What’s the point of a tandem bike?
The rear rider, known as the stoker, focuses on pedaling and maintaining balance. Synchronization is key—both riders need to pedal in unison for a smooth and steady ride. That’s why riding a tandem bicycle can help build strong communication and cooperation skills between the two. While riding a (2 person bike) tandem is not difficult, it is different than riding a single bike. Tandeming” is probably a new sport to you; we like to compare it to dancing. Dancing together takes a bit of practice, right?The original meaning of the word tandem is a carriage pulled by horses harnessed one in front of the other. By the 1880s, the meaning had shifted to two-seated bicycle. Things are in tandem when they basically work like a bicycle built for two. Walk alongside your best friend, and you’re walking in tandem.Riding a tandem is easier than riding a solo bike plus trailer cycle. The long wheelbase of a tandem makes is very stable, although the slightly bus-like cornering at slow speed takes some getting used to.The term tandem refers to the seating arrangement (fore to aft, not side by side), not the number of riders. A bike with two riders side by side is called a sociable. Tandem bicycles are sometimes called Daisy Bells.
What are the disadvantages of tandem bikes?
Big and clunky The tandem bike is anything but gracious riding. The bike is longer and heavier which makes it unhandy. Keeping the balance, starting at the same time and riding is a lot more challenging with an extra person on your back seat. Tandem riding involves a special kind of teamwork. The front rider, or captain, is in charge of steering, braking, and shifting gears. The rear rider, known as the stoker, focuses on pedaling and maintaining balance. Synchronization is key—both riders need to pedal in unison for a smooth and steady ride.The captain should NOT try to sit on the saddle of the bike. The stoker should be seated on the bike, both feet on the pedals, holding onto the bars. Just like dancing, someone has to lead. When riding a tandem, the captain leads.
Is it hard to ride a tandem bicycle?
Riding a tandem is easier than riding a solo bike plus trailer cycle. The long wheelbase of a tandem makes is very stable, although the slightly bus-like cornering at slow speed takes some getting used to. Because of the change in weight distribution, these bikes have a greater maximum load tolerance. It should not surprise you that the tandem bike, with a weight capacity of 500 pounds, can carry the most weight. After all, it is built for several people to ride at the same time.