Which size is best?
Because riding a tandem is different than riding a single, a properly-sized tandem should not mimic the fit of your solo bikes. When you follow our sizing chart, we guarantee your tandem will allow a comfortable and efficient fit. As always, if you have special concerns, call us or send a mail.
Determining your best frame size
The "small" frames have now got a V-Top design for more clearance and even more torsional stiffnes on a small frame size To determine frame size, measure your actual inseam (crotch to floor, without shoes). For accurately measure, 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 in the sizing-chart. 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.
Captain
Because captains support the stoker while starting and stopping, captains must be able to straddle the top tube with a stance wide enough to clear rotating pedals. If your size is in the middle of to sizes of the chart, choose the one your inseam is closer to the middle. However, if your leg length is not proportional to your height (and you need a longer or shorter top tube), you can opt for the larger or smaller size.
Note: If you look for a 26" tandem with suspension fork, choose one full size smaller.
Stoker
Stokers quickly learn the easiest way to climb aboard is to step on a pedal and swing a leg over (while the captain straddles and holds the bike) – just like getting on a horse. Further, because stokers will never have to put a food down (take-offs and landing are the responsibility of the captain), standover becomes inconsequential. This makes tandems very versatile – even cyclists under 1,5m tall will fit on the back. Our sizing chart indicates two ranges – a full range if you'll use a standard seatpost (best value models) and a slightly smaller range for a Tamer ShockPost (all other models).
Do you need a custom size?
Many couples assume they need a custom tandem because of different height. While this seems valid, Santana tandems allow for dramatic differences (or similarities) in rider proportions. With tandem specific geometry, numerous micro-adjust points and a wide range of standard sizes, Santana´s standard-sized tandems fit 95% of all couples.