Tandem Bicycles

Tandem Bicycles

Tandem Bicycles Riding a normal, single-rider bicycle is a very rewarding experience, but a tandem bicycle adds a whole new dimension to cycling. A tandem allows two cyclists of differing strength and ability to ride together, enjoyably. The faster rider doesn't need to wait for the slower one; the slower rider doesn't need to struggle to try to keep up with the faster rider. A tandem turns the basically solitary, individualistic activity of cycling into an mutual experience that may be shared by a couple. A tandem allows handicapped people who couldn't otherwise ride a bicycle to share in the joy of cycling. The front rider is commonly known as the "captain." Other names for the front rider include "pilot" and "steersman." The captain has two major responsibilities: To control the bike, including balancing it whether stopped or in motion, as well as steering, shifting, braking. To keep the stoker happy! A tandem isn't a tandem without a stoker. The captain must earn the stoker's confidence, must stop when the stoker wants to stop, must slow down when the stoker wants to slow down. A tandem can allow a parent to share cycling at an adult level of speed and distance with a child. A tandem is the ultimate rush for cyclists who enjoy the sensation of high-speed cycling. The rear rider is commonly known as the "stoker." Other names for the rear rider include "navigator", "tailgunner" and "rear admiral" or "R.A." The rear rider is not a "passenger", but is an equal participant. The stoker has two main responsibilities: The stoker serves mainly as a motor. Since the stoker is not called upon to control the bike, this rider should be able to actually generate more power than the same rider would on a single bike. Depending on the strength and endurance of the stoker, this may take the form of a steady output or may be held in reserve. If the stoker is acting as a "reserve," it is OK to take it easy for general cruising, so long as the stoker can help out with a burst of power for the climbs. Since starting up on a tandem is a bit trickier than on a single, the stoker should apply as much smooth power as possble when starting up, to get the bike up to maneuvering speed quickly. The stoker's other major responsibility is a negative one: The stoker must not attempt to steer! Unpredictable weight shifts on the part of the stoker can make the captain's job much harder, and can lead to crashes, in extreme cases. The stoker should keep in line with the centerline of the bicycle, and lean with it as it leans through corners. When the stoker needs to shift position on the saddle, or adjust a toe strap, or take a drink, it is vital that they do so without disturbing the equilibrium of the bicycle. These activities should not be attempted at all while the captain is dealing with tricky traffic situations or narrow spaces.

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