Well, my new 05' Cannondale road tandem should be in next week. I'm looking for sweet deals on sets of pedals and trying to find a couple of Specialized Avatar saddles to replace the stock seats.
However, here is my reason for the post ... I'm now single. In other words, I won't have a dedicated stocker any longer. Yes, long story ... that's for a different forum. Regardless, I committed to my LBS to order the M/S tandem and now feel obligated to go thru with the transaction ... I've been buying from this LBS/owner for 15yrs.
So, my questoin ... what is it like to ask folks to ride as stoker on a tandem ... with no dedicated stoker. It would seem sort of difficult given you don't have a specific dedicated person to work with on the "team" portion of tandem riding. Thoughts?
I'm sure there will be a handful of folks, both guys and gals, who would be interested in giving it a whirl that I've known for years, so that isn't the problem. Just not sure if my $2k+ is being spent as well as it could be now that I'm single for the first time in 10yrs.
Any thoughts are appreciated. :)
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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Not to worry! You might just be in for one of the most fun parts of tandeming! A tandem is a great tool to get to know somebody... especially that 'cycling' somebody. I have owned my tandem almost a year. Before my current girlfriend/stoker and I were steady, I had the pleasure of riding with 3 female stokers. 2 of the 3 had previous Rear Admiral experience. The third was a first-timer, so we never did learn to stand together, but had a good ride just the same.
Tandeming is a great way to break a newbie into the sport - all they have to do is pedal! All you need is a set of platform or toe-strap pedals on the back and you are good-to-go.
woodcycl
Whew ... thanks galen for the uplifting thoughts! That does help ... and you have a good point. What better way to help someone learn about road cycling. Nice idea ... and a fresh perspective! ;)
stapfam
Whew ... thanks galen for the uplifting thoughts! That does help ... and you have a good point. What better way to help someone learn about road cycling. Nice idea ... and a fresh perspective! ;)
You ought to feel lucky. I am a stoker that lost his regular Pilot for a couple of months through illness. I nearly lost my voice with the lecturing that I had to do of," Mind the Leaves, there's a pothole round the corner,Hurry up and change gear, What did you do that for? Etc Etc Etc." It was very nice when my comments got back to" Groping for a water bottle.We've lost the solo's again" and "Tell me about about the next low Branch"
Think yourself lucky- You can now ruin 20 cyclists untill you find the stoker that works.
zonatandem
Go on a bike club ride . . . put sign on back of tandem toptube "HELP WANTED" . . . have seen it work for several stokerless captains!
If that fails to get a stoker, ride the ride anyway! Have pedaled our tandem solo for 40+ miles climbing in the mountains of New Mexico. 'tWas a great workout!
galen_52657
Go on a bike club ride . . . put sign on back of tandem toptube "HELP WANTED" . . . have seen it work for several stokerless captains!
If that fails to get a stoker, ride the ride anyway! Have pedaled our tandem solo for 40+ miles climbing in the mountains of New Mexico. 'tWas a great workout!
I have ridden my tandem solo through town to pick up my stoker - not far, maybe 2 miles. A lady crossing the street saw me asked for a ride, as she thought I was cruising for fares... Maybe I could make some extra cash!!
frameteam2003
Getting paid to pick up chicks! Now that's a good idea---sam
woodcycl
Go on a bike club ride . . . put sign on back of tandem toptube "HELP WANTED" . . . have seen it work for several stokerless captains!
If that fails to get a stoker, ride the ride anyway! Have pedaled our tandem solo for 40+ miles climbing in the mountains of New Mexico. 'tWas a great workout!
Good idea. I ride with our club pretty frequently and have for many years. There are a high number of tandem teams in our club and always has been (compared to a neighboring club that is 4x larger).
You ought to feel lucky. I am a stoker that lost his regular Pilot for a couple of months through illness. I nearly lost my voice with the lecturing that I had to do of," Mind the Leaves, there's a pothole round the corner,Hurry up and change gear, What did you do that for? Etc Etc Etc." It was very nice when my comments got back to" Groping for a water bottle.We've lost the solo's again" and "Tell me about about the next low Branch"
Ouch! Yep, losing a captain has to be more difficult than losing your stoker. But, I wouldn't consider myself "lucky"! ;) Good for you ... to give several other folks a go at captaining your tandem!
Michel Gagnon
If you are looking to fill that rear seat, there are sporting associations for the disabled that are always on the lookout for captains (with and without a tandem) for blind persons and others who can't cycle on their own because of balance issue.
woodcycl
If you are looking to fill that rear seat, there are sporting associations for the disabled that are always on the lookout for captains (with and without a tandem) for blind persons and others who can't cycle on their own because of balance issue.
That's interesting ... and worth considering. However, I'm a Noob and will need to get some miles and experience with me first.
Michel Gagnon
That's interesting ... and worth considering. However, I'm a Noob and will need to get some miles and experience with me first.
Ride it solo a few times and riding the tandem will soon become second nature to you. Just don't use the rear brake too much because there's almost no weight there!
As for getting experience, although I have never tried it, getting an experienced stoker might be good too.
Anyway, good luck with your tandem.