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Tandem Bike

A tandem bike is a great way to share the joy of cycling with someone, especially as a way for two cyclists of different experience levels to ride together without one becoming bored or struggling to keep up. It’s also a great way for adults and children to ride together.

The bike must fit the rider in front (called the captain) but it is alright if the rear rider (called the stoker) is shorter – he or she does not need to be able to have clearance when straddling the frame as would be necessary on a solo bike. If one rider is much smaller than the other (for example a child and a parent) there are extensions available for the pedals called kid-backs that will allow the child to reach the pedals.

There are also many tandem bike variants including recumbent and some designed specifically for and adult and a child.
Riding on a tandem bike can be tricky at first, requiring good communication from both riders. In particular the rider in front must make it clear when he is shifting gears, about obstacles ahead and when to coast or pedal – however with experience the two riders should get to know each other’s habits and styles and be able to work together much more efficiently.

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