Do you know what a tandem bicycle is? It is a bike that is made for two people to ride. The tandem in tandem bike means the seating is one behind the other rather than sitting side by side. It describes the seating, not the number of people riding.
When these bicycles were first made they were two bicycle frames welded together. These were traced to the late 1800s when various patents were found for them. Double the pedaling means they have more power when climbing or on flat terrain. As long as the two riders are coordinating their pedaling, the tandem bikes are great for climbs.
The modern tandem bicycle has been improved on over the years so that they are built as well as single bikes; road and off-road. The tandem bike has two cranks that are linked by one chain. This means they turn at the same speed and the front rider controls this. He is the captain of the bicycle.
These bicycles are used in the Paralympics, an Olympic competition for blind and visually impaired. Those who cannot see or cannot see well ride the back seat with someone else taking control of the steering and speed of the bike.
Variations of the tandem bicycle are cropping up all over the world. The tandem bike is beginning to take on a less than traditional feature. On some tandem bikes the control rider is the one on the back. The follower is one riding on the front. Almost the same thing as when kids used to carry someone on their handlebars, although the passenger’s seat on this one definitely has to be more comfortable.
Tandem bikes as mentioned above are not based on the number of riders but the order of seating. So tandem bicycles can have more than two riders. Some have been made for three, four, and five riders. These can also be changed into a two rider bike. This is done by taking out the middle section.
More than two riders on a tandem bike create more stress on the bike. This requires that the bike be built more strongly and designed to distribute the weight. These tandem specific bikes were made to disassemble by removing a middle piece from the bike.
Due to more weight having to be carried on these types of bikes, the wheels are fatter and have a higher spoke count. Heavier rims may also be a consideration. Since these bikes are not as popular as two wheel bikes, there are not a lot of manufacturers for this bicycle. There are also fewer people who work on them. Repair on this bicycle might end up costing a good amount of money.
Bohemian Bicycles, Trek, and Torker bicycles are a few out of the handful of people who make tandem bikes. This bike can be an out of the ordinary experience. If you purchase and ride one of the tandem bikes, be prepared to have more than a few stares. The tandem bike is the inspiration for the old song, “Bicycle Built for Two”.
Bike & Bicycle Related Article
Hybrid Bikes - A Combination Bike
Hybrid bikes are used on roads and bike paths. The road and mountain bikes have influenced the design of the hybrid bike. It depends on the manufacturer which type they decide to model their bike after. This bike is a...
