While most bicycles are designed to accommodate one rider, a tandem bicycle is designed for multiple riders. Traditionally, a tandem seats two cyclists, but the term tandem is also used to describe triplets and quads, which seat three and four riders respectively. While most of the frames are made from steel, frames are also available in carbon fiber and titanium, and are designed to conquer terrain from road to mountain.
Benefits
Tandems offer many benefits that cyclists are unable to achieve on a single-seat bike. A tandem is the perfect solution for two riders of varying skill levels. A tandem demands that they work together but also allows for the stronger rider to do more of the work. A tandem also allows people with disabilities to enjoy cycling or for a parent and child to cycle together. Ultimately, it allows the individualistic sport of cycling to be enjoyed by two or more people at the same time.
Fitting
One of the most important considerations before buying any bike is the fit. Cycling is an endurance sport, which requires hours in the saddle at a time. Therefore, finding a bike that fits your body well is key. This can be tricky when you must fit two riders to the same frame. The best way to solve this problem is to buy a custom frame, although this is an expensive option. It's recommended that the riders have higher handlebars than on a regular bike, to increase comfort. Also, if one rider is much larger than the other, the larger rider should sit in the front. If in doubt, go with a smaller frame rather than a larger one.
Captain
The captain is the rider that sits in the front of the tandem. The captain is responsible for shifting the bike and for steering. The captain is also responsible for braking and avoiding road hazards. The captain must also communicate things like shifting, turning and braking to the stoker. Good bike handling skills are also a necessity of the captain. Because a tandem is quite heavy, the captain must keep the bike upright at all times and communicate with the stoker when starting and stopping.
Stoker
The stoker may not be at the helm, but the position is still very important to the team. The stoker not only offers pedaling power but also is often charged with the task of navigating and supporting the captain. One of the most important things a stoker can do is to avoid making any moves that could tip the tandem out of balance or cause a crash. It's vital that the stoker trust the captain, because it's difficult for the stoker to see the road ahead, but it's also important for the captain to trust the stoker. This teamwork lays the groundwork for a successful and safe ride.
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