER fur those who ride bikes.... We really LIKE how it is over to the SIDE a bit so you can see Past your Peddle Powering Peep. THAT is just genius if you ask us. We have seen a few of these before but NONE as WELL EQUIPPED as this Solve It/ Hound About one is... They REALLY put a LOT of thought into the making of it. VERY IMPRESSIVE.

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  10. How pawsome is that!!!!!! Bet your loving your new trailer huh Oz?
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  11. High paws Oz! So wonderful that you have a roomier way to go on bike rides now. I love my Solvit HoundAbout stroller!
    Hugs,
    Pepper

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  12. We have the WOD trail near by and I really want to bring Luna. I've wanted one of these for so long. FINGERS CROSSED!!!

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  13. We live near the Indiana Dunes and several forest preserves just into IL, so there are many places I could use this. I'd really like to get it so my friend, Debbie, who has cancer, could take one of her dogs with us - the dog is very timid and it's difficult to get her to walk on a leash, but we've been trying to get her out on outings.

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  14. I could put my books and Mr. N in the trailer and we could go to the library.

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  15. OMD this is awesome Oz! I have a bike trailer that hasn't been used in furever, but it's for kids I guess. I don't know if Shiner would like to ride in a bike trailer... I wonder if the rats would?

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  16. How pawsome!! You get to relax and see the sights :) My senior Chihuahua would love this since she has trouble going for walks. We would take her on the bike trails, around the park and through the neighborhood :)

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  17. Oh My OZ :-) what a cool bike trailer, safer than your mom's bike basket. Too bad we just sold our bike and Sugar rather walk/run. Have a PAWsome bike ride with mom/dad. Golden Woofs

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  18. That looks pawsome! Not sure how Lottie would take to it but safer than a basket on the front haha xx

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  19. Awesome Pawsome!!! Mom & Dad have been considering getting a stroller of some sort for Hazel. She has short little legs and gets tired before me and Bailey do. this would work great with the conversion kit!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta

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  20. We need to say that we could go on longer walks with this as a stroller! We walk on the irrigation canal bank near our home!

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  21. This is awesome! Would love this for rides on the beach with my pooch.

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  22. I've seen other people using these before! I wouldn't mind having one myself, but I don't have a bicycle.

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  23. On the C & O Canal in Harper's Ferry, WV.

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  24. That looks pretty cool and you look pretty happy in it!

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  25. We love our Hound about trailer!

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  26. I would get the stroller conversion kit, then I could go with momma on long walks even when it's too hot for me! And it would be great for riding around Key West behind momma's bike!

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  27. Dat looks like a lotta fun to go for a ride in.

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  28. Oh little buddy that is a really cool ride, you look totally cool and I think it is much safer than the basket. I will save my entry for someone with a little dog to win but it would be super cool to win if I rode bike.

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  29. OMD!! That is most cool Oz!!! I likes how you are connected inside so if you see a tree rat that has to be deaded, you can't jump out and kill the peeps! (oh, okays, maybe that would just be me.....)
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  30. AnonymousJuly 10, 2014

    This would be perfect for the biking trails and the state parks near my home. What dog wouldn't want to go along?!

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  31. I woz demandin wun of dese fur yeers Oz my pal…dud ave been pawsome for my pawly eart….

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  32. Oh Oz that is so neat you are such a lucky guy! Love Dolly

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  33. That looks like so much fun!! Back in the days when we used to bike I always hated leaving the dogs back at home. I still love the idea of it, and I bet your parents love it too...it does seem safer than being in the basket too.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  34. That is so cool! Wonder if we could hook three of those up?! BOL!

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  35. I would take a ride out to the feed store with Shyla and get her some treats :) They allow pups inside and Shyla would love this!

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  36. What a great way to take your best friend out with you on a bike! I love it. And it does look so much more comfortable that an old school basket!

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  37. What a great way to take Oz on a bike ride! I'm sure that he absolutely loves being chauffeured! ♥

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  38. Wowzer, would that be awesome or what?! I would love to have a bike trailer to ride around in. A princess needs a royal conveyance!


    Bunny

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  39. AnonymousJuly 12, 2014

    I would be going on the bike trails and riding around the subdivision.

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  40. I would love this for biking the country roads near our home with my dog. We even have horses we can see on our adventure :) This would be great!

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  41. We have several nice walking/riding trails nearby that would be nice for this!

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  42. I could totally see Mort in this, for cycling around the SF bay trail network,

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  43. There are a few bike paths near me. I'd go there with my babies in tow! :)

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  44. We would take a ride to the river and go on the bike trails. Always a lot of fun things going on here and great sites to see :)

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  45. AnonymousJuly 13, 2014

    I would like to take it on biking adventures with my family.

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  46. Not sure where I would go but most likely the forest preserve. First I would have to go buy a bike.

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  47. AnonymousJuly 14, 2014

    My dog would love to come along on my bike rides on our local trails.

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  48. I'd bike with Shyla to one of favorite stores, Paws for a Cause, and pick up her favorite homemade treats - 3 cheese cookies :)

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  49. I'd also just take the dogs around the neighborhood. :)

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  50. That is very cool. I think I have seen those around and I always assumed they were for kids. Guess I need to look closer...lol.

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  51. I had a hard time deciding between the Solvit bike cart and the Doggy Ride I ultimately got. The Solvit cart looked very sturdy and had lots of nice features as you pointed out in your review.

    Unfortunately, despite lots of training, my golden, Honey, is not fond of riding in it. It appears that smaller dogs find it easier to get used to since they get more experience being moved around in small crates.

    Luckily I don't have a car so the bike cart helps me get groceries, Christmas trees, lumber...

    I'm glad Oz likes the cart. It means you can take all kinds of fun adventures that might be too far for him to walk. Good luck on your giveaway. I'll point it out on my FB page.

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  52. We live in Utah so there are plenty of places for us to use this bicycle trailer. Our first stop might be at the dog park near the canyon.

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  53. AnonymousJuly 15, 2014

    I would like to take my dog camping and then ride around our national parks.

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  54. What a great product! I'd use it to take Shyla for a long ride around the neighborhood.

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  55. AnonymousJuly 15, 2014

    Having a bike trailer would be awesome! We want to use our bikes more but don't trust our dog to trot alongside.

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  56. AnonymousJuly 16, 2014

    I would like to ride to the dog friendly wineries along the biking trail about 45 minutes from my home.

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  57. I love that the bike trailer can convert to a stroller. I could use the stroller when we go to the many pet events we attend. These are usually all day events so Shyla would love to be able to rest in the stroller while being pushed around.

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  58. I was thinking it would be fun to take a couple of my indoor-only cats out in this. We have a great bike/walking path right by our house.

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  59. AnonymousJuly 17, 2014

    I would like to go biking during long weekends on local trails near my home in Illinois.

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  60. With our HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer Shyla and I would bike to the Saturday morning Farmer's Market. There are a few stands that sell dog supplies that we love to visit and the people there are so friendly :)

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  61. I think I would also go the fairly short distance to my parent's house with dog in tow. Too long to walk, but not too long to bike!

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  62. I want to take my dog to the Farmer's Market. There is a small dog park there at the park.

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  63. This would be great for just riding around our town. There are some great parks and a hiking/biking trail my dogs love to walk on.

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  64. Going to a park with bike trails would be cool to do with this.

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  65. we would ride to m parent's house and then my dog can play in the big backyard.

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  66. On my way to my parent's house today, I saw a biker and envisioned me with at least one of my dogs in tow. :)

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  67. I could bike with Shyla to our small doggie playdate gatherings.

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  68. I have a bike right now, but am actually looking into buying a new one. This would be great to be able to pull it along after me. My senior Coonhound girl, Suki, isn't able to take long walks any more but I would love to take her for long rides.

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  69. This is great because the ground is getting so hot. We can go to the lake.

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  70. Where couldn't I go? I would go everywhere! Particularly on the local bike paths.

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  71. This would be so fun!! I love to ride my bike but hate that I can't take Mr. Melvin with us!! We'd go all around the town.. especially the trails!

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  72. I have a couple of friends that live fairly close. I could get some exercise AND go for a doggie play date without using the car!

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  73. I'd love to bike with Shyla to visit family and friends. She loves to get out and visit and because they live a little too far to walk to biking with her would be great.

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  74. Daily comment: I would bike over to the local pet supply store...its a bit too far for a walk with my little legged pup but it's def close enough for a bike ride :)

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  75. We'd go to grandma's house! She has other furry friends for us to play with.

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  76. We'd bike to our vet clinic for our regular check-ups and vaccines.

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  77. I might bike to the dog park; that would be two enriching activities for my dogs!

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  78. Daily comment: we could also go to the local convenience store!

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  79. Once a year our feed store has a customer appreciation BBQ and this would be great to bike to with Shyla instead of taking the car. There are pet supply and food vendors there and prizes. It's always a lot of fun and Shyla gets to meet some new people and dogs and have some great food:)

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  80. This would also be great to stop at the store with - to go for a ride and to carry the groceries.

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  81. My grandma doesn't live too far away; maybe I'd bike to her house with a doggie or two. ;)

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  82. Daily comment: we'd bike around our neighborhood :-)

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  83. I'd use the HoundAbout II Bicycle Trailer at the lake when the family goes biking the trails. It would be a nice adventure to bring Shyla along and visit the many stops/sites along the way.

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier