NYMXer

So, when I bike with the GF, it is only on a paved and flat MUP trail and while we ride close to 20 easy miles at an super easy pace, I end up pushing her from behind (yes, I like it) about 1/3 of the way.
She suggested a tandem bike but I am resistant and want her to get stronger rather than ride tandem.
So... the questions are:

- What bike should I get knowing it is going to be a temporary arrangement (If there is a God)

- I want her interest in biking to grow, so I want her comfortable. What options are important for her comfort. I know a seat post suspension is one important option, are there others?

- Should I maybe just keep encouraging her to ride her own bike (Diamondback w/ 700c and front suspension, a good bike)

Suggestions, advice, help and more please.... THANKS!

mulveyr 

1) Used tandems pop up on Craigslist and the other usual places on a regular basis, often with very few miles.

2) The reason that they often have very few miles is because one person thinks that it will make the other one like biking.

3) Assuming that someone who isn't enjoying riding a single bike will suddenly "see the light" and enjoy riding a tandem is... misplaced optimism, at best.

Seriously, if she's not interested in biking ( hey, it happens! ) then a tandem is unlikely to change her mind. It's a whole different experience than a single bike, and many people don't consider it to be an improvement. Sometimes we just have to accept that our partners won't share every one of our interests. :-)

reiker

Well, if you want your girlfriend to continue to ride with you, then a tandem could be a good option to try. You would be riding together, and you could take more of the effort if she didn't want to work so hard.

It is very difficult to externally motivate other people to do something they aren't really interested in.

Riding a tandem is an exercise in compromise (as is relationships and marriage in general). You have to make it work for both of you.

You might see if you can rent a tandem for a weekend or an afternoon, and see how you like it. If it doesn't work, then try a different shared hobby.

NYMXer

Mulveyr, Please read what I wrote rather than shoot from the hip with assumptions, she does like to ride but maybe twice a month on a very flat, paved MUP trail. She suggested the tandem bike because she wants to ride bikes more but is not the most athletic type out there. She wants to get stronger but thought maybe the tandem will help in many areas of her interests, esp riding beyond the MUP trail and on some country roads. I tend to agree to a point but thought I would not wnt to invest too much money into one and was hoping someone could tell me a few things about tandems.

reiker, now that was good advice, thank you.

Sprout97 

+1 to Reiker's comments. And the fact that your GF suggested a tandem is also a positive. That said, you might also review the sticky, "Where to start". A lot of good information there. And perhaps, save you a little grief. But by all means, you want borrow or rent a tandem before actually buying one. Another site where you might do well is Tandem.org . There are usually a few tandems on the block there as well. Tandems are truly a compromise. The captain is responsible for EVERYTHING, including crashes. Nothing is ever the stoker's fault. And stoker gives up steering, gear changes, and most (if not all) braking duties (not good if she's a control freak). There is a long-standing axiom with tandems: it's a relationship accelerator. Whatever direction your relationship is going -- good or bad -- a tandem will get you there faster. As for the team strength, it'll come. It's just time on the bike.

NYMXer

Sprout97, tandem kayaks are even worse...... haha

chris ss

<want her interest to grow - want her to be comfortable - what's important>

#1 A good captain. Which I think more than anything means the capt is interested in the stoker's enjoyment + ready to modify the bike, plans, expectations + aspirations so that it's a nice ride for the stoker. Sounds like you're there or thereabouts or getting there.

#2 A comfortable saddle ... no different than any other bike. (Also comfortable riding position, bars, hand pressure, etc etc). In my 30 yrs tandeming (all with the same girl=wife=stoker) we've spent LOTS more time trying, testing, finding, selecting her saddles, than testing+selecting the bike. Just my own experience.

<not the most athletic out there>
A tandem might be a great thing for you 2. You've said she's expressed interest in a tandem, and your post suggests you'll pay attention to her cares + concerns. From our own experience + listening to others, I'd offer the speculation that a tandem could well help develop her interest in, + comfort with riding more. But also that in my own experience, I haven't seen too many people where it fundamentally changes their athletic inclination. Have seen it happen sometimes but not in the majority of situations. So purely from experience I'd guess it might be that she gets more into it, but doesn't get as into it as maybe you are, and you're still stronger+faster on a single than she'll ever be. If it's like that, and if she enjoys the tandem, then on a tandem you can each put in however much effort you want, and you're still welded together for the whole length of the ride. For better or for worse, as that might end up being for you 2. It IS an accelerator. And yes my wife + I very much enjoy our tandem kayak too, just so you have some idea where I'm coming from.

Disclaimers- I'm just offering what I've observed. YMMV. Everybody is different - you + your GF. Never met you guys. So pls take it as 1 guy's opinion based on 1 guy's experience + observation.

fietsbob

Bike Friday Tandems can be made Modular ,
the second rider section has been Used to accomodate situations where the Bike is used as a Single,
the partner arrives with the extra components and is added and off they Go Together ..

NYMXer

Thanks chris ss, that was helpful. You read my opening post and understood that she is into biking and suggested the tandem. She is afraid of public roads and the tandem will help get her off the boring up/down MUP trail. She likes getting on the bike but she will never be a strong cyclist, she just wants to enjoy an afternoon on the bike, outdoors and getting some exercise. She likes going to the gym, and this is a good alternative for a workout. She likes the kayaking too, but when she gets tired, I tie her kayak to mine and row for two, just like I push her with my hand on the small of her back when biking. That way, she doesn't have to worry about being tired, I still get a good workout and we spend some good quality time together.
So, I have been looking on CL for a tandem, and found either junk or expensive old stuff that is probably way better in quality than I ever hope to outwear. I don;t want to spend a lot but she did think we could ride longer rides on a road if we did it on a tandem and I was willing to put out the extra effort. It's okay with me, I am a strong A rider and can easily pedal for both of us the entire ride if I had to.
Are the Walmart tandem bikes worth considering? This bike might see a 1,000 miles a year...compared to my cycling of 5-6K a year. I would still be getting my club rides and fast rides in, but this would count as a workout forme and more importantly... her too.
Thanks

NYMXer

fietsbob, I am looking into your suggestion right now, thanks for the suggestion.

DKMcK 

Looking at your other bikes, you will not be happy at all with a "Walmart" bike. You'll be better off with an older quality tandem. If you get a used quality bike, you will likely get most of your $ back out of it if you sell it. A Walmart bike will end up at the dump.

B. Carfree

Just to complicate things, there are some teams out there who don't do it this way. My wife, all 5'6" of her, captains our tandems. I ride stoker (6'2"). I handle the shifting and the rear disc brake. When she is so inclined, she may occasionally use the front and rear rim brakes. (I swear our rims will last forever.)

Because a larger stoker can easily steer a tandem from the rear, I'm responsible for any mishap. Since I can see over her and have control of a more than adequate brake, I'm also responsible for any speed issues.

There's some advantages to the way we do things. My wife gets to actually see the countryside we ride through. She doesn't have to do any shifting and we get better shifting because of the shorter cable runs. We also get a lot more friendly waves from motorists who either support having the woman in the driver's seat or assume I'm blind and think that's cool. (There is a couple on this board who ride with the male as stoker for exactly that reason and I think that's cool.)

There are also some disadvantages. I have to ride with some skill. If I rock the boat, it's not going to be well-received from the captain. If you're a jerky, non-fluid square-pedalling masher, you'll have to reform if you want to try this. It will likely take a bit more time to learn how to stand on climbs than it would with a more conventional set-up. Also, depending on your relative sizes, you may have trouble finding a tandem that will allow you to try it out. There is also likely some aerodynamic disadvantage to having a smaller captain, but since I generally prefer to ride lower than my wife when we're hammering, we likely don't pay much of a price here.

Good luck finding what you need. It sounds like you two will do just fine.

NYMXer

That was an interesting read B. Carfree, and points taken.

A little bit more about my girl and me, I'm a clyde at 6'/210 pounds but far from a fat guy, I'm just a big guy but very strong, esp on a bike.
She is 5'8 or 9 and maybe 150, so normal but slightly tall for a woman. She has the strength but not the endurance and that is what she wants to improve. We push each other at the gym, whatever she can do, I have to double in weight and reps.... it works because she tries to up her game so I fail, and me.... as a man, that won't happen in front of my girl, lol
On the bike, she wants to be stronger and faster but finds it hard to get motivated. I think she is worried about holding me up, but I ride a crappy bike (walmart cruiser) and still end up pushing her. Personally, I think it is the boredom of the out/back rides on the MUP trail and the roads would offer variety and scenery.
This thread is giving me good info, thanks.... I appreciate the input

NYMXer

This is the Walmart bike I was considering... then I would add better seats and seat post suspension for both of us. Maybe a rear rack, mirrors and get us helmet communicators

26" Northwoods Tandem Bike 21-Speed Dual Drive - Walmart.com

Senior Ryder 00 

Hi,

Try to rent, borrow or test ride a quality touring tandem from someone who understands tandemming. My wife and I have been riding tandems for many years. We started with a wippy Gitane. This was a test of our relationship. It rode rough, handled poorly and the brakes were boarder line, but we endured and put a lot of miles on it. We moved up to a mid-level Santana. Although a bit stiff, it was a great improvement. A suspension seat post for the stroker is a necessity. A few years later we added a MTB tandem, which we still have. It's more comfortable and more stable than the Santana, but not as efficient. It's been equipped with suspension seat posts and a suspension stem. Overall it's a good ride for a couple of seniors.

It's convenient that you're going to start in a flat area, because tandems are tough on hills. Also, as a captain, you must communicate with the stroker when you, brake, coast or pedal or you are going to have a very upset stroker.

Good luck and give it a try!

Cheers,

Van

Paul J

We started to ride a tandem for the exact reasons you are considering. My wife was uncomfortable riding on the roads and a 10 mile ride was about her limit. I was a life long cyclist and she was not. We started with GT tandem which was a bike one step up from department store bike and found we really enjoyed riding. That bike lasted a year. It was flex-y and broke spokes left and right. We then bought a Cannondale which was a good bike for about $1,000 and it would have been a great bike but was a little small and I could get comfortable on it. We now are on a custom and ride a couple thousand mile each year. My wife now has no problem with riding on the road and we do rides over 50 miles and she love the freedom of being out covering miles she never would have considered at the beginning. Good luck!

Sprout97 

And more importantly, let her know in advance about rough pavement, bumps/railroad tracks, and holes. If you don't let her know, SHE'LL LET YOU KNOW! Also, rocking of the boat (especially ragged pedaling) will make your stoker/GF uncomfortable. But back to the bike. Even if you end up feeling the need to upgrade the gruppo, you'll be much better off with an older REAL tandem vice something from the big box store. The quality & construction have a lot to do with the ride & handling characteristics. And her comfort.

fxsvelo

Decent seats are a very good idea.
Suspension seat posts, especially cheap ones, are over rated. Especially for the captain since you sit in the middle of a giant spring. Just use good quality tires and at your combined weight I'd say at least 32mm and don't over inflate them.
What makes you think riding a tandem won't make her stronger? If she's comfortable on the bike and you do the miles, she'll get strength and endurance.
I would buy a decent used tandem rather than a new cheap tandem unless you really like replacing the crappy parts that it comes with.

I would look for a used Burley with 1-1/8" steerer, 700c wheels, 145mm rear spacing, and takes at least 32mm tires. When you're done with it or ready to upgrade you can sell it for what you paid for it if you got it for a reasonable price ~$500-$600.

fxsvelo

Ours is a similar story. We got together 3-1/2 years ago. I'm a life long cyclist and she had a city bike she very rarely used. I already had an old Burley tandem and she expressed a willingness to give it a try. Our first rides were short, easy, and flat. Then we did the American River Bike Trail from Sac to Folsom. Once she realized how fast and easy it was and how much she could look around/bird watch and just generally enjoy herself, she was sold. She saw bigger rides as a challenge and was thrilled when we rode our first century. We eventually upgraded to a nicer, lighter used Cannondale. She did buy herself a couple of nice singles along the way but the thousands of miles we ride a year are pretty much only on the tandem. (Which is good because on singles she easily out climbs me on any hill.)

jhazel

I got a Pacific Dualie for $250 from Amazon a few years ago so I could ride with the grandkids. Same sort of issues you describe with your gf. It worked very well and we still ride it some. As others have said, the cheapos have their limits and after the first year I bought a Da Vinci Joint Venture that we now ride most of the time. You can ride anything on flat ground at 10 mph but to really have fun you need something more. The Pacifics are now selling around $400 so I would probably go for a moderate used one as a first bike. We did try a rental first and I figured if we were having that much fun on a bike that bad, we would be riding tandem for a long time. There is only one way to find out. Ride one!

NYMXer

Thanks again for the responses, they are very helpful. So, I have been looking on eBay for tandem bikes (none of CL locally) and the pickings are slim and mostly Walmart bikes.
Seems like a conspiracy, lol

New2Two

Try to borrow or rent a tandem before purchasing. We had our first tandem ride at the end of the season two years ago. Friends of ours let us borrow their Trek T900 hybrid tandem. We went 7 miles to the closest coffee shop, and 7 miles back home. Our friend then let us borrow their C-dale road tandem for our normal 36 mile route and we were hooked when we did it 15 minutes faster than our single bikes even though the tandem was too small for me. We found a C-Dale tandem on CL shortly thereafter and my wife only rode her single bike once last season because we were always on the tandem.

I second (or third, or fourth...) about communication and compromise. My wife was a masher, I was a spinner. I had to slow down my cadence while she worked on upping her cadence. We are now happy pedaling around 90 rpm together. One idea to get out more and enjoy the ride is to go somewhere on each ride. For example, or typical Sunday ride is 18 miles to a coffee shop, have breakfast and head back home for another 18. Given the route, we average 36 miles. We can cut it down to 25 round trip, or push it to 50 depending on how we feel. But having the coffee and breakfast stop half way is something to look forward to.

Keep looking on CL for tandems, I found it better than Ebay. You may have to look outside of your area. We live in Wisconsin, but purchased our bike from a couple in Michigan. Lots of phots and communication with them showed us we weren't dealing with a scam. To give you an idea, I am 6'1" and my wife is 5'5". We ride a Jumbo/Medium Cannondale. I have a lot of seat post exposed (I'm all legs), my wife's thudbuster (get one for your GF) is down almost the whole way. That size bike should fit you. Good luck, and welcome to the tandem club.

NYMXer

Thanks New2Two, very encouraging and helpful post.

I fully understand that a quality bike is the key to comfort and use, but renting is not an option here in the Catskill Mtns, so buying a cheap bike is probably the best option. If it lasts a season, and got good use, it was money well spent.... not just on the relationship part, but the fitness for her too. She has a "normal" body buts want to be thinner and more fit. Makes no difference to me but when she's happy, so am I.

ksisler

OP; It is often noted that someone famous once said that a tandem will solidify your relationship with your significant other or kill / end that relationship. I suspect it is true. So get a tandem for sure but be sure both of you keep your single bikes which are appropriately named...

ksisler

New2Two; I suspect the relative quality of goods on CL varies by region. In the St Louis area, it is rare to find a tandem worth buying. I have found ebay to be an excellent source for Burley's and Santana's (assuming patience and ability to not get emotionally engaged which would lead to over-bidding).