Tandem Cycling - Please correct my tandem logic...

Hello tandemers,

Usually I'm in the road cycling/triathlon section but since I'm in Europe with my non-cyclist cousin, we would like to bike across the Netherlands. We are thinking of a tandem because we think it will be easier than going really slow on two individual bikes. Is this the case? What is our best solution?

Dank u vell!

Sure, it might work. Tandem touring has the advantage of distributing uneven work. Also only one bicycle needs to be maintained rather than two, and bicycle maintenance is an issue on a tour.

However riding stoker is not for everybody, so you should take a ride or two with your cousin for a similar length as your planned daily touring distance before you embark. Riding captain is easy to learn, but some people never enjoy the loss of control of riding stoker. Your daily distance will likely be limited by your stokers butt rather than his/her legs. You can power a tired stoker as long as your legs can carry the both of you, but nobody can ride happily for too long with a sore rear end. Once you legs tire out your saddle position becomes more sloppy and the rear gives up soon after. A proper saddle is very important.

Another issue is getting the right size bike, the wrong size can be ridden for short distances, but on a tour the bike has to fit both riders well.

If you could find a bike with an independent coasting system (see Davinci tandems) that would help riding with a non cyclist stoker.

Sure. Holland is not that big and quite flat but also very windy. Don't try to do long distances and take breaks. Large bike shops in Amsterdam or Rotterdam could have tandems for rent.
Fietsen in Holland is een goede sport!

Here is a link with places that rent tandems (yes, it is in Dutch):
http://www.tandemclub.nl/algemeen.html#verhuur

On the other hand, unlike the US, cycling is ingrained in Dutch culture. That means that infrastructure is designed with cyclists in mind. Tons of bike lanes separated from other traffic by a barrier, bike specific traffic lights, etc.
If there is one country in the world where a non-cyclist can bike safely and enjoy it, that country is the Netherlands

Yes, I am biased, I was born and raised in the Netherlands. To paraphrase Zonatandem:
Fietsen in Nederland is inderdaad een heel goede en veilige bezigheid.
Duppie

A downside (or upside depending upon your point of view) of touring on a tandem is that you have less space for stuff. Pack light or get a trailer.

Have fun, it is a great place to ride a bike. The fietspad (spelling? I am not Dutch) are like freeways for bikes in some places - very cool. Just watch out for the trolleys and their tracks in the larger cities.

Most importantly... have fun!! Just expect, that since your cousin is a non cyclist, you will be doing a lot more work on the Tandem than you do on a single - a lot more OR ..you are going to be going a lot slower on the tandem than on your single..... so, as someone already suggested, keep the daily mileage low and allow more time to enjoy the journey.

Bill J.

I would suggest hiring a Tandem before you go to get some "Practice" in before going. The brakes won't work- They don't go round corners and the steering is definitely a bit iffy. At least for the first hour or so (If you are lucky).

And you may be the fit rider but if you try to pull the other rider too hard for too long- you won't feel like it. But Holland is flat so you should be able to save some energy for the Evenings.

Another possibility is buying an occasion (as I did three years ago).
See internet www.marktplaats.nl and search by clicking: "uitgebreid zoeken". keys:
"trefwoorden=tandem",
"groep=fietsen en brommers",
"rubriek=fietsen | tandems"
and afterwards selling it the same (but reverse) way through markplaats.
However it might be benificial if you have a Dutch relative to help you especially when selling it.
The 'gap' between the two prices might be even less then hiring one if you need a tandem for a couple of weeks. Lots of fun !

Didn't know there were so many Dutch speakers on this forum!

Didn't said explicitly I'm Dutch, but yes: we're from Holland/The Netherlands. Dutch are 'bike-crazy': you'll find them anywhere. For instance : During my life I've made more km (miles) on a (my) bike then in a car ! I know guy's like me must seem insane to other people but we love it!
Greetings & lot's of 'bike-fun' !

Thanks fellow tandemers!

We just got done with our mini euro-tour doing over 250km. We rented a tandem and just hit the road through the Neterhlands, south to Belgium (Antwerp), and northeast to Germany (dusseldorf)! No maps, no bike tools, just two undying spirits! Thanks for all your help, the trip was extremely enjoyable!!!!!!