TrikeGeek

My wife and I recently purchased a used Burley Paso Doble in excellent condition. It's a steel frame with drop bars and we've already discovered the learning curve involved with "tandem-ing," but we're getting the hang of it.

The standover height for me is great (captain's position), but I'd like to drop the front seat a bit more. This is impossible with the Stoker bars connected to the seatpost.

Can anyone suggest a solution (i.e. option for mounting stoker bars to the top tube, or a Stoker "stem" for the seatpost that is not quite as "tall"? I know mounting to the top tube can be an issue with aluminum frames, but I'm more confident doing it with a steel frame like this one.

I wanted to include a photo, but can't since I haven't posted at least 10 times.

Thank you!

Leisesturm

I cannot imagine mounting the Stoker bars directly to the top tube. That would shorten an already short Stoker compartment. How does your Stoker feel about this? How tall is your Stoker in the first place? Are you saying that even with the Stoker stem slammed that your seat is still too high? You would only gain another 1.5" with the stem removed. I don't think that is what you are saying. If you are saying what I think you are saying then what you want is a Stoker stem that is taller than what is there now vs one that is "not quite as tall". Tandem East probably has Stoker stems that allow you to drop the Captains seat a few inches but will allow the Stoker bars to remain at a comfortable height for the Stoker. Is it possible that this bike is just too big for both of you at the end of the day? A great price is no bargain if the bike doesn't fit. If you are needing to run the seat down this much I am wondering if the reach forward for the bars isn't a literal pain in the neck.

TrikeGeek

Yes, even with the captain seat pushed down as far as possible I would prefer it to go lower. Honestly, I only really need it to be about 1/2-inch lower for comfort. The reach to the front bars is not uncomfortable and the steering is very stable.

I don't think the bike is too large for us. The standover height for me is equivalent to my road and gravel bikes.

Jim

OneIsAllYouNeed

A custom-made toptube mounted stem is certainly one option for you. I believe R+E Cycles or Cycles Chinook would make one. Assuming the top tube is round, it should be fairly straightforward.

The lowest stack height stems use 36-40mm of seatpost, but are generally at a much shallower angle than 35 degree stoker stems. You may also gain some stack height with a lower profile sadde and/or lower profile captain seatpost. If you haven't already done it, make sure your eccentric bottom bracket is "up" rather than "down".

I'd recommend going over to the introductions section of bikeforums and welcoming new members. Once you have 10 posts, you can add some pictures to aid this discussion.

Leisesturm

This may be one time where shorter cranks, or crank shorteners are a viable solution. A custom stem will cost more than the tandem did.

merlinextraligh

Unless you have some very unusual dimensions, if your correct saddle height doesn’t expose an inch and a half of seatpost, the bike in all likelihood is too big for you.

you bought it used. You can likely sell it for close what you paid for it, and find a bike that fits you.

due ruote 

I agree with this; however, what makes me pause is the OP says he can comfortably stand over the top tube. It’s kind of hard for me to reconcile that with the desire to slam the saddle, unless there are other extraordinary fit issues. Pics would help.