What is Your Size?

Because riding a tandem is different than riding a single, a properly-sized tandem should not mimic the fit of your single bikes. Further, with tandem-specific geometry, numerous micro-adjust points and a wide range of standard sizes, Santana’s standard-sized tandems fit 90% of all couples. When you follow our sizing chart, we guarantee your tandem’s fit can be comfortable and efficient.
As always, if you have special concerns, call us at the factory by dialing (800) 334-6136.

Captains

Because captains support the stoker while starting and stopping, captains must be able to straddle a top tube with a stance wide enough to clear rotating pedals. If the sizing chart indicates compatibility with two sizes, the bar centered to your measurement is generally the best choice. However, if your leg length is not proportional to your height (and you need a longer or shorter top tube), it is smart to consider the other alternative. Note: because our chart assumes a rigid fork, if you will captain a 26" tandem with an optional suspension fork, choose one full size smaller.

Stokers

Stokers quickly learn that the easiest way to climb aboard is to step on a pedal and swing a leg over (while the captain straddles and holds up the bike)—just like getting on a horse. Further, because stokers will never have to put a foot down (take-offs and landings are the responsibility of the captain), standover becomes inconsequential. This makes tandems very versatile—even cyclists under 5' tall can fit on the back. Because our sizing chart includes clearance for the stoker’s shock-absorbing seatpost, a standard seatpost allows leg lengths to be two inches (5cm) shorter.

next article: Shopping Mistakes



Page updated on Friday, April 2, 2010, ©2010 Santana Cycles, Inc.	What is Your Size? Because riding a tandem is different than riding a single, a properly-sized tandem should not mimic the fit of your single bikes. Further, with tandem-specific geometry, numerous micro-adjust points and a wide range of standard sizes, Santana’s standard-sized tandems fit 90% of all couples. When you follow our sizing chart, we guarantee your tandem’s fit can be comfortable and efficient. As always, if you have special concerns, call us at the factory by dialing (800) 334-6136. Captains Because captains support the stoker while starting and stopping, captains must be able to straddle a top tube with a stance wide enough to clear rotating pedals. If the sizing chart indicates compatibility with two sizes, the bar centered to your measurement is generally the best choice. However, if your leg length is not proportional to your height (and you need a longer or shorter top tube), it is smart to consider the other alternative. Note: because our chart assumes a rigid fork, if you will captain a 26" tandem with an optional suspension fork, choose one full size smaller. Stokers Stokers quickly learn that the easiest way to climb aboard is to step on a pedal and swing a leg over (while the captain straddles and holds up the bike)—just like getting on a horse. Further, because stokers will never have to put a foot down (take-offs and landings are the responsibility of the captain), standover becomes inconsequential. This makes tandems very versatile—even cyclists under 5' tall can fit on the back. Because our sizing chart includes clearance for the stoker’s shock-absorbing seatpost, a standard seatpost allows leg lengths to be two inches (5cm) shorter. next article: Shopping Mistakes	How to measure yourselves To determine frame size, measure your actual inseam (crotch to floor, without shoes). To measure accurately, slide a skinny book or clipboard up along the wall between your legs as high as possible (until your heels begin to leave the floor). After obtaining your measurements, Check them against the charts at left. You and your partner will probably discover that one or more of our stock sizes fits. If not, don’t fret, Santana makes custom tandems, too. The charts at the far left are in centimeters — if you don’t have a metric tape, multiply your inseam (in inches) by 2.54.