Issue #017 Review

The Lab: Croozer Dog XL in review

In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the Croozer Dog XL dog trailer fared.

Until recently, eMTBing was Manne’s biggest passion. But then Henry the dog came along and changed his life. Since young puppies shouldn’t run long distances, although they already have four paws, Manne was faced with a dilemma: dog or bike? Or is there a way of combining both? The solution: the Croozer Dog XL dog trailer. Priced at € 799, however, it’s anything but a bargain. However, the acquisition of a dog trailer was an indispensable investment for Manne and his wife – only then could the “either-or” become an “and” letting Manne combine both hobbies. The Croozer Dog is available in three different sizes from L (for dogs up to 35 kg) to XXL (for dogs up to 45 kg).

The convertible-style opening lets dogs with claustrophobia breathe easy.
In case of an accident, the dog is protected by the frame.
The fenders protect the trailer in case of a collision.
The axle is quick and easy to install and thanks to the ball head also allows you to lie the bike down.

At first glance, the Trailer, which won the 2019 Design & Innovation Award makes a well-thought-out and solid impression thanks to the sturdy construction, plenty of ventilation and the ease of installation on the bike. Once he got used to it, Henry was happy to get into the trailer by himself, the low height and the generous opening making it very easy for him. Another advantage in day-to-day use is the double-sided parking brake, keeping the trailer still as your four-legged passenger climbs onboard. The non-slip mat is removable and washable which helps with cleaning in the acclimatization phase, keyword: dog poo. The handling is also very stable off road and only limited by the ground clearance. Of course, the extra weight is somewhat noticeable, but thanks to the eMTB that’s no problem. On the road, the trailer is super quiet and the fenders on the side protect the trailer in case of a collision. However, caution is advised on particularly tight corners, here you have to ride slowly, or the trailer will tip over. If it does tip over, your dog is protected by the built-in frame, sort of like a roll cage on a rally car.

The Croozer Dog XL dog trailer opens up new possibilities for leisure time and also convinced us with its thoughtful and solid workmanship. Thanks to the Croozer Dog, Manne can go on rides with his wife again, because now they can take their loved ones with them – their sons have already moved out!

Tops

  • Quite rolling tires
  • Stable at high speed
  • Top-notch build quality
  • Smart details

Flops

  • none

Tester Manne
Duration from September 2018
Payload large dogs up to 45 kg
Price € 799 (+ € 79.95 for thru axle hitch)
More Info croozer.com

This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #017

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Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Valentin Rühl

About the author

Manne Schmitt

As the proud father of Robin and Max-Philip, Manne has been there from the start and is the wise elder of the editorial team. He won his first cycling race in elementary school at a school sports day. After less successful attempts at football, he found his passion for cycling via endurance racing in 1989! The world of racing still consumes him and no one in the team knows the EWS pros better than Manne. As a former head analyst of a state agency, he knows how to do proper research and finds exclusive news that no one else has. He supports his sons in day-to-day business dealings as the authorised signatory for 41 Publishing – viva la familia!