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Height mismatch: short pilot, large stoker

graham waterfield2026-01-26 18:11:33

Height mismatch: short pilot, large stoker

My pilot is strong and capable but only 5 foot 2.

I am 5 foot 4.

We ride a second-hand Thorn Tandem and I don’t know which Thorn size it is.  

  He has shortened the stem considerably which I think has affected its handling (I certainly can’t steer it) and does rather undermine my confidence on technical descents.   And he has set his saddle as far forward as it goes.   

I am now convinced that the tandem is just too big for him And I am looking for something that's a better fit.

I have scoured the tandems "for sale" (I get them automatically in my email) for quite some time and it appears that all the Tandem Club pilots are at least 5 foot 8!   

Does anybody have any thoughts about why Tandem club pilots are all giants?

More importantly can anyone suggest how we might source something that fits better?  The pilot would be happy to transfer the bits from the present Tandem onto a new frame.   Thorn have a "small pilot medium stoker" frame for sale on their website.  However they state its for large, strong stokers and although large I am not strong.  I am also suspecting that Thorns are a bit too indestructible and heavy for our light touring needs.  Are we going to have to go to a frame builder? 

Anne