Tandem Bicycles Are A Terrific
Way To Share The Fun With
Another Bike Rider

Tandem bicycles are more than the storied bicycle built for two. Although they are great for couples who just want to ride together, and for riders of different skill levels, they also do well as parent and child rides.

Tandems are very popular with some riders who enjoy riding as a team and they can be very fast with teamwork and practice.

The front rider (or pilot) is responsible for steering and setting the pedal cadence and the rider in the back (or stoker) is mostly pedal power.

Tandem bicycles use more rugged components to accommodate the demands of higher loads and more severe duty. The frame and brakes (some use disc brakes) are two of the main areas where the demands are most obvious but the chain and the rims need to be beefed up as well.

The stand over height is lower than most bikes to enable the riders to mount and dismount more easily.

It is very important that the riders practice, as a team, away from traffic in order to ride safely. The handling is different then a conventional bike since a tandem has a much longer wheel base. Also the stoker must yield to, and move with, the captain. Synchronization is the key to riding safely.

They can be configured as a road bike with dropped handlebars and narrower seats and this is usually the choice of riders that are primarily interested in speed. But, they are more commonly configured as a comfort or cruiser bike with raised handlebars, a more upright riding position, and wider, more padded seats.

If you feel that a that a tandem bike may be too much of a challenge due to balance problems you may want to check out the tandem tricycle.

Another revolutionary approach to tandems is the Buddy Bike. They are great as a training aid for children since the child is right in front of you and between your arms where they feel safe. They can steer and pedal with the adult and they can hear, and be heard,easily.

They are hugely popular with parents of special needs children.

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