Originally Posted by
chas58
As for the speed thing:
1) tandems are significantly faster on flat roads. Ever try keeping up with a tandem on a long flat ride? It ain't easy.
2) tandems accelerate slower.
3) tandems are slower going up hill
4) tandems are way fast on a slight down hill. I have people tell me all the time - oh, I don't want to be passing a tandem cresting a hill. Good advice because I never see them again after we crest.
I agree with all but #3. Tandems climb slower than the stronger rider (usually the captain) but faster than the slower (usually the stoker). Tandems just seem slow because their advantages #1 and #3 allow it to run with faster singles on the flat and then gravity brings back to earth when faced with a real hill.
Wayne
whos stoker would MUCH rather climb on our tandem than her single.
Wayne