Do both people have to pedal on a tandem?
Once you’re moving, both riders are literally chained together and have to pedal simultaneously – even if that means you pedalling and dragging the stoker pedals around too. Inexperienced adult tandem riders may struggle to synchronise their pedalling efforts effectively.
Is a tandem bike worth it?
A tandem takes both riders’ power and puts it through the same transmission so it doesn’t matter if one rider is working harder than the other. A suitable tandem can even be a great way to introduce children to the skills of riding a bike on the road, and many parents prefer it to small solo bikes or a trailer bike.
Is a tandem faster than a normal bike?
Cyclists were able to ride from 4.8–8.0 kph faster on a tandem than on a single bicycle at similar physiological stress. Apparently, stokers can add to power output on a tandem without adding significantly to wind resistance.
Who should ride in the front of a tandem bike?
captain
So (tandem) works out perfectly for us.” It clearly takes two to tandem: the captain (up front) and the stoker (in back). These positions are strictly determined by weight and size. The bigger, heavier person with greater upper body strength sits in front to steer and stabilize the bike.
How do I choose a tandem bike?
While selecting a tandem bike, the essential thing you do is making sure that bike fir correctly. Like singles, the tandem is fully adjustable and comes in fewer frame sizes. If you are couples or friends, you have to choose the tandem bikes for two. This can make a perfect fit challenging task for some riders.
Why are tandem bicycles so expensive?
Tandem bikes are more expensive than 2 normal bikes and can only be used by two people. You need an extra-long brake and gear cables which make reparations much harder.
What is a stoker on a tandem?
On conventional tandems, the front rider steers as well as pedals the bicycle and is known as the captain, pilot, or steersman; the rear rider only pedals and is known as the stoker, navigator or rear admiral. On most tandems the two sets of cranks are mechanically linked by a timing chain and turn at the same rate.
Is it hard to balance on a tandem bike?
Yes. Ideally the captain (the first rider) does all the steering and balancing while the stoker (the second rider) is passive. It actually makes it harder for the captain to balance the bike if the stoker tries to balance as well (since you have to account for their moves).
Can a non biker ride a tandem bike?
Sure, more friction and a lot more weight, but overall something any cyclist with a tiny amount of experience can handle. Riding a tandem solo isn’t a big deal. It’s just a big long heavy bike; as others have said easier than riding a tandem with a stoker if they’re not putting much power in.