Tandems with a bigger back end.

[stephec]

As the title says, can I get a tandem with a smaller pilot size than the stoker size?

I want to be able to take my lad out on one but he's a few inches taller than me, so could do with one that's either equal sized or larger at the back.

 

[Cathryn]

I was looking for something similar and never found it.

 

[Cathryn]

To be fair, I was looking at ebay. I'm sure you could get one custom made.

 

[mistyoptic]

Give Pete Bird a ring at the Tandem Shop in Ironbridge. He’ll be able to advise

 

[Ian H]

I know of a couple of bespoke ones, but no production models. Mercian might be helpful. I'm still wary of Mr Bird.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I'm still wary of Mr Bird.

Why, out of interest?

OP, could be wrong, but I think the best you'll get is a horizontal top tube one. I guess you'll need a pretty exact frame size so as to be not too small for him and not too big for you... so the very best of luck with your search!

 

[Ian H]

Why, out of interest?

https://bikemagic.com/news/swallow-tandems-in-liquidation.html

 

[mistyoptic]

https://bikemagic.com/news/swallow-tandems-in-liquidation.html

That was 1999. Did you get your fingers burned? I've been dealing with him since 2005 and always been very happy with the service. Each to his own

 

[rvw]

It may also matter whether the lad's additional height is in his legs or his torso - but either way it could be awkward. If he's longer legged, just raising the seat would result in him cycling nose-down (not very comfortable); if he has a long body, he'll just end up with his chin on your back.

You could get different handlebars so that he can be more upright - we put some multi-position ones on for me (stoker) when I had back problems, angled upwards. It might not be his favoured riding position, but maybe better than headbutting you?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

https://bikemagic.com/news/swallow-tandems-in-liquidation.html

Ah yes, I knew about that.

We bought our tandem from them shortly beforehand.

Recently had it refurbed by them, then got this made (actually built by Rob rather than Pete). Their terms and conditions are quite a read. I paid the deposit by credit card...

Good people IMO. But still I don't think very business savvy.

 

[Ian H]

Nope, just some friends & acquaintances. But that wasn't the first time stuff happened. He only ended up in Wales after a previous failure.

 

[Mike Ayling]

As the title says, can I get a tandem with a smaller pilot size than the stoker size?

I want to be able to take my lad out on one but he's a few inches taller than me, so could do with one that's either equal sized or larger at the back.

Thorn used to offer several frame sizes to fit captains/stokers of various sizes but Thorns are not cheap'

Mike

 

[Cathryn]

Ooh I had an idea! My son and I rented a bike Friday tandem a few years ago...that would be perfect! You can adjust both seats to whatever suits you!

 

[stephec]

Thanks everyone, I think I like the idea of trying to hire one first.

 

[Aleman]

Thorn have a couple of sizes that would fit. But you are talking £3500 starting price ... They also offer a 100 day ride it and if for any reason you don't like it they will refund your money deal.

I know for a fact that they do a S/M option, for a "lady" captain and a "male" stoker ... Usually partially sighted.

I bought a Size 7 from them last year and have no regrets ... We'll just one, I should have done so years ago!