Originally Posted by
conspiratemus1
If both captain and stoker put a foot down to stop, how do you handle the change of plans at the last second when a stop either becomes or ceases to be necessary? Let's say you are approaching a stoplight that you think (because you can see the amber light for the cross street) is going to turn green by the time you reach it, if you time your slow roll properly. But then you realize, when the light changes, that the facing traffic has an advance green to turn left across you, so you have to stop. Do both of you have to click out simultaneously, or can you stay up if only the captain picks it up in time to plant his foot at the moment forward motion ceases?
Or reverse situation: you have both clicked out to coast to a stop at a red, and then the light suddenly changes to green, just before you've planted your feet. Does the captain have to complete the stop (with the light green) to coordinate the re-start with the stoker, or can the captain just click back in and stomp on it?
These reasons are exactly why my stoker and I have decided that she always remains clipped in at stops. There is never any confusion as to who is doing what and when. Only when we are at a complete stop will she indicate she is unclipping at which point I know she is putting her feet down.
We are fairly new tandem riders with only 2K miles on the long bike. This practice has worked well for us.