Tandem Cycling - Captain's top tube protection?

When I mount the tandem I put my foot over the top tube between the stem and the seat. If I am notbcareful I can hit the top tube with my heel, which is not good! I have wrapped the possible impact area with handlebar tape which works but is not the most eye appealing.

Does anyone else have this issue and if you do how did you resolve it?

Thanks in advance,

Wayne

I just lean the bike over - plenty of clearance over the top tube. For dismount I swing my leg over the handlebars - this tends to prevent the onset of cramps on long rides.

Leg over the handlebars.

I have the same issue as DubT so I put clear adhesive vinyl on the top of the top tube. It is the kind of stuff that you can have applied to the front of your car to prevent rock chips. It is near impossible to see and it does save the paint from the scuff of my heal when I don't quite get it over the bar cleanly.

Bill J.

Another vote for leg over handelbars.

I think your handle bar tape idea has potiental. Look at the single speed bikes the kids ride. Many have padding to protect the top tube from the handlebars hitting when they swing around. They have no cables to slow the front wheel turning when the bike is unattended.

Wayne

I removed the handlebar tape, it just did not look that great on a new bike. I used to do the leg over the handlebar and will learn to do that again, also leaning the bike over helps. The clear 3M protective tape is also a possibility, I know where i can get some of it.

Thanks for the input,

Wayne

If you have local motocross shop or CycleGear you can get clear sheets of frame saver from a company called One Industries. It's a pack of three sheets. We use this stuff on the top tubes of our off-road tandems.

My legs are too stumpy for the gymnastics of getting a leg over the bars.

PK

Nano-Fusion Protection™ from Avery Dennison

Nano-Fusion Protection™ from Avery Dennison

Where can you buy a small piece? We live in Central Illinois? From their website it looks like they only sell through distributors.

215467
We designed our custom tandem with a sloping top tube . . . helps a whole lot when you're in your seventies!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Where can you buy a small piece? We live in Central Illinois? From their website it looks like they only sell through distributors.

I think you need to have it applied by one of thier applicators

I'm happy with Ryinyl (http://www.rvinyl.com/paint-protection-film-wrap.htm) on our bikes. I also tend to kick the top tubes.

Another vote for leg over the handlebars. Problem solved.

I have resolved the problem for "me". I removed the handlebar tape and installed a piece of WriteRight Static Cling Screen Protector. It is the one designed for the iPad. I trimmed it to shape and put it on the top tube. I had to use some clear tape on the bottom to keep it on but it is almost invisible and will protect the top tube. I can dismount using the leg over the handlebar but I find it hard to mount that way. One nice thing about this material is that it is easy to remove.

Wayne

When I had first received my newly painted tandem I worried greatly about my shoe hitting the top tube.

I solved this by changing my mounting technique. I start with the standing quadriceps stretch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwkA1VFC5yk&feature=related) with the right hand pulling on the right foot, while the left hand holds the handlebar.

http://0.tqn.com/d/np/triathlon-training/9781598698077_0104_001.jpg

I then swing my knee over the top tube while my shoe stays safely restrained. With the knee on the right side, the calf/foot can be safely extended, without posing a threat to the top tube.

I have always had a problem with flexibility and while working on that for general health I found it is not only easier to swing my foot over the bars but also that I feel much more comfortable, balanced and powerful on the bike. I have since read that the central nervous system automatically puts top priority on maintaining balance even if it has to rob energy from gross motor movements like legs pedaling.

Wayne