Captain's top tube protection?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Does anyone else have this issue and if you do how did you resolve it?
Thanks in advance,
Wayne
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Hollister, CA
Posts: 3,957
Bikes: Volagi, daVinci Joint Venture
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
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.
#3
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,302
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 724 Times
in
371 Posts
Leg over the handlebars.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#4
Riding Heaven's Highwayson the grand tour
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Tehachapi Mtns, Calif.
Posts: 737
Bikes: '10 C'Dale Tandem RT2. '07 Trek Tandem T2000, '10 Epic Marathon MTB, '12 Rocky Mountain Element 950 MTB, '95 C'dale R900, "04 Giant DS 2 '07 Kona Jake the Snake, '95 Nishiki Backroads
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
Bill J.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Custom 650B tandem by Bob Brown, 650B tandem converted from Santana Arriva, Santana Noventa, Boulder Bicycle 700C, Gunnar Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
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 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
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Thanks for the input,
Wayne
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Posts: 1,236
Bikes: 2006 Co-Motion Roadster (Flat Bars, Discs, Carbon Fork), Some 1/2 bikes and a couple of KTM's
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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
My legs are too stumpy for the gymnastics of getting a leg over the bars.
PK
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
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
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 150
Bikes: Trek T2000, Ventana ElConquistador, ElSanto, STP400, 5500, JubileeSport, Scattante...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm happy with Ryinyl on our bikes. I also tend to kick the top tubes.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Wayne
#15
Tandem Vincitur
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 3,317
Bikes: BMC Pro Machine SLC01, Specialized Globe, Burley Rock 'N Roll tandem, Calfee Dragonfly tandem.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
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 with the right hand pulling on the right foot, while the left hand holds the handlebar.
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 solved this by changing my mounting technique. I start with the standing quadriceps stretch with the right hand pulling on the right foot, while the left hand holds the handlebar.
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.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Custom 650B tandem by Bob Brown, 650B tandem converted from Santana Arriva, Santana Noventa, Boulder Bicycle 700C, Gunnar Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
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
Wayne
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stockae92
Road Cycling
10
05-23-17 05:52 PM
theWretched
Framebuilders
14
03-19-15 02:39 PM
RunningBulldog
Framebuilders
21
08-23-13 06:10 PM