Riding OOP-- a stoker's perspective
 

We took advantage of the gorgeous spring-like weather today to ride our own 1/2 century. My husband/mechanic/captain advanced his pedals by 60 degrees yesterday, so this was our first ride OOP.

At first, I hated it. It felt weird, looked weirder. Our first standing climb was awful, like dancing with someone with no rhythm. I ended up sitting for the last 1/3rd of the climb because it was actually easier for me.

After about 25 miles of flats we hit the hills again. I let the captain stand while I sat. Then, up a particularly steep, short hill, I stood up while he sat. It was like running, quick & smooth & easy. When I sat, he stood. We sprinted up a couple steep rollers with ease. It was downright fun. Thus did we finish our ride, alternating our stands.

Captain reports that the bike handles more easily, he has more control no matter who's standing, and we have more power with less torque on the bike. Over the 3 hrs. we rode the OOP style grew on me. We still have some adjusting to do but I think this is a keeper.

Sometimes change is good.

Glad to hear you guys took the plunge and tried OOP. Your description of your first ride sounded like my wife and I when we first tried it. I'd suggest doing a little experimenting with the degrees out of phase till you find your "sweet spot".

We also alternated the standing in the beginning, but it wasn't long before we were both "dancing together". I suspect it'll be the same for you guys. The increase in power and smoothness of the ride still surprises us, even after a year. We're definitely OOPers for life.

Very interesting. Isn't 60 degrees a bigger advance than usual? How did you choose it? Are you going to keep tinkering with the numbers?

Thanks for the stoker's perspective!
OOP-a-mania strikes again!
Glad folks are giving OOP a chance; there is a slight learning curve and some experimenting with how far OOP you want to go and who will stand is part of the natural progression. After a couple weeks of riding, it is just natural.
If you really see no advantage in it, then switch back to IP.

OOP-on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Welcome to the dark side. We will be looking for those OOP cranks at Solvang!

I can't say as I understanding using 60 degrees: 90 puts one of you right in teh power section of your stroke (3 PM) when the other is at top/bottom dead center. 60 sure looks like it would be way too close to accomplish this.

Okay, I'll 'fess up: I'm not the mechanic or the engineer; I didn't pick the 60* advanced & I'll need to draw a picture of what you're saying to really get the gist of it. The captain did the research, chose the angle, did the deed. I know, I know, I should know how & why to do this, but I don't. I just like to ride.

So I'll defer to the captain to explain his reasoning. Meanwhile, I'll just say that it grew on me in the course of a couple hours.

Nope, no pocket protector here...

ElRey,

According to all the input I received on this forum, the suggested and most discussed, starting OOP was angle was 90 degrees. That would indicate one at 3:00 and one at 12:00. I decided to try a little less angle in order to minimize the discomfort and avoid upsetting my Stoker. We are going to try other angles to see what we feel best with. Hope this explains the decision.

I'd be interested in hearing from teams riding recumbent tandem who are riding OOP. We are still riding IP. We can not stand on the hills, obviously, and so we must spin. Any other recumbent tandem teams care to offer us any suggestions? (I'll post this on the recumbent forum as well.)

Mike

Just curious..... let us know how your research goes.