Cannondale TANDEM Owner's Manual Supplement - page 7
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tandem Bike Fit
In addition to sizing and comfort issues for each individual, the bicycle must be made to accommodate the
interaction between the two riders. This document is meant to offer hints and suggestions but only scratches
the surface of tandem setup. The best configuration for any pair of cyclists on a tandem will be the result of
experimentation. You should investigate the pros and cons of any setup decisions by first consulting with
people or publications which are knowledgeable about tandem bicycles. See page 8.
The captain should fit the tandem as she/he would fit on a single bike. But on a tandem, it’s doubly
important to have 2-3 inches of crotch clearance for the starting and stopping maneuvers described below.
The stoker uses the same seat-to-pedals distance as on a single bike. But the handlebars will be closer (which
is okay, since the stoker doesn’t need to steer).
Getting Underway
Allow time for a complete Pre-Ride Inspection. See your Cannondale Bicycle Owner’s Manual for overall bicycle
pre-ride checks. See the Maintenance section of this supplement for Tandem checks.
starting off
Starting and stopping a tandem is smooth and easy, but only if you do everything in the exact prescribed
order. Start by shifting the bike into a comfortably low gear.
The captain mounts first. Before, and only before anyone gets on the bike, it can be leaned over to lower the
clearance to straddle the bike. Swing your leg forward over the handlebars, not back over the rear of the bike.
There might be a person standing there!) Straddle the top tube, plant your feet on the ground, and spread
your legs to clear the pedals. Firmly hold the bike upright and squeeze both brakes.
Never let the bike lean to the side, particularly after the stoker gets on. This is the biggest difference between
your tandem and your single. (Your single is so light that you don’t think twice about leaning it. The tandem is
not only heavy, it’s top heavy. Once you let it lean a little, the stoker’s weight makes it want to lean more. And
the stoker just hates the way that feels.)
The stoker gets on now. Because the captain is holding the bike rock solid, the stoker can mount it like a
horse. Put one foot on a pedal and swing your other leg rearward over the saddle. Now the stoker puts both
feet in the toe clips or clipless pedals. When you’re ready, the stoker backpedals so the captain’s preferred
starting pedal is in the up position. The stoker says, “ready.”
Now the captain can start. Pick up one foot, put it on a pedal, and stand on it while steering straight ahead.
(Don’t put your rear end on the seat before starting to pedal, because that could make the bike lean over and
wobble, and possibly fall.) After you’ve started the first pedal stroke, get in the saddle, put your other foot
on the backside of the pedal, and continue pedaling and steering. Don’t worry about the toe clip or clipless
pedals. Let the toe clip scrape the ground. Pedal until you are going comfortably fast (10 mph or so), and then
put your other foot in the toe clip or clipless pedals.