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.
Can you ride a tandem alone?
Never ride a tandem alone. If riding a bike is good, sharing a tandem is more than twice as good. The rationale. Cycling is certainly not as consistently wonderful as it is sometimes supposed to be.
What is the point of a tandem?
A tandem lets two riders of different abilities cycle together without anyone getting left behind. It’s ideal for an adult and child. Cost is a lot higher than for a trailer cycle but it isn’t simply a luxury version.
Why are tandem bikes harder?
Riding a tandem requires teamwork, though. The front rider (captain) does all the steering and braking, which means earning and keeping the trust of the rear rider (stoker). For most tandem bikes, the riders must pedal in synch at the same rate, which means compromise.
Is it hard to ride a tandem bike?
Riding a tandem (2 person bike) isn’t hard, but there are a few things that you need to know in order to have the best chance at quick success. While riding a (2 person bike) tandem is not difficult, it is different than riding a single bike. “Tandeming” is probably a new sport to you; we like to compare it to dancing.
Are tandem bikes 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.
Are tandem bikes fun?
Tandems are famous for being the ultimate test to a friendship but they’re also a tool for bringing people together. What’s for sure is that if you love being with someone, a tandem ride will be way more fun than a solo bike trip.
Is a tandem bike worth it?
Can you ride a tandem bike if you can’t ride a bike?
The short answer is no, the stoker does not need to know how to ride a bike. I’ve taken out an inexperienced stoker in her 70s who has been blind since birth. However perhaps blind people make better stokers as they are used to trusting people to guide them.
Is it harder to ride a tandem bike?
While riding a (2 person bike) tandem is not difficult, it is different than riding a single bike. “Tandeming” is probably a new sport to you; we like to compare it to dancing.
How much weight can a tandem bike hold?
You can lift more loads of up to 550 pounds when using a tandem bike.