aprieto28

Going to ride my tandem with a stoker(wife for the first time today. Any recommendations?

hup

Communication is the key. Talk to her about what you want and what she wants from tandeming. If you have different expectations, it makes things difficult.
As "captain" you are basically leading the way, but in the end do exactly what she says to do with a smile on your face.
Oh, and have fun

aprieto28

She seem excited about riding the tandem. She does'nt ride much at all. She rides a kmart special mountain bike around the block once in a while.

Rambetter

I once told something along these lines to a guy visiting a bike store:
"The secret to successful tandeming is: expect to do all the work and be grateful if they contribute."

waynesulak

Each team is different depending on the individuals involved. While my stoker is not quite as willing to challenge herself as I am she most definitely wants to work to contribute. As stated above, talk about the ride goals so there are no disagreements later. You may find she wants to go fast and you can talk about how to train to make that happen.

wn rider

My wife and I just finished our first year on the tandem. We have had a few "grumpy" rides, when I haven't been as good about communicating as I should have been, but overall we have really enjoyed our time on the tandem. I think in your case where your wife does not ride much, the most important thing would be to make sure you do what you can so that she enjoys the ride. Be sure to communicate with her regarding what is going on since she can't see things as easily as you and must be comfortable putting her trust in you. Also, be willing to compromise regarding cadence, distances, etc., that you might feel different about. It's a little bit of a learning process but it really is a great way to spend time together.

Wish we could get out today but it is VERY cold and windy in the midwest.

Have fun together!

aprieto28

I'm very luky to be in southern CA. The weather is decent all year around for riding. After a saddle adjustment, my wife's only complaint after a 2 mile ride was that the palms of her hands hurt. I told her that gloves will remidy that problem. She asked if they come in pink to match the bike paint scheme? I told her that I will canvass the earth to find her pink riding gloves. Looks like we'll ride together again!

zonatandem

Sounds like your first ride TWOgether was a success!
Communication is the key to happy/successful tandem riding.
Tell her when you are going to shift, coast, brake, slow down, stop.
Tell her to signal right and left turns and when slowing or stopping; keep your hands on the bars.
When stopping for a light/stop sign she can stay seated and not put a foot down. Pilot can either put down one or both feet.
Wen stopping to dismount the tandem, she gets off first and voices 'off' and walks away from the bike. Only then do you dismount; this way she does not get an unexpected karate kick when you swing your leg off the bike.
On mounting the tandem the pilot gets on first and holds both brakes and keeps both feet flat on the ground. Stoker then gets on, gets seated and clips in. She then can pedal backwards to get your pedal in the correct position for you to clip in.
On the count down "3-2-1" you take off and do a few pedal strokes before saying 'coast' so you can clip your other foot in. Then say 'pedal' and you're off!
Enjoy more rides TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

mjm1201

We've been riding for a few years now. Best advice I ever heard - the stoker is always right. Even if the stoker makes a mistake, its the Captain/Pilots fault. That guideline has kept our rides nice and smooth. My wife hadn't ridden much either. We rest when she wants to, etc and just try to keep it fun and enjoyable. It has been a great decision for us. Hope you guys get as much out riding together as we do.

Paul J

A couple of thoughts for you, first consider a suspension seat post for her, you should be able to pick it up at most bike shops for less then $25. This will take the edge off bumps you forgot to call out. Second, as you get riding you might want to consider an adjustable Stoker stem so you can get her handle bar set-up tuned-in. My stoker has her bars higher then I would think she should but it is all about her being comfortable.

aprieto28

I will definately look into a suspension seat post and adjustable stoker stem. Any Ideas about a side stand for the bike. Also can't seem to find a tandem riding club in LA or orange counties.

VastCrew

I would (maybe) suggest not making too many changes right away. Possibly slightly changing the height of the seat or bars might be helpful but maybe wait a bit before you start swapping out parts. Sometimes it just takes a little time to get comfortable.

My husband and I are fairly new to tandeming. Our first trip out was to a large empty school parking lot. I kid you not, we spent 2 hours practicing stopping, starting, shifting, turning, coasting, we just tried to have fun with it and get comfortable. I am a fair weather rider and living in New England usually means I am off the bike by November. The following spring we went right back to the same school and practiced and got comfortable again!

By all means get the lady some pink gloves!

VastCrew

Also avoid the club rides for a bit! It is not (always) easy to ride with a group. Most club rides I have been on go minimal for 35 miles or so and at least ride 14 miles per hour or so and that is probably on the low side. I would recommend gaining some experience on the tandem for awhile before riding with a group.

aprieto28

Vastcrew i love your post. Our first ride was also around the block a few times and in a school parking lot practicing starting, stopping, mounting, and dismounting. I'am a man and was to macho to admit it. LOL.

Sprout97 

Another point to add to the previously-mentioned communication: it is a 2-way street. While I'm in the right ring/cassette vs. rpm the majority of the time, the Admiral (i.e. my stoker-navigator/wife) occasionally needs to remind me to shift. Usually for her comfort. But as already stated: the stoker is never wrong. Communication & trust, those 2 points are the key to a happy team. That, and the "search button" in these forum pages.

VastCrew

Haha, just remember what happens in the school parking lot stays in the school parking lot!

VastCrew

Sorry if I'm commenting too much!

As a stoker, I do not prefer a suspension post. That was part of my previous comment when I mentioned not making too many changes too quickly. Not a fan of the bouncing, it is forgiving somewhat when hitting bumps though.

Also, many times hand pain is related to your seat height and angle. Small changes will help dial it in!

aprieto28

Not at all. I'm new to tandems. As yopu can see by my old bike. do you have an opinion about tire pressure? I have 27 in wheels. my stoker had indicated that the tire pressure seems low. I have tp of 105 which manufatures recommneds. Can I over inflat?e

mje

Pink gloves: https://www.teamestrogen.com/product/...Family_23.html

WheelsNT

Looks like your tandem is up for sale on ebay... Did your ride go ok? I hope you're not throwing in the towel that quickly?

VastCrew

I don't have much info on tire pressure, we typically go with the recommended amount on the side of the tire. We do inflate to the correct pressure before each and every ride though. I believe over inflating actually allows a higher possibility of a blow out and also makes the ride more harsh!

aprieto28

I took the bike down from ebay. I was trying to get an idea of it's value. Kinda stupid, someone may have bought it.

pashlit

This paint job just made my pretty depressed day way better )))) Have fun!