Tandem bicycles are built to carry two or more riders. Although not as widely used as regular bikes, tandems continue to remain popular with enthusiasts and clubs devoted to their use. A well-known song of the 1890s, "Daisy Bell," celebrated a man's proposal to his sweetheart and famously made mention of the "bicycle built for two."
Appearance
A tandem bicycle's seats and corresponding handlebars and pedals are situated one behind the other. Although bikes meant for more than two riders are rarely seen, some tandems can accommodate four or more riders. The names for these bikes are based on the number of seats; a three-rider bike is called a triplet, a four-rider bike is a quadruplet, and so on. Around the turn of the 20th century, special bicycles meant for courting couples were popular. Called a "sociable," this type of bicycle was not a true tandem, because the two seats, handlebars and pedals were placed side-by-side.
History
Bicycle manufacturers began to patent bicycles for more than one rider at the end of the 19th century. Around this time, Danish bicycle innovator Mikael Pedersen produced tandem, triplet and quadruplet bikes. In the United States, the Schwinn Bicycle Company offered a tandem called the Combination, featuring a dropped frame in front that was meant to accommodate a female rider's long skirt. As bicycle technology improved, single-rider models became the bicycles of choice. Tandems declined in popularity until Bill McReady of Santana Cycles revived interest in a newer generation of tandems with modern bicycle construction and features, according to website BikeForTwo.com.
Vocabulary
Tandem bicycle hobbyists traditionally used distinctive terminology, based on nautical vocabulary, when referring to the riders of this special bicycle. To this day, tandem enthusiasts employ some of the same terms used on a sailing vessel, according to website TheBicycle.org. The lead rider, known as the steersman or captain, is responsible for steering the bicycle. The rear rider, called the stoker or rear admiral, has the job of powering the bicycle by pedaling.
Evolution
The tandem has continued to evolve to meet the needs of modern bicyclists. Tandems remain popular with serious bicyclists because they allow two people to power the same vehicle, making them useful for long trips or tours. Friends and family members enjoy tandem riding simply because the team effort makes it rewarding and fun. Modern variations of the tandem include the recumbent tandem, in which both riders pedal in a partially reclined position. Special tandems, or "buddy bikes," allow young children or people with low vision or other disabilities to safely enjoy the view from the front seat while an adult controls the bike from the rear seat.
Member Comments