Tandem Cycling - First Real Ride!

Took the new ride out for its first real test today: 32 miles with about 1800 ft. of climbing. Considering this was only our third ride (not counting LBS test rides) on a tandem things went well. We avoided falling over and only had to stop once 'cause I blew a front der shift (lots of choices with four chainrings). Average speed was 15 mph and we didn't push it; you could really scare yourself on the downhills, but we're taking it easy owing to older bones and the wisdom that comes with these older bones. Riding position(s) seem very comfortable, but I'll have to look for different gloves either without pads or with thinner padding.

Am going to take the tandem out solo tomorrow to work on front der shifting a bit. One small challenge with the ICS is coordinating unloading the chain for a front der shift, but we're working on voice command timing. There is also a tendency to get slightly out of phase following a shift, but that will work itself out.

Look forward to posting a picture once I have one with the two of us on board.

Am going to take the tandem out solo tomorrow to work on front der shifting a bit.

Just remember that when you ride a tandem solo the weight distribution is all screwed-up and your rear tire has very little traction. Therefore, taking corners at speed or even trying to make semi-steep climbs can find a captain-only tandem's rear wheel/tire getting a bit squirrely. Your rear brake is utterly worth less as well. Moreover, once you start spending more time on the tandem with your stoker you'll come to expect the tandem to handle in certain ways... ad without that stoker it's an entirely different ballgame.

TG, thanks. I only intend to literally ride around the (near flat) country block at slower speeds so I can concentrate on the shifting. Big parking lot would do, but I'm in the country. I do think my wife and I should find a big, empty parking lot, one where we can get up to 18 mph or so, and work on braking. Better in a controlled environment than on a downhill.

Riding tandem solo is quite a bit different than with stoker, but quite do-able.
For the purpose to get more experience with the daVinci shifting it is a good idea.
Have ridden and shifted daV and found it to be one of the very best and easiest front der shifting with only 6-toot jumps between 'chainrings.'
Practice makes perfect and within 3 months you'll be expaining how easy it is to ride in tandem!
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Reading your description of missing a shift brings back memories. Always remember that when you are riding the tandem, the speed picks up really fast downhill. The speed is equally lost when going from downhill/flats to uphill. The mistake I made was to think I was on my single bike, and could get further up the hill before shifting was required. Nope. By the time I was ready to shift, the bike had slowed down so much that shifting created tremendous tension on the chain. The result was a blown chain. I had the tools with me to fix it, but the lesson was learned. Shift way before you think you need to when approaching a hill and slow the RPM slightly, as you are shifting, to minimize chain tension.
Sounds like you are doing everything right. Good job.

Good news: today's test ride solo went well and I've gotten a better feel for shifting between the two middle chainrings (which will be used 90% of the time). Bad news: I liked riding the tandem better than my road bike:)

Glad the solo went well and gave you time to get comfortable with the front deraileur...I was a little concerned about you doing to much solo for all the reasons already mentioned.

+1 on down shifting earlier on a Tandem than on a single when going uphill...make that.. much earlier, because if you are late and loose too much momentum/speed you won't get to those lower gears without bad things happening...on the other hand, if you down shift too soon...you'll just spin too much..but no harm will come. Easy choice.

BTW...for your fist real ride, that 15mph average is quite impressive. We been on our's for many years on a regular basis and often don't hit that average. Very nice!

Bill J.