[ljonesjo]

Hi All,

We test rode a KHS Cross tandem at a LBS today. We liked the way it rode and the fact that it was assembled and adjusted properly by the LBS, so we bought it. I will start providing feedback on the tandem as well as our experiences as a new tandem team.

[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:
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Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
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[zonatandem]

Welcome to the world of tandems!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

[ljonesjo]

Our first ride today on the new KHS Cross tandem went well. Just trying to get a feel for the bike. I have already decided that I do not like the handlebars. I am used to having my wrists in a different position so, I am looking at buying a pair of thesefile:///C:/Users/LELAND%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg.

Does anyone else use these?

Also, The bike came with some tiny Wellgo 41 spd style pedals, I was thinking of using a campus style pedal ( quill pedal one side, spd on the other) does anyone use they and do you like them?

[ljonesjo]

Sorry. Here is a better link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150178494369&Category=56194&_trksid=p3907.m29

[JanMM]

I have the campus pedals on my recumbent and on my singlespeed bike. Great for occasional tennis shoe riding. Fine for clipless. I use double sided Performance SPD pedals on our KHS Tandemania Comp. Stoker uses quill pedals with toe clips. Red pedals for the captain, and blue for the stoker. Tacky.
KHS= Knowledge, Health, Strength.

[Paul Barnard]

Sorry. Here is a better link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150178494369&Category=56194&_trksid=p3907.m29

You can accomplish the same thing with some old school bull horn style bar ends. I just put some on the bike I will be using for touring and I like them pretty well.

[ljonesjo]

I made some adjustments to the saddles (height and set back) and moved the saddles around (the wider saddle was on the front). I also put the pedals from each of our single bikes on until we decide what we want. We rode for about 1/2 hour today, it felt great except for the handlebars. Both of us are having problems with our wrist position. I did go ahead and order 2 sets of the trekking bars off of ebay, but they have not arrived yet. I am also pretty certain I will be putting a longer stem on the front.

I am curious about how many captains are using a Look style of pedal, and if you have found it to be a problem when putting you foot down. also, does anyone use an adjustable stem in the front?

[JanMM]

I (the cap'n) have an adjustable stem with flat bars and Ergon grips. Have tried riser bars and a couple of different sizes of fixed stems. Flat bars for the stoker.....she's very non-picky.

[sch]

My pilot uses Looks and has a terrible time clipping in. With SPD it was just pop in and ride
with me providing the go juice til he clipped in. Now with Look, we have to coast after a single
turn of the cranks while he fumbles with the pedal and finally clips in, steering is on autopilot
while the pilot studies the pedal and maneuvers it into place. The SPD was left on the old
tandem when we got the new one. PITA to walk in road shoes, any kind.

FWIW when on group rides Look style pedals always seem to give a goodly
number of riders fits when starting up, and you can hear the fumbles and
clicks taking 20+ yards to get seated. Not universal, but compared to SPD,
Crank Bro or Speedplay, noticeably less user friendly at the start.

[djsincla]

In my humble opinion -

We all now have access to the best bikes and the best components money can buy. True road racing cyclists are clipping in once at race start and (hopefully) the next time they unclip is crossing the finish line.

The Captain/Pilot on a Tandem has the responsibility for safety for two people. Unless you are racing, you will want to use a pedal which provides for quick access in and out so that you can focus on starting and stopping frequently and safely.

Use the right equipment for the right job.