Short Stoker Cranks

[tiride]

I am looking for short cranks (155-160) for my daughter to use on a Cannondale RT1000 with 105's. Pretty tough to find. However... I came across http://www.sjscycles.com and they have what may be the answer. Has anyone used their cranks or know of any other options. I considered Crank-Shorteners, but I am concerned about using them for any distance and am afraid the she will hit her ankles.

I would appreciate any input.
Thanks

[SteveE]

Tiride-

I have a pair of crank shorteners that I am selling. The listing is posted here If you are interested, please contact me via PM.

I'm not sure what your concerns are about mileage and hitting her ankles. How many miles are you considering and what do you think whe would hit her ankles on? How old is your daughter. If she is younger than the child stoker kit is the better way to go.

SteveE

[TandemGeek]

I've read good reports on the SJS cranks, but no first hand knowledge. You'll also notice that SJS sells several different models of cranks (Dotek & Thorn - a house brand) that come in 140mm, 150mm, 160mm lengths for about 49 (UK).

If you really need crank shorteners, SteveE's look like a great buy @ $25 - similar models sell for up to $100 new. Note the comments about nicking the ankles.

Other options:

daVinci: http://www.davincitandem.com/comp.html
Scroll down. You'll find two different models
a) 130/150/170 kid cranks or many other lengths (chi-chi pricing, but great quality)
b) 125/145 re-drilled and machined Deore XT Cranks for $85 (probably too short)
Call and talk to Todd

Tandems East: www.TandemsEast.com
http://www.tandemseast.com/stoker.html - Scroll to the bottom of the page ($80)
Mel Kornbluh's design - very nice workmanship and no sharp edges

Tandems Limited: www.TandemsLtd.com
Jack Goertz carries same model SteveE is selling: Cost $100

Precision Tandems: www.precisiontandems.com
Mark Johnson carries same model SteveE is selling: Cost $100

[TandemGeek]

I forgot about Peter White Cycles who carries TA Specialties cranks in many sizes... but again, chi-chi on cost/quality.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/zephyr.asp

[blwyn]

I've used crank shortners when my son rides the tandem - 500 miles and counting without a problem.

[tiride]

Thank you all for you input.
Thanks to SteveE, I hope to soon find out that my concerns about crank shorteners were unfounded.

[MichaelW]

If you have a long crank, you could get it shortened, drilled and tapped. In the UK, highpath engineering do this:
http://www.argonet.co.uk/highpath/cycle.htm

But the SJS cranks are probably cheaper.

[Maury Cohen]

DaVinci also sells cranksets with shorter arms.
We have 170mm captain and 165mm stoker cranks on our Calfee Tetra tetra.