What to look for in a tandem
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Louch
105% knowledge on 105
- Location
- Kingdom of Kinnard
Just my opinion, but a tandem frightens me as a capable cyclist, never mind talking someone into starting on one. Maybe trick her into bike shopping with you, and show her the different styles of bikes, from the Pendleton commuter, hybrids and road bikes?
simon the viking
Guru
Errr.... been on a tandem twice, both times ended with scraped shins and arguments (with different people on with me) so if you want my advice... DONT DO IT.....
More seriously, don't jump into this as tandems are not a typical cycling experience.
For instance I approach a junction with my right foot raised so I can pedal through if clear or is in the right position to start if I dop stop. My wife approaches with her pedal down, always stops, then moves the pedal up to start
There needs to be a compromise, and a strong relationship!
Also some stokers find not being able to predict potholes and or bumps means an uncomfortable ride.
What we did was have a "romantic" weekend away and on the Saturday afternoon hired one to cycle a few miles to local country pub for a late lunch...... but be prepared that it may not be the experience that converts her to cycling.
Edited...
Tandem Club hire links
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
I think there is only one question you should be asking. Is your partner Interested in riding a bike. if not, why are you trying to get her interested ? Has she shown any inclination whatsoever to ride a bike ? If she has then fine, if not then I would leave well alone. Trying to get her to do something she doesn't want to do will only cause problems between you.
simon the viking
Guru
looks a great machine but I would be nervous being such a large slow moving vehicleWe have always fancied one of these:
Stu Plows
Coming soon: Bonking on a hill near you!
- Location
- Sywell, Northampton
I am all over this, I want it now!We have always fancied one of these:
Linford
Guest
I overtook a tandem in my town a couple of days ago. They looked very wobbly and the expression on their faces seemed to convey a real sense of uncertainty as to what they would or should do next.
The idea seems superficially to be a good one, but I think you'd need to be committed if you wanted to ride one on a regular basis... I can't see that they would encourage anyone to get into cycling anymore than if they rode their own bike themselves.
It is a bit like speeding...just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
The idea seems superficially to be a good one, but I think you'd need to be committed if you wanted to ride one on a regular basis... I can't see that they would encourage anyone to get into cycling anymore than if they rode their own bike themselves.
It is a bit like speeding...just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
There is only one tandem i would ride.
eck
Über Member
- Location
- Kirriemuir Vélo HQ
Rule #1: The stoker is never wrong.
Srsly, it has many advantages over two solo bikes, especially if the two people involved have unequal strength.No need to toil to keep up, no need to dawdle waiting for your partner to catch up. The main thing is communication between you, especially when changing pace, gear or direction: calling out turns, braking etc is vital. Clipless (eg SPD
pedals are a great help: when Mrs eck and I first got our tandem, it had flat pedals and it meant that when I changed gear or freewheeled, her feet would fly off the pedals. Staying clipped in is a great help.
It's also essential that the stoker trusts the pilot and doesn't try to steer from the back. I'm lucky that Mrs eck is much more petite than I am, which makes driving the thing a lot easier. Ok, so they are harder work uphill, but can bowl along happily on the flat, and are brilliant on descents.
If your relationship is good, you'll love it. If it's not, don't even think about it. HTH
Srsly, it has many advantages over two solo bikes, especially if the two people involved have unequal strength.No need to toil to keep up, no need to dawdle waiting for your partner to catch up. The main thing is communication between you, especially when changing pace, gear or direction: calling out turns, braking etc is vital. Clipless (eg SPD
pedals are a great help: when Mrs eck and I first got our tandem, it had flat pedals and it meant that when I changed gear or freewheeled, her feet would fly off the pedals. Staying clipped in is a great help. It's also essential that the stoker trusts the pilot and doesn't try to steer from the back. I'm lucky that Mrs eck is much more petite than I am, which makes driving the thing a lot easier. Ok, so they are harder work uphill, but can bowl along happily on the flat, and are brilliant on descents.
If your relationship is good, you'll love it. If it's not, don't even think about it. HTH
smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
Every time I see that abomination I just wanna
eck
Über Member
- Location
- Kirriemuir Vélo HQ
In reply to Linford's comment, Mrs eck was very nervous riding solo but took to tandeming very quickly. Seeing one pair looking wobbly is not a reason to dismiss it. Maybe it was their first trial run? Ok, it does take a bit of practise, but once it clicks, it's about the most fun a couple can have with their clothes on/
alans
black belt lounge lizard
- Location
- Staffordshire
A tandem is almost the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Have a look here
http://tandem-club.org.uk/files/index.html
Go to places like
http://www.tandems.co.uk/
http://www.landescapetandems.com/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/
to try before you buy.I'll say that again...TRY B4 U BUY.
If you can't get to these places at leastbrowse read & absorb their websites & also speak with them for advice.
IMO the most important aspect of a tandem is that it should be a comfortable fit/ride for both pilot & stoker.More so than when riding a solo machine.
Get as clued-up as possible by asking as many tandem riders for their opinions & filter the info that's relevant to yourselves.
Go along to a tandem club meeting in your area if possible.
Hire a tandem from a cycle hire centre for half a day,at least once so as to experience the real thing B4 U BUY.
hth
Have a look here
http://tandem-club.org.uk/files/index.html
Go to places like
http://www.tandems.co.uk/
http://www.landescapetandems.com/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/
to try before you buy.I'll say that again...TRY B4 U BUY.
If you can't get to these places at least
IMO the most important aspect of a tandem is that it should be a comfortable fit/ride for both pilot & stoker.More so than when riding a solo machine.
Get as clued-up as possible by asking as many tandem riders for their opinions & filter the info that's relevant to yourselves.
Go along to a tandem club meeting in your area if possible.
Hire a tandem from a cycle hire centre for half a day,at least once so as to experience the real thing B4 U BUY.
hth
