Tandem Cycling - Cannondale stoker size question

I'm still in a holding pattern for our XL/M to ship from Cannondale. For a 5'7" stoker will the difference for the XL/S to the XL/M be noticed. The difference in top tube length is only 1 inch while seat tube is 2 inch larger. The reason for the question is that they have a XL/S in stock but convinced my wife the larger size would be better but I think more tuning may have helped on the smaller frame. Any insite for a new team would be great.

Not knowing all the particulars, it sounds like the medium might be a better fit for a 5'7" stoker. My wife is 5'7" and must ride a small because I require a medium and Cannondale doesn't offer a M/M. We've made it comfortable for my stoker with a lot of adjustments. But, I think a medium would be a better fit for her.

How long has your Cannondale been on order? You're ordering at (pretty much) the peak of the season. Chances are you'll live with this purchase for quite some time, I wouldn't compromise fit over a few weeks of a delivery delay.

I don't want the wrong size either but waiting just gives me time to think. I'm more worried we'll wait, and then find the XL/M is not really any better. We have ridden thre XL/S road and a XL/M mountain but the XL/M road is shorter than the mountain which she said felt roomy enough.As for details I'm 6'4' 210lb shes 5'7" 110lb. Part of the intrest in the smaller frame was for riding with the kids but they will grow into either size at some point.

Now if it would stop raining here I could just go ride alone.

I think I would wait on the larger frame.

John

I don't want the wrong size either but waiting just gives me time to think. I'm more worried we'll wait, and then find the XL/M is not really any better. We have ridden thre XL/S road and a XL/M mountain but the XL/M road is shorter than the mountain which she said felt roomy enough.As for details I'm 6'4' 210lb shes 5'7" 110lb. Part of the intrest in the smaller frame was for riding with the kids but they will grow into either size at some point.

Now if it would stop raining here I could just go ride alone.

I ride a Dale MT in XL/M. Pilot is 6'3" and I am 5'6" I have enough room as stoker to fit a Thudbuster and a seat mountedrack, which does reqire a fair amount of room. I did try a small at a test day and it felt as though the top tube was a long way away.

We have a L/S and the rear is just large enough for my 5'-2" wife.

Duane

So the bikes in and will be picked up today. I hope it fits my wife or we'll be shopping again.

I have a L/S and I don't think a small Cdale rear compartment will work for someone 5' 7". WAIT!!!!!