Tandem Bicycles

Tandem Bicycles are a type of bicycles which are designed to be ridden by more than one person. In this context, the word ‘tandem’ describes the seating arrangement. The riders of these bicycles sit behind each other on the bicycle, rather than beside each other.

Tandem bicycles have two sets of cranks which are linked mechanically to the chain. These cranks turn at the same rate. This creates double the pedaling power in this kind of a bicycle and the tandem bicycle can thus reach very high speeds.

The rider who rides at the front of these tandem bicycles is termed as the ‘Captain’, ‘Pilot’ or the ‘Steersman’ while the rider who rides at the back of the bicycle is termed as the ‘Navigator’ or the ‘Stoker’.

History of Tandem Bicycles

Tandem bicycles have been around for a very long time. Research shows that patents for tandem bicycles can be found from as early as the 1800s.

The earlier versions of tandem bicycles were built by welding two bicycle frames to each other.

Nowadays however, one finds tandem bicycles with more improved features and designs.

Tandem bicycles are used in different competitions in the Paralympics for the visually impaired. The visually impaired cyclists ride as stokers while a sighted captain steers the bicycle.

Types of Tandem Bicycles

There are different types of tandem bicycles available in the market today. These are generally defined on the basis of the variations in design or usage.

There are tandem bicycles which allow for independent pedaling. For instance, in one type of a tandem bicycle, multiple freewheels can create a situation to allow independent pedaling. Another version or design allows for the front rider to propel the front wheel of the bicycle with his hands and his feet, while the back rider steers and propels the rear wheel with pedals.

There are certain tandem bicycles which have different seating arrangements. There is a version of a tandem bicycle which allows for a child to sit in the front saddle while the adult sits on the rear saddle. The steering is available with extra long handles. Another version allows for the front rider to sit in a recumbent or resting position, while the rear rider sits upright.

Then there are tandem bicycles which have three wheels.

And of course, there are tandem bicycles which can seat more than two people at a time. Tandem bicycles are available with seating capacities for 3, 4 and 5 people as well.

Tandem Bicycle Parts

The tandem bicycles need to have certain specifically designed parts, so as to ensure their smooth functioning. Let us have a look at the different tandem bicycle parts:

Wheels:
Tandem bicycles take on extra weight compared to normal bicycles. Due to this, the wheels of the tandem bicycles need to be designed in a different way. They generally have heavy rims and more spokes. The rear wheels have a wider axle or hub.

Cranks:
The tandem bicycles of today have a very specific drive train. The crank for the front rider or captain has a chain ring on the left while the crank for the rear rider or stoker has chain rings on both sides. Then the stoker’s left side crank is connected to that of the captain which causes the synchronization of the pedal strokes of both the riders. This way the right side of the stoker’s side of the frame appears like a standard single person bicycle.

Stoker Handlebar and Stem:
These are the stems and handlebars for the stoker or the rear rider. The handlebars are generally connected to the stem which in turn is clamped around the captain’s seat post. Typically, stoker handlebars are shaped like bull horns or they have wide drop bars with pegs instead of brake levers.

Arai Drum Brake:
A typical rim brake or disk brake on a tandem bicycle can melt on a downhill run due to a variety of reasons such as overheating, tires melting, warping of the rotor on the disk brake and so on. This is when an Arai drum brake is used. The drum of this brake is screwed on the left side of the tandem hub. This must therefore be threaded for the drum. The shoe plate is slipped over the axle and the small reaction arm from the shoe plate is engaged with the bicycle frame. This prevents the plate from turning. The drum brake tension is controlled using a friction shifter.

Eccentric:
Most tandem bicycles have an eccentric which is located in the bottom bracket shell of the front rider. This is used to adjust the tension of the trimming chain.

Tandem bicycles have gained a large amount of popularity in the UK and the USA due to their unusual style and fashion.