Frequently Asked Questions
We hear the same questions from many of our customers and it's likely that you share the same concerns. To help you understand some tandem bike basics, we've included our list of most commonly asked questions that we hear at the shop.
We hear that tandems are divorce machines. Is that true?
This is one of our favorites. People come into our shop and tell us that friends say buying a tandem is sure to result in divorce. Well after more than fifteen years in business we can tell you that NONE of our customers has EVER come back and blamed their tandem bike purchase on their marriage ending in divorce!Do you think the couple in this photo is having a bad time?! On the contrary, we believe that tandems enhance marriages, and we know this firsthand! The vast majority of customers who buy tandems from Tandem Cycle Works do so as a way to ride together, to get fit together, and to spend quality time "two-gether." This is hardly the formula for divorce.
Do tandems come in different sizes?
Just like single bikes, tandems come in a variety of sizes. Many customers assume that they need a custom-sized tandem and shops that don't know tandems may encourage you to purchase a custom-sized bike. While some tandem riders do need a custom-sized bike, most do not. It will cost you significantly more money to purchase a custom-sized tandem and this is money that you may NOT need to spend!
Because most shops are not familiar with the nuances of tandem fit, they try and fit tandem riders the same as they do those purchasing single bikes. There are different concerns when fitting a tandem and these issues are specific to the rider in the front and to the rider in the back. Any shop that attempts to duplicate your fit on the tandem from your single bike is NOT fitting you on a tandem properly! This is one reason why it is so important to work with a shop like Tandem Cycle Works.
Because most shops are not familiar with the nuances of tandem fit, they try and fit tandem riders the same as they do those purchasing single bikes. There are different concerns when fitting a tandem and these issues are specific to the rider in the front and to the rider in the back. Any shop that attempts to duplicate your fit on the tandem from your single bike is NOT fitting you on a tandem properly! This is one reason why it is so important to work with a shop like Tandem Cycle Works.
How do you size a bike for 2 people?
Perhaps the most important step in selecting a new tandem is ensuring that it fits correctly. Patrick and Lynn at Tandem Cycle Works have more experience fitting new tandem teams than anyone, anywhere. Like singles, tandem bicycles are fully adjustable, however, they usually come in fewer frame sizes. With years of sizing tandems for riders, we guarantee that your tandem's fit will be just right.
One difference between singles and tandems is that the captain requires more standover clearance. Since the captain holds the bike up at stops, straddling the bike more than on a single is required. On the other hand, the stoker doesn't need to be so concerned with standover clearance because this rider usually remains seated while the captain holds the bike during starts and stops.
Of particular concern is handlebar reach for both riders. New captains need a little different riding position than on a single due to bike handling and weight distribution differences on the tandem. At Tandem Cycle Works, we can recommend the appropriate corrections for new captains. It's an easier adjustment for stokers as all of our tandem bicycles are equipped with adjustable stoker stems that allow for fine-tuning the reach to the bars for the rear rider.
The best way to gauge tandem fit is to visit us and take some tandems for test rides. You will not find more tandems in any other shop, period.
One difference between singles and tandems is that the captain requires more standover clearance. Since the captain holds the bike up at stops, straddling the bike more than on a single is required. On the other hand, the stoker doesn't need to be so concerned with standover clearance because this rider usually remains seated while the captain holds the bike during starts and stops.
Of particular concern is handlebar reach for both riders. New captains need a little different riding position than on a single due to bike handling and weight distribution differences on the tandem. At Tandem Cycle Works, we can recommend the appropriate corrections for new captains. It's an easier adjustment for stokers as all of our tandem bicycles are equipped with adjustable stoker stems that allow for fine-tuning the reach to the bars for the rear rider.
The best way to gauge tandem fit is to visit us and take some tandems for test rides. You will not find more tandems in any other shop, period.
Should I buy an S&S coupled tandem for travel?
S&S couplers are a feature on tandems that allow for bicycle frames to "come apart" into pieces. These are engineering marvels. We sell more tandem bikes with S&S couplers than anyone, anywhere. This is the main reason why customers return to Tandem Cycle Works to buy their SECOND tandem: they fall in love with riding together, and then decide they want to travel the world by tandem.While it is possible to fly with a non-coupled tandem, in today's environment, with airlines charging for EVERYTHING, taking a non-coupled bike on a flight can be very expensive. Our manufacturers' coupled tandems (by Calfee and Co-Motion) are designed to fit into cases that are "airline legal." To date, we have never been charged to take our coupled bike with us on planes. This is in more than FIFTEEN years.
BE FOREWARNED! Other tandem builders DO make tandems with S&S couplers but they may NOT fit into the cases that are "airline legal"! This seems ridiculous to us! Why buy a bike with couplers if it will only fit into oversized suitcases?! You may get charged excess baggage fees, which can be several HUNDRED dollars!
If the idea of tandem travel appeals to you, we hope that you will speak with us about S&S coupled tandems before making this very important purchase.
Do we both always need to pedal?
The answer to this is yes. On most tandem bikes the pedals move synchronously because you are connected by what is known as the timing chain. Would-be tandem riders think this is a drawback due to such things as differences in fitness or pedaling style. But ask any couple who rides a tandem regularly and they will tell you that these differences are quickly forgotten after the first few rides.
When you ride together on a tandem bicycle you quickly become a team and differences in ability, coasting, or riding styles become unimportant once you realize that it's a team sport and your goal is to work together, to enjoy the effort, to be together and get a good workout all at the same time!
In special cases we do occasionally install an "independent coasting" mechanism, but we find that for most teams this is not a necessity.
When you ride together on a tandem bicycle you quickly become a team and differences in ability, coasting, or riding styles become unimportant once you realize that it's a team sport and your goal is to work together, to enjoy the effort, to be together and get a good workout all at the same time!
In special cases we do occasionally install an "independent coasting" mechanism, but we find that for most teams this is not a necessity.
Who sits in front?
We often hear that tandem riders are "sexist" because the guy usually rides in the front or captain position. While it is true that usually the guy goes up front, this is due to physiology not psychology!
Tandems handle much better when the heavier, larger rider is in the captain position. By putting the larger ride up front the weight is better distributed on the frame. All modern tandems are designed for the bigger person, who is typically the guy, to sit in the front or captain position on the tandem.
When you get up close to a tandem bike, you'll see that almost all tandems are taller in the front position compared to the rear. Manufacturers build their bikes this way for many reasons, which include important issues such as frame stiffness and aerodynamics. As such, this places the taller rider in the front and the smaller rider in the stoker position. Unless a couple is very similar in height, it just makes sense to fit the taller rider up front and the smaller person in the back as the tandem fits each rider much better this way.
We are guessing that you probably know this, but men and women are different! This is especially true when it comes to strength. Captaining a tandem bicycle requires more strength than riding a single, since the captain must control a heavier bike and the combined weight of two people. For most couples this means it makes sense for the man to captain the tandem.
The bottom line? For most couples that tandem, the guy acts as the captain and the woman finds herself stoking. While it is possible for some couples to switch positions on the tandem, and sometimes necessary for the woman to captain (as in the case of sight-impaired men) for most tandem teams it really comes down to a matter of size, stature and strength.
Finally, ask any stoker that you meet if SHE minds riding in back: Chances are pretty good that she LOVES it!
Tandems handle much better when the heavier, larger rider is in the captain position. By putting the larger ride up front the weight is better distributed on the frame. All modern tandems are designed for the bigger person, who is typically the guy, to sit in the front or captain position on the tandem.
When you get up close to a tandem bike, you'll see that almost all tandems are taller in the front position compared to the rear. Manufacturers build their bikes this way for many reasons, which include important issues such as frame stiffness and aerodynamics. As such, this places the taller rider in the front and the smaller rider in the stoker position. Unless a couple is very similar in height, it just makes sense to fit the taller rider up front and the smaller person in the back as the tandem fits each rider much better this way.
We are guessing that you probably know this, but men and women are different! This is especially true when it comes to strength. Captaining a tandem bicycle requires more strength than riding a single, since the captain must control a heavier bike and the combined weight of two people. For most couples this means it makes sense for the man to captain the tandem.
The bottom line? For most couples that tandem, the guy acts as the captain and the woman finds herself stoking. While it is possible for some couples to switch positions on the tandem, and sometimes necessary for the woman to captain (as in the case of sight-impaired men) for most tandem teams it really comes down to a matter of size, stature and strength.
Finally, ask any stoker that you meet if SHE minds riding in back: Chances are pretty good that she LOVES it!
Are tandems hard to ride?
If you know how to ride a bike, you'll quickly learn to ride a tandem. It's not difficult to ride a tandem, but it IS different! With two of you on the same bike, riding a tandem together is like dancing together. It takes a little practice to get on "Dancing with the Stars"! Luckily when you visit Tandem Cycle Works we will give you "dance" lessons! This is something that sets us apart from other shops and encourage you to read the First Ride Tutorial. Patrick and Lynn have been riding tandem bikes for more than a decade so we'll make sure you have a great time.
Do we need disc brakes?
For most couples, the answer is a resounding YES! Our shop is located at the foot of the Colorado Rockies so at Tandem Cycle Works almost every bike we sell is equipped with a disc, and often two discs, one on the front and the other on the rear wheel. However, even if we did not live in Colorado we would still have disc brakes on our personal bike.Disc brakes provide the very best stopping power available on tandem bikes. Rim brakes simply do not have the stopping power of hub-mounted brakes and while you may have heard of drum brakes, these are no longer made. Disc brakes are far superior to ANY other braking system we have ever seen on tandems. Unless you are racing or live in a place that is flat and have no intention of riding elsewhere, disc brakes should be a "must-have" on your list of options for your tandem.
What is the most popular bike sold at Tandem Cycle Works?
At Tandem Cycle Works, the most popular bike is the Co-Motion Speedster Co-Pilot tandem equipped with the Performance Package. This is what Patrick and Lynn, the owners of Tandem Cycle Works, ride.We think the Speedster Co-Pilot is a truly awesome bike. Because we enjoy seeing the world by tandem, we must have a bike with S&S couplers for travel. The Performance Package makes this bike sleek, fast and fun, while the dual disc brakes allow us to ride stages of the Tour de France in the Alps or the mountain passes of the Colorado Rockies with speed and confidence on the descents. When we want to get away on our own, we can equip the Speedster Co-Pilot with racks and panniers and ride off into the sunset for a self-supported tour. Yet when we are looking to ride a hard century or more, like RAMROD, we can take this beauty out to hammer out the miles.
Are there bike tours specifically for tandem riders?
Each year, Tandem Cycle Works offers several events for customers, from day rides, to weekend rallies to international tours just for tandem riders.
We limit our international tours to a small group size. To date we have led tandem cycling vacations to Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, and New Zealand.Our tours are our vacation and these events are some of the most special times of our lives. We become close to those who travel with us and enjoy friendships that we have made on these trips that extend well beyond the tour's end. If you would like to travel by tandem and enjoy a truly unique experience, please consider joining us on one of our International Tandem Tours.
We limit our international tours to a small group size. To date we have led tandem cycling vacations to Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, and New Zealand.Our tours are our vacation and these events are some of the most special times of our lives. We become close to those who travel with us and enjoy friendships that we have made on these trips that extend well beyond the tour's end. If you would like to travel by tandem and enjoy a truly unique experience, please consider joining us on one of our International Tandem Tours.
How do you travel with a tandem bike?
S&S coupled tandems allow you to take your bike all sorts of places you have yet to imagine! From planes, to trains, to boats, taxis, buses, rental cars, and even the subway system in Paris, our coupled tandem has allowed us unlimited freedom in going where we want, when we want.Non-coupled bikes CAN be taken on most major airlines as well, but things get a bit more complicated. See our extensive discussion of travel with tandems and travel cases.
What new options are available for tandems?
One of the great things about modern tandem bicycles is overall improvement in handling and comfort. Captains have always been comfy because they sit in the middle of the long frame, which flexes enough to cushion road shock. In back, stokers are less likely to see the potholes coming, so a good captain always calls out bumps. Even the best captains sometimes miss bumps though, so we highly recommend suspension seatposts for the back seat.
A great advantage of tandems is being able to mix and match components to suit both riders. For example, many models sport different handlebars in the front and rear so that both riders can stretch out and move around to stay comfortable.
Like other bicycle equipment, tandem components have come a long way. All of our tandems feature triple cranksets with low gearing that makes climbing easier. Recent innovations include high profile, low spoke tandem wheels, front and rear disc brakes, carbon forks and cranks, and even carbon fiber reinforced belts to replace chains! A good quality tandem today is light, fast and fun.
A great advantage of tandems is being able to mix and match components to suit both riders. For example, many models sport different handlebars in the front and rear so that both riders can stretch out and move around to stay comfortable.
Like other bicycle equipment, tandem components have come a long way. All of our tandems feature triple cranksets with low gearing that makes climbing easier. Recent innovations include high profile, low spoke tandem wheels, front and rear disc brakes, carbon forks and cranks, and even carbon fiber reinforced belts to replace chains! A good quality tandem today is light, fast and fun.
Should we buy a mountain tandem or a road tandem?
One of the first decisions is which wheel size to get. Tandems come with 26-inch or 700c wheels. The former are usually found on comfort, off-road and all-around tandems and the latter are found on tandems made for pavement use. Typically, the 26-inch wheeled tandems feature flatter handlebars for more upright body position, while 700c bikes include drop handlebars for a more aerodynamic riding style.
To help you decide on the tandem for your riding style begin by asking yourselves the following:
Is riding comfort your number one priority?
Will you ride at least 25% of the time on graded dirt or rough roads?
When riding with others, is your goal to have fun without being first?
If you answer "yes" to any or all of these questions, a 26-inch wheeled tandem is probably for you.
It's important to understand that most 26-inch wheels work fine on pavement, too. More tire choices are available for these wheels, so you can easily install knobby tires for dirt use and slicks for the street. The 26-inch tires are fatter, too, so they also absorb some road shock, which smoothes the ride. For these reasons, you might prefer 26-inchers if you're purchasing a tandem for all-around riding.
If your idea of tandem fun is century riding, long-distance touring, or racing, you should consider 700c wheels for the same reasons that serious roadies embrace them. The wheels are lighter, faster and more efficient, which means more of your pedaling energy goes into forward motion. If this is important to you, go with the 700c.
Without trying to further confuse the issue, at Tandem Cycle Works we also sell Ellsworth and Ventana mountain bike tandems, which are different than the 26-inch wheeled tandems described above. These bikes are true off-road machines. Lynn calls these bikes the "monster trucks" of the bike world as they are great fun, can plow through just about anything, and are meant for the adventurous spirits who want to go where most tandems will never go...on serious single track, across streams and through deep sand. If this sounds fun then a full-suspension mountain tandem is your only choice.
To help you decide on the tandem for your riding style begin by asking yourselves the following:
Is riding comfort your number one priority?
Will you ride at least 25% of the time on graded dirt or rough roads?
When riding with others, is your goal to have fun without being first?
If you answer "yes" to any or all of these questions, a 26-inch wheeled tandem is probably for you.
It's important to understand that most 26-inch wheels work fine on pavement, too. More tire choices are available for these wheels, so you can easily install knobby tires for dirt use and slicks for the street. The 26-inch tires are fatter, too, so they also absorb some road shock, which smoothes the ride. For these reasons, you might prefer 26-inchers if you're purchasing a tandem for all-around riding.
If your idea of tandem fun is century riding, long-distance touring, or racing, you should consider 700c wheels for the same reasons that serious roadies embrace them. The wheels are lighter, faster and more efficient, which means more of your pedaling energy goes into forward motion. If this is important to you, go with the 700c.
Without trying to further confuse the issue, at Tandem Cycle Works we also sell Ellsworth and Ventana mountain bike tandems, which are different than the 26-inch wheeled tandems described above. These bikes are true off-road machines. Lynn calls these bikes the "monster trucks" of the bike world as they are great fun, can plow through just about anything, and are meant for the adventurous spirits who want to go where most tandems will never go...on serious single track, across streams and through deep sand. If this sounds fun then a full-suspension mountain tandem is your only choice.
Do tandems have a lot of frame flex?
In the seventies and eighties, when available tandems were few and far between, there were some flexible flyers that gave two seater bicycles a bad reputation. These bicycles were made of cheap steel and the frame designs were inadequate. Not surprisingly, these under-built machines tended to wobble and sway and were difficult for the captain to control (the front rider is called the "captain" and the rear rider is referred to as the "stoker).
These early tandems served an important purpose, however, as they taught modern designers how to build sweet-riding frames. Today, tandems are efficient, stable, comfortable and wonderful to ride. In fact, due to major improvements in tandem design, the bikes have gained in popularity and more styles and options are available to fit your needs.
We do feel strongly that to get a QUALITY tandem frame, you are best served by buying a tandem bike from a builder who has EXPERIENCE in building two-seaters. All the manufacturers we represent at Tandem Cycle Works have many years of tandem-building.
These early tandems served an important purpose, however, as they taught modern designers how to build sweet-riding frames. Today, tandems are efficient, stable, comfortable and wonderful to ride. In fact, due to major improvements in tandem design, the bikes have gained in popularity and more styles and options are available to fit your needs.
We do feel strongly that to get a QUALITY tandem frame, you are best served by buying a tandem bike from a builder who has EXPERIENCE in building two-seaters. All the manufacturers we represent at Tandem Cycle Works have many years of tandem-building.
Were should we buy our tandem?
With all these choices, selecting the right tandem may seem complicated. That's where our expertise comes in. At Tandem Cycle Works you can have confidence that you'll purchase the right tandem for YOU. Since our knowledge and selection of tandems is greater than any other shop in the country, not only do we help you make the right decision, but also at our shop you'll get the chance for a proper test ride. Once you've ridden a few, we're confident you'll be hooked.
Now that you know a little more about tandems, we hope that you'll visit Tandem Cycle Works and see some in person. Check out our different models, compare brands and let us help you decide which suits you best. We'll be happy to send you out on a test ride and if you're new to tandeming, we'll teach you how to ride one. You'll love it!
Now that you know a little more about tandems, we hope that you'll visit Tandem Cycle Works and see some in person. Check out our different models, compare brands and let us help you decide which suits you best. We'll be happy to send you out on a test ride and if you're new to tandeming, we'll teach you how to ride one. You'll love it!