[hopeful1]

Approximately how long does it take to remove (and to set up) a child stoker kit? Is it practical to switch between two different sized stokers on any kind of a regular basis?

Thanks!

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[masiman]

On our DaVinci my first time was about 15-20 minutes. After some experience it takes ~10. You sure can do it, you just have to add that extra time on front to get ready to ride. I prefer not to switch not only because of the time to switch but also because of the increased risk of paint damage to the stoker seat tube. My model uses 4 allen bolts that face to the rear. I can not easily fit an allen wrench in the space and must do the repetitive insert, turn, pull out, insert, turn....etc., for all 4 bolts. You may need a long adjustable stoker stem to accommodate a child. You may even need to flip the handlebar backwards for them. I try to keep the seat height the same and adjust the stokid crank height accordingly, less to mess with to do a switch. You'll spend more time up front getting the chain length right but then that helps you position the crank on future reinstallations. I currently switch about 4-6 times per year. As our youngest gets older, and my wife can ride more, that frequency may increase.

I think on standard tandems you have to install a special BB that will mount two chainrings on the stokers timing chain side. So that will take extra time to install that. I assume you can leave that in place switching between normal and stokid. I assume this would also increase the stokers left side q factor. Speculation on my part for standard tandem setup.

[Tandems]

I usually assume the initial installation to take about an hour. After that, most people leave the kit on to switch between the adult and the child. Just moving pedals is enough. That takes about 5 minutes. If you do want to take it off each time the adult rides, figure on 10 minutes of, 15 minutes on.

Contrary to some specultaion, a special bottom bracket is not required to install the second chainring on normal tandems.

[JTGraphics]

I remove Kids crank assy. 2 bolts and chain only about a 10min. job. Chain ring stays on stroker crank

[woog]

I usually assume the initial installation to take about an hour. After that, most people leave the kit on to switch between the adult and the child. Just moving pedals is enough.
That's what I do. Move pedals, flip stoker bar and change the seat height.

[hopeful1]

Thanks for the help! I've been doing lots of research and I'm hoping that we can get our first tandem this season.