Manufactured with two seats, two sets of handlebars and pedals, tandem bicycles are the ultimate way to enjoy a bike ride with a friend or partner. Because of the nature of tandem cycling---with two bodies on the same piece of equipment---certain cycling skills must be amplified and new skills, such as cycling teamwork, must be perfected to have a smooth and fun ride.
Form a Team
Both riders have to be on the same page to make a tandem bicycle work, so go over not only safety procedure, but each others' roles before setting off on your adventure. In tandem cycling, the person in the front position is often referred to as the "pilot" or "captain." The rider in the second position, or on the back of the bike, is known as the "stoker." The captain is responsible for making final decisions as to where and when to turn, when and how to stop and, since the stoker has limited vision in front of him, the captain is responsible for warning the stoker as to bumps or curves in the road ahead. If you are the captain, you may want to come up with a series of hand signals or other communication, as it may be difficult to communicate with the stoker since you will be facing away from him.
Get a Proper Fit
If you're going to be doing tandem cycling on a regular basis, find a custom tandem bicycle, taking into consideration the height and weight of both riders. More consideration should be given to the captain in terms of fit, since she is responsible for more maneuvering duties such as steering and stopping. In general, the larger person should usually be designated the captain, and thus should have a proper fit in the front, but this doesn't always have to be the case. Most of all, make sure both riders are comfortable on the bike before setting out on the road. Adjust seats and handlebars accordingly before starting your ride.
Riding
Tandem cycling requires proper technique to get the bike underway, keep it going, and avoid a crash or other incident. To start, have the captain straddle the frame of the bike and hold it steady while the stoker gets onto the bike, with both feet on the pedals. The captain should position the pedals so his strongest leg is ready to push off first. Once the stoker is in position, the captain then pushes off as hard as possible on the highest pedal, which will propel the bike forward. The captain then lifts himself onto position on the bike, and you're off for an exciting tandem ride.
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