[Sportsandrec] Billl and tandem bikes

[Kelly Thornbury]

Hi Bill and all, 

Finding a tandem that will fit you and your wife, with her as the pilot and you as the stoker, presents some additional issues. Usually, "off-the-rack" tandems are designed/fitted for the larger rider to be in the captain's position. If your wife is a bit shorter, you might want to look for something with 26" wheels as these tandems tend to offer a little more standover room. If you are planning on shorter, casual rides, than you and your pilot's fit is not quite as important, and you can often get away with a shorter stem and a thinner seat for the shorter pilot and a longer laid back seat post for the stoker. An adjustable stoker stem will also help you make the stoker's cockpit a little more roomier. Of course these changes will effect the handling if you are looking into more spirited rides/racing. If you expect that your pilots will generally be taller/larger than your wife you should consider shopping for a bike to fit those types of captains, and maybe grow your tandem stable from there. I have a few different bikes and can fit most anyone from about 5'4" to 6'5" depending on who I get to ride with on a particular weekend. As mentioned before, keep an eye out on eBay and Craigslist, and don't be afraid of asking to get a few miles on a prospective bike and saying its not what you are looking for if that is the case. Look the bike over for the possibility of fitting the above modifications to fit the bike to you and your pilot. 

Don't think you have to go all out expensive on your first bike, but also don't skimp because there are a lot of substandard frames out there and less than ideal components that will make the bike no fun to ride. 

Check out your area for rental tandems as well. Tandem rentals can be a bit expensive, but many shops will take rental costs off the purchase price (if you are going new), and knowing for sure what you are looking for is priceless. 

Hope this helps a little. 
Kelly