Triplets, Quads, etc.

[oldacura]

If I recall correctly, the RAAM record is held by a tandem. If a tandem can easily beat a single on a very long race like this, doesn't it stand to reason that a triplet or quad would do better? Is this in fact true?

[masiman]

If it is a linear equation, then yes it would. If I had to guess, I would think tandem would be the fastest overall. But i could be way wrong :).

[TandemGeek]

If I recall correctly, the RAAM record is held by a tandem. If a tandem can easily beat a single on a very long race like this, doesn't it stand to reason that a triplet or quad would do better? Is this in fact true?

The record you are probably referring to is the the one set by Lon Haldeman & Pete Penseyres in 1987. Their crossing was not part of RAAM but still stands as the fastest crossing by an individual rider or two-person tandem team. They had an average speed of 15.97mph and a time of 7:14:55. Pete Penseyres set the mens record back in 1986 with an average speed of 15.4mph or there abouts.

All the RAAM records can be found here; there are a lot of them:
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/files/raaminformation/RAAMrecords.html

RAAMs rules on Bicycles appear below. There are no provisions for triplets, quads, etc.. so it's an academic question but, in theory, a team that worked well together and had similar levels of endurance would be scary-fast. However, the more riders you add the more difficult it becomes to sustain that level of performance evenly across the team and the weakest link becomes the limiting factor.

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1. Bicycles must be propelled solely by human force.
2. Maximum length is 200 cm (79in), (300 cm for tandems); maximum width, 75cm (30in). The intent of this paragraph is that all riders compete with bicycles of equal specification. The specifications as stated in the UCI rules for time trial equipment is the general guide used for equipment approval. In addition, the current versions (up to 2005) of Trek Y-foil, Softride and Titanflex bicycles are approved for use in the standard bicycle division/categories of RAAM.. Other deviations from the UCI rules need to be approved prior to starting the race by a Race Official in writing. If you have any doubt about a modified piece of equipment being acceptable, contact the Race Director for a ruling whose decision will be final.
3. Any number of bicycles or replacement parts may be used during the race.
4. Windscreens, fairing, and airfoils are prohibited. "Aerobars" and their accessories are allowed. A "wind scoop" under or around the handlebars or aerobars is prohibited because it is too close to being a fairing.
5. Disk wheels, composite spoke wheels, and wheel covers are allowed.
6. RAAM reserves the right to disallow, either before the race or when observed in use during the race, any bicycle or component that the Race Director determines to be unacceptable for use in RAAM competition. It is the obligation of the competitor to bring any non-standard or custom equipment to the attention of the Race Director before the race for an acceptability determination.

[cornucopia72]

From my personal experience: The triple is faster than the tandem which is faster than the single in flat, slight inclines and downhill roads. Climbing on the triple would be slower than in the tandem which is slower than in the single. The steeper the climb the higher the difference between the triple speed and the average speed of the three riders while on singles. If you could assemble a team of strong cyclists with very close to the same body size that could share on the duties as captains - stokers, you could put a lot of miles really fast.... the triple demands a lot more upper body work from the captain than the tandem.

[zonatandem]

Believe the Haldeman/Notorangelo team set a mixed tandem record for RAAM 9 days, 20 hours, 7 minutes back in the 1980s sometime.

A quad has done the trancontinetal ride (but not on RAAM) finished fine, but the bike 'ate' lotsa chains!