Co-Motion Co-Pilot System (S&S Machine Couplers)

July 08, 2025

With a Co-Motion Co-Pilot travel bike, you can ride your dream bike in all your favorite places, without compromising ride quality. A Co-Motion Co-Pilot travel bike is one of the most efficient ways to fly to your favorite destinations with a full-size bike.

The S&S Machine Couplers used with our Co-Pilot System allow a full-size bicycle to fit into a 26" x 26" x 10" case that travels as regular airline luggage. For tandems, two cases are used. That means no oversized baggage fees, no bulky boxes, and no compromise on ride quality. Traveling with manageable luggage means navigating from your destination airport to your hotel or tour starting point is easier, as it is unnecessary to hire a van or larger vehicle, and if storing your luggage is needed, its compact size also helps. The cost to travel with a non-coupled can quickly add up, and the hassle of dealing with an ill-fitting rental bike should not stop you from enjoying your favorite destination on two wheels. 

Co-Motion Co-Pilot Benefits: 

• Long-term savings: After a few trips, it pays for itself compared to checking a non-coupled bike with fees every time.
• Full-size bike feel: You’re not giving up ride quality like you might on a folding bike.
• Easy to pack with the right case: The Co-Motion travel case is designed to make traveling with and protecting coupled bikes a breeze. 
• Avoid airline bike fees: If packed correctly and under 50 lbs, many airlines won't even know it's a bike.
  
• Easier international travel: Less hassle with customs and TSA. 

Our Co-Pilot option is available on most steel tandem and single bikes, so whether you're enjoying a solo trip or off on a tandem adventure, you can do so with your favorite bike.

Co-Motion Cycles was the first in the industry to offer S&S couplers on standard single and tandem bicycle models. Co-Motion Founder Dwan Shepard first met S&S Machine's Founder Steve Smilanick at InterBike in 1995. Dwan quickly saw the potential in Steve's innovative idea, and we’ve offered our "Co-Pilot" System - named to evoke the idea your travel bike is your trusted companion in flight - ever since. 

According to S&S Machine, "The key to the coupling's strength is the tapered tooth design, which eliminates all movement where the teeth meet. When the nut is tightened with a spanner wrench, the teeth wedge together and lock to produce a rigid, zero clearance joint that remains tight. All components are precision CNC machined for a perfect fit."

 

FAQ: 

1. Won't it weaken the frame?
   • The S&S Couplers are specifically engineered to maintain frame strength. When installed properly, S&S Couplers create a tight, zero-clearance joint that feels just like a one-piece frame. They form a rigid, reinforced joint that holds up to world travel and high-mileage use. Many of our globe-trotting customers rely on Co-Pilot-equipped bikes for fully loaded touring. Most riders can’t even tell the difference between a coupled and a non-coupled bike. In short, it technically makes the frame stronger.
2.  How long does it take to assemble or disassemble the bike?
   • Once you’re familiar with the process, it typically takes 45-60 minutes to unpack and assemble your bike, or even faster with practice. All you need is the included spanner wrench and a multitool. Dwan Shepard once demonstrated how quickly a Co-Pilot single bike can be assembled on a live television broadcast, fully assembling a Co-Motion Co-Pilot road bike out of its travel case in just 8 minutes. 
3. Can the couplers be retrofitted to an existing Co-Motion bicycle?
   • YES! We are now offering retro-fits on select models. Please get in touch with us for more info and pricing. 
4. Are Co-Pilot bikes heavier than non-coupled bikes?
   • The couplers add approximately 8 ounces to most single bikes. That's less than 1/2 a water bottle! For most riders, the added travel convenience far outweighs the slight increase in weight. 

Options and Getting Started: 

Nearly all our steel frames can be built with S&S Couplers. Popular Co-Pilot-ready models include the Klatch, Divide, Java, Mocha, and Steelhead tandems. Choose the polished stainless steel couplers for an extra bit of bling and corrosion resistance.

View all Co-Motion models

To get started, contact sales@co-motion.com to inquire about a Co-Motion Co-Pilot travel bike. You just name the destination and we'll help you get there!

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