How to Ride a Tandem Bicycle

Riding a tandem bicycle adds a new dimension to cycling--it allows two cyclists of different cycling abilities to ride together. This new dimension allows a couple to enjoy the cycling experience mutually, it allows a visually impaired person to enjoy a cycling experience and an adult can ride with a child taking the child for an adult distance and speed ride. For those who like speed cycling, tandem riding can get you to higher speeds than regular cycling. Before you take your first ride, there are some things you need to know and learn to avoid a disastrous ride.

Instructions

1. Choose a stroker and captain. The captain is the front rider who controls the bike, which includes breaking, steering and shifting gears. The back rider, also known as the stroker, mainly acts as the motor.

2. Practice riding the tandem bike alone if you are the designated captain. You need to get the general feel of the bike.

3. Straddle the bike by standing astride the frame, both feet on the ground. Both the captain and stroker should do this together. The captain should lock the brake so that that the tandem bike doesn't roll while the stroker mounts the bike. The captain should spread her feet and let the frame rest on one of her legs for stability.

4. The stroker turns the peddle into the bottom position to use it as a step. He then mounts the bicycle trying to keep his balance as center as possible. He clips in his feet and ties his straps. Then he rotates the peddles to suit the captain's starting position.

5. The captain lifts her foot to the peddle on the high position. This will get her high enough to sit in her saddle. She then applies force to the peddle to get the bike moving. The stroker should also start stroking as hard as he can to get the bike moving quickly.

6. The captain clips her foot when the bicycle is at good speed. She centers her weight as they ride together. They lean together into turns.

7. Match your cadence or how fast you turn the pedals. Allow the weakest cyclist to determine the cadence. You should, however, learn to spin faster, since this is considered better technique.

8. Coast only when necessary. To fully enjoy the tandem cycling experience, you should keep coasting to a minimum.

9. The captain put her feet down first after she has applied the brakes. The stroker will normally put his feet down after the captain, or if he can manage, put his feet down at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for fat-tire tandems if you are interested in off road tandem riding.

• Safe cycling dictates that you should always wear a helmet.

Resources

• Tandem Magazine