Tandem Cycling - Replacement skewer for ATOC TandemTopper

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smunderdog
08-17-08, 08:55 PM
Accidentally allowed my tandem to tip away from me before after I opened my skewer lever, but before I pulled the fork up out of the skewer this evening. Ended up bending the non-handle side of the skewer to the point where it needs to be replaced...

So I found the TopperLok on the ATOC website and that is an option...

Does anyone know if the Yakima skewer system from their Sidewinder Tandem rack would work as well?

Only reason that could be a benefit to me is because I have a few other Yak trays on my roof rack and it would be nice to have them all on the same lock core...

swc7916
08-17-08, 10:03 PM
The older Tandem Toppers used a standard skewer; the Topperlok is a larger diameter and won't fit - I know, I bought one and it won't work on my rack. They have a toll-free number: 800-ATOC-021( 800-286-2021); call and ask.
deanack
08-18-08, 08:40 AM
I have the older Tandem Topper too from the '80s. I called ATOC about it and they wanted a 125 to rebuild it to the current set-up, too much for me. So started to check it out. I removed the axle from it, the older ones used a standard sized quick release. The Yakima are 9mm, so the diference was very little. I tried to find treaded tubing but no luck. I went to a hardward store with all the different parts and pieces. Talking with the guys in the store we came up with thick walled copper tubing that just fit inside the topper and the 9mm just fit inside the copper. To extend the topper spacing out to the correct width 100mm for a front fork I used stainless steel washers and a pipe flaring tool to spread out the ends of the copper tubbing. With the 9mm quick release running thru the tubing it is very strong. I did find some brass spacers that could have been used also. I could take a picture of it and send it out too.

Dean

oldacura
08-18-08, 08:52 AM
I got a locking skewer from RockyMounts.
smunderdog
08-18-08, 09:55 AM
I got a locking skewer from RockyMounts.


Thanks - had forgotten about that company as a resource.

So this one is what you are talking about?

http://www.rockymounts.com/quickrelease

Pretty slick design!
smunderdog
08-18-08, 03:37 PM
If that is the one you are recommending, I did find this on their website:

We do not recommend this skewer for use with a tandem bike carrier.
oldacura
08-19-08, 08:45 AM
No - that's not the one we got. I picked up a "take off" from their parts bin. It's not as fancy as that one. I just wanted a locking skewer for certain conditions.

The skewer that came with the ATOC is non-locking but made completely of metal. The RockyMounts locking one has a cam made of plastic. To make sure it doesn't come loose, I have to really clamp down on it.

In general, we use the ATOC one for most circumstances and use the locking RockyMounts one when we have to leave the bike on the car for a while in dicey areas (not very often).
swc7916
08-19-08, 09:12 AM
I purchased the Topperloc not for the locking capability, but for the long-throw cam. The current skewer doesn't clear the "lawyer lips" on the fork tips and I have to unscrew the skewer to get the bike off of the rack. If I have to leave the bike on the car I use a Kryptonite u-lock and cable to lock it to my Subaru's roof rack.