There must be a huge thread discussing the pros/cons of offset cranks... can someone help me find it? I haven't seen it done very often, but it seems like it would be preferable. What's up?

https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=3210704

For future reference, the search string was: "out-of-phase" "in-phase"
Search in Forums field: Tandem Cycling

Note: I noticed that the URL for the seach results didn't work. They may have changed the way the search engine archives data so you may just need to build your own search string using the aforementioned criteria.

Search for "out of phase" look here, at sheldonbrown, and at thetandemlink.
OOP seems to work for team Zonatandem very well, I am sure they will be along sometime soon and point you in the correct direction.

Jack

edited: Looks like tandemgeek beat me to it!

Most tandems are set up, and sold, with in-phase crank setup.
That does not mean you can't change that!
Suggest you try riding out-of-phase (OOP) for a few weeks and then decide which method you prefer.
We are proponents of 90 degrees OOP and have pedaled that way for 30+ years.
Easy to change over from in- to out-of-phase. The 'correct' way is to loosen the eccentric and put crankarms in the position you desire. Then re-tighten eccentric.
However, there's a shortcut that works a bit faster that we utilize.
Utilizing a workstand or have partner hold up rear end of the bike:
Spin the cranks backwards, derail that crossover chain with a small bladed screw driver. Set-up the crankarms OOP by as many degrees as you want, with either pilot or stoker leading (your preference).
Put chain back on by spinning cranks forward.
Now go ride!
Pedal on TWOgether (OOP!)
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Well there you have it. We'll try it on Mt. Hamilton Tuesday! Thanks.

I would recommend you try setting the stoker 90 degrees behind your cranks. Smoother that way. Really a big difference. My stoker hates being 90 degrees forward, love 90 behind. OOP is great for us, far better than in phase.

We second El Rey's suggestion of stoker being 90 degrees behind pilot.
With stoker being 90 degrees behind it makes for that extra push over the top of the pedal stroke when taking off from a stop. OOP also makes it easier (for us) climbing and less stress on the frame.
However, if it feels uncomfortable/unnatural one way, try it the other way.

funny, it took me a second (ok, a few minutes) to visualize how one coould be forward of another in this configuration, I think I understand.