Tandem bicycles are a type of bike that allows two people to ride and pedal. These bicycles are not as common as single-rider bicycles, but some bicycle stores suggest they are growing in popularity. Tandem bikes have been around for more than 100 years and have gone through changes to make them a more functional form of transportation and recreation.
Early Design
Early tandem bikes were designed in reverse of the modern construction. They put the lead rider, usually the man, at the back of the bicycle, so that a smaller woman could sit up front and have a better view. The man handled the steering from the rear, while both the man and the woman pedaled to power the bicycle.
Modern Construction
The positions of tandem bike riders have been swapped to make the bicycle easier to ride. Steering is now done at the front position. The front rider is called the captain; the stoker, the rear rider, is solely responsible for pedaling to keep the bicycle in motion. Stokers do not have any influence on the navigation of the tandem bicycle.
Teamwork
Effective tandem bicycling requires an experienced pair. The connection between the captain and stoker is one that develops over several hundred miles of riding. According to Harris Cyclery, efficient tandem riding includes a team operating through nonverbal communication, such as weight shifts and changes in pedal speed and force. This is achievable because all the parts and tasks of a tandem bike and its riders are interconnected, allowing each rider to develop a familiarity with the other.
Benefits
Tandem bicycles allow riders with different strengths and skill to enjoy a ride together. Dual pedaling allows the riders to work toward an equilibrium where neither has to change his or her pedaling to compensate for the other; all the work performed by one serves to reduce the workload of the other. Tandems are sometimes used for handicapped individuals or younger children who are unable to ride a bike alone, according to Harris Cyclery.
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