{"id":55003,"date":"2023-10-16T13:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=750003"},"modified":"2023-10-16T13:35:34","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T11:35:34","slug":"tandem-bicycles-explained-from-how-to-ride-them-to-all-the-different-types","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/tandem-bicycles-explained-from-how-to-ride-them-to-all-the-different-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Tandem bicycles explained, from how to ride them to all the different types"},"content":{"rendered":"

We explain everything you need to know about tandem cycles <\/p>

By Vicky Balfour\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 16 October 2023 at 11:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Tandem cycles often conjure images of romantic pairings, typified by the song Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)<\/em>. However, tandems aren\u2019t just for courting lovers. They can be used for all kinds of cycling, from touring to racing and for riders with disabilities.<\/p>\n

This guide to tandems will give you an understanding of the different types of tandem cycles. We cover everything from traditional two-person tandems to family options (triplet and quad) and even side-by-side and recumbent tandems, and explain how to choose the right one for you and your tandem team.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also find tips on getting started on tandems and the roles of captain and stoker, as well as explaining the different drivetrain options so you\u2019re fully prepared when you enter the market to buy a tandem.<\/p>\n

What is a tandem?<\/h2>\n
\"Bespoked\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
We fell in love with this well-abused Bilenky tandem.<\/span><\/figcaption> Will Jones \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Typically, a tandem is a bicycle designed for two riders. The riders move \u2018in tandem\u2019, cycling together.<\/p>\n

Tandems have been around for about as long as bicycles (solo bikes in tandem parlance).<\/p>\n

They\u2019re available in a wide variety of styles to suit the needs of different riders, from regular upright bicycles designed for two riders to tandems that mix recumbent and upright types.<\/p>\n

While they are less common, you can get family tandems with three (triplet) or even four (quad) seats. There are also tandems where the riders sit side by side rather than one in front of the other.<\/p>\n

Only one of the riders controls the cycle (captain), with the other providing additional power (stoker).<\/p>\n

A traditional-style tandem has a single frame, two wheels and an inter-connected drivetrain between the captain and stoker, linked together with a timing chain.<\/p>\n

What are the advantages of tandem bikes?<\/h2>\n
\"Visually\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Tandems can be great for visually impaired riders, or those with cognitive or balance issues.<\/span><\/figcaption> Eir Miura \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Aside from the companionship of cycling in tandem and the conversation that comes with it, one of the main advantages of tandem cycling is you create a unified pace without there being a \u2018faster or slower\u2019 rider, as you sometimes find in pairs.<\/p>\n

With two people working in unison and less weight than a pair of bicycles combined, it\u2019s easy to cover large distances.<\/p>\n

Tandems can be considered a form of adaptive cycle<\/a>. For riders with certain disabilities, tandems mean you do not have to give up the joy of cycling.<\/p>\n

Visually impaired riders and those with cognitive and balance issues are able to ride without fear. While tandem cycling is no longer a mainstream Olympic event, it remains an important Paralympic cycling discipline.<\/p>\n

Riders of different abilities are able to work as a team and enjoy a cycle ride without worrying about one being \u2018faster\u2019 than the other or holding the other one back.<\/p>\n

Critically, they\u2019re also great fun<\/a>. Riding a tandem is a cycling experience quite unlike any other and is something every rider should endeavour to try.<\/p>\n

How to ride a tandem<\/h2>\n
\"Jack\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Don\u2019t let a difficult start deter you.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Learning how to ride a tandem may well determine your entire future as a tandem cyclist \u2013 it\u2019s easy to be put off by a difficult start, but don\u2019t let this deter you.<\/p>\n

Success depends largely on communication \u2013 whether it\u2019s the system you follow for starting and stopping, or the way you communicate the road ahead or the vehicles behind. Without clear and effective communication, it\u2019s easy for either rider to become frustrated and for them to fall over.<\/p>\n

The role of the captain<\/h3>\n

The captain sits on the front of a conventional tandem and is in charge of the steering, braking and shifting gears<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The captain is generally the stronger rider, and is the first to get on a tandem and the last to get off. They create stability and need to be able to put both legs down when the cycle is stationary.<\/p>\n

Many adaptive or companion tandems will have the captain at the back, enabling a greater view or a recumbent seating position for the second rider.<\/p>\n

The role of the stoker<\/h3>\n

The second rider is known as the stoker. The stoker on a tandem is crucial for the extra power needed to move the weight of a tandem.<\/p>\n

Sitting behind the pilot, they have no control over the cycle, but how they move around can impact the stability of the tandem. If the stoker tries to move independently, they can easily destabilise the bike in the same way a pillion passenger can on a motorcycle.<\/p>\n

Starting and stopping<\/h3>\n

Having an agreed process for starting and stopping is important when riding a tandem.<\/p>\n

Both riders must use the same leg to push down and start, and have to remove the same leg first when they come to a stop.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t, either you won\u2019t have enough power to start or you won\u2019t be able to support the weight of the cycle when you come to a standstill. We recommend you decide on this process before setting off and practise in a quiet area.<\/p>\n

The front rider has an inherently more comfortable riding position, with their saddle placed in the middle of the frame. They also have an awareness of what is coming up ahead and can prepare mentally, while physically the flex in the frame takes out some of the harshness of the ride.<\/p>\n

The rear rider is positioned closer to the rear wheel and without visual cues can find bumps and potholes bone-rattling and disconcerting \u2013 it\u2019s hard to shift your weight in anticipation of a pothole if you can\u2019t see it coming.<\/p>\n

Adding a suspension seatpost<\/a> to a rear tandem saddle can increase comfort considerably.<\/p>\n

Different types of tandem<\/h2>\n
\"Paralympian\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Paralympian Aileen McGlynn (left) riding a tandem with pilot Ellie Stone at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.<\/span><\/figcaption> Adrian Dennis \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Think of a cycling discipline and there will be a tandem equivalent \u2013 riders of all stripes have discovered the joys of riding a bicycle made for two.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the most common types of tandem and what to expect from them.<\/p>\n