Why a Tandem
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The following notes are based on an article written by William Hamilton. Cycling together The great thing about tandem riding is that two riders can share the experience and each contribute to their own ability without exhaustion or frustration. This might be two adults with different riding experience and strengths, an adult and child, or an experience front rider and a person who has visual, intellectual or balance impairment (who might otherwise be unable to ride). It is a great way to introduce someone to cycling. Like dancing Tandem partners work together and subtly feel each other's movements. This intimate, yet innocent, sensation was once described by a British journalist as being like dancing together. A tandem ride can be a great first date. Wind and rolling resistance With the rear rider (stoker) positioned directly in the wind shadow of the front rider (captain), and with only two wheels on the road, a tandem has significant advantage over two solo bicycles. They will generally be faster on the flat or downhill. Uphill the combined weight becomes more significant and until a partnership has considerable tandem experience, a tandem couple will generally be slower in climbing than the individuals on their solo bikes. 
Is tandem riding for me? Fun on a tandem comes from teamwork more than great athletic talent. Tandems generally handle better if the heavier rider is at the front. This is why most tandems have a taller, longer cockpit on the front. Modern tandems tend to be extremely adjustable for riding position, but problems may occur if the front rider is very short or the rear one very tall. Another extreme occurs when a parent rides with a child on the back. Both these problems can often be overcome.
Take the opportunity to have a significant tandem ride before committing to purchase The surest way of learning about tandems is to ride one. I strongly suggest that you hire or borrow a tandem for extended rides before considering buying one. Pegasus Tandems in Melbourne (Hampton) can provide a tandem for significant test rides. Also they provide a service where you can swap your solo bikes for a tandem for a day during the Great Victorian Bike Ride each year. There are businesses in most major cities offering tandem hire.
Today's tandems whip anything in the past! The coming of mountain bikes Mountain bike technology has revolutionised tandems. For the first time stiff, strong framesets, powerful brakes, strong wheels and reliable, wide range gearing systems have been made in large numbers at low cost. For nearly a century, tandems suffered from fragile, flexible frames, forks and wheels, poor braking and poor gear systems. Even the expensive, custom made ones left much to be desired. Mountain biking, particular downhill racing, has changed all this. Because of this development it is wise to avoid purchasing an older tandem.
Should it be like my solo bike? Not necessarily. Tandems need to be rugged to support two people on one bike. Generally, a tandem should be one step in strength from your solo bike. In other words, a tandem made from cross country mtb parts would suit a couple who ride solo touring bikes; a tandem with hardcore downhill mtb parts would be suitable for cross country mountain biking and so on. The front cockpit of a tandem will give the same riding position as a solo bike. The rear cockpit will often have a shorter reach to the handlebars. A good tandem weighs about as much as two professional racing bikes. Always chose strength over weight in a tandem. 
What to look for. What you need to spend and what features to look for on a tandem depend on how you intend to use it. Simple recreational activities (such as relatively short rides on bike tracks) will allow you and your riding partners to determine where you want to go with tandems (or not). With the market for good young basic traditional tandems being quite strong, such a tandem is a good first choice. When the time comes to upgrade or if you don't take to tandems, on selling your original purchase should be acheived with little capital loss.A new tandem fitting this bill can be purchased under $1000. |