Cycling with your dog is a great way to stay active together, but not every dog can (yet) run alongside the bike — due to age, weight, health, or simply because you want to go faster than your dog can manage. The AirBuggy CUBE NEST BIKE solves this: the same dog buggy you use on foot clips onto your bike in a few minutes and becomes a fully functional dog bike trailer. In this article we explain how it works and what to watch out for.
1. What exactly is the CUBE NEST BIKE?
The AirBuggy CUBE NEST BIKE is the cycling version of the CUBE NEST dog buggy: the same four-wheeled buggy with an enclosed cot, but with the NEST BIKE TOWBAR included — the coupling that attaches the buggy to your bike's rear wheel. Two in one, in other words: a buggy for the walk to the cycling route, and a bike trailer once you're on your way. The NEST BIKE's frame is also reinforced around the front wheel, keeping it safe to use as a bike trailer, even with a heavier dog on board.
2. How does the TOWBAR coupling work?
You mount the TOWBAR onto your bike's rear wheel in a few minutes. Once that's done, you can click the CUBE NEST on and off effortlessly each time — handy if you only want to cycle part of the route and walk the rest. The TOWBAR is compatible with bikes with a rear wheel of at least 20 inches, which covers most city, trekking and electric bikes.
3. Built to absorb bumps
Cycling is faster than walking, and that calls for different materials than a standard walking buggy. The CUBE NEST is fitted with large KENDA air tyres — 8 inches at the front, 16 inches at the rear — from the same renowned Japanese bicycle tyre manufacturer that also makes specialised bike tyres. The large diameter and air-filled tread absorb shocks on cobblestones, gravel, forest trails and unpaved roads, even at higher speeds.
4. Visibility and safety on the road
The CUBE NEST has built-in reflectors at the front and back, which improves visibility in traffic — essential if you're cycling in the late afternoon or evening. For extra safety you also get a wrist strap you can attach to your handlebar or wrist. Take it easy with the trailer attached regardless: take corners wider, brake gradually, and avoid bumps where possible, even though the suspension absorbs a lot of shock.
5. Who is the CUBE NEST BIKE suitable for?
The CUBE NEST has a load capacity of up to 45 kg, suitable for medium to large breeds such as Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Border Collie or Dalmatian, and for multi-dog households with smaller dogs together. Thanks to its low 25.5 cm step-in height, older dogs or dogs with joint issues can also get in on their own — exactly the dogs that often can no longer keep up running alongside a bike, but still want to get outside actively.
6. Foldable and easy to bring along
When you're not using the bike trailer, the frame folds down to just 19 cm thick — easy to store at home or bring along in the boot of your car to a cycling route further away. The buggy's total weight is 12.4 kg.
Want to compare the CUBE NEST with the larger CUBE CARRIAGE (up to 55 kg)? Read our article AirBuggy CUBE NEST vs CUBE CARRIAGE, or check our dog buggy buying guide for everything to consider before you buy.
