[zzzwillzzz]

i've got a burley duet with shimano cranks with a square taper (a 2002 model, i think). i haven't measured it but the cranks are obviously much wider than the cranks on my road bike. i'd like to narrow them up if there's a simple solution. there's lot of clearance between the crankarms and the frame. does any one know what size the stock bottom brackets are? and if there is a shorter bottom bracket that will fit, maybe something from a triple crank?

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[TandemGeek]

Your best bet is to either:
1. measure the spindle with a set of vernier calipers or a reasonable facsimile, and decide for yourself how much more narrow you can go; or
2. contact Burley and confirm its size... and while you have them on the line ask for a recommendation on how narrow you can go: 866-248-5634 (Toll free)

I'm not positive, but if I had to guess I'd say they're pretty wide, e.g., 118mm or 122mm. I say this because prior to the '02 model year (at least I think '02 was when they made the change), Burley used it's own proprietary pressed-in bottom brackets which I'm pretty sure came stock with 122mm spindles, although other length spindles were available from Burley.

Your crank's design/chainring sizes and their proximity to the frame's right rear chain stay clearance dimension is the only real limitation on how narrow you can go and, again, the folks at Burley will be able to tell you the minimum spindle length you'll need on the right side drive given your current cranks (Duet with 105?).

[zzzwillzzz]

thanks for your help TG, i was being a little lazy about pulling off the cranks and actually measuring, i figured someone, most likely you, might know. the bike has 105 sti levers i don't know what model of shimano cranks it has, they look pretty cheap to me (but i usually only pay attention to the dura-ace and ultegra stuff). i'd love to see a dura-ace 10 speed crank in a tandem set up, it would look amazing but probably cost as much as i paid for the bike