Going to be trying out a tandem, what works and what doesn't?
07-11-14, 07:38 AM
#26
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Yokev, lots of good advice here. Some is more important, and some is less.
The most important word in the captain's vocabulary is "Bump!"
Decide (which means ask the stoker) which foot should be down or forward during rests/coasting, and starting and stopping. (Note, the rule of left-foot-forward-with level pedals on a solo bike doesn't apply to a tandem. It applies to the stoker's crank, but is the opposite for the captain's. So figure which crank arm would be harder to replace if you ovalized the square hole in the arm. It may not even matter.)
As captain, don't suddenly stop pedaling. Do any significant cadence changes gently.
We have no trouble with one of us standing for short bursts. Never tried both of us standing though, don't know that it would help. Standing gives more torque but can slow your cadence.
Here is our C&V tandem, a Peugeot TH8 also, 1982:
This still has MAFAC brakes and Simplex derailleurs, and the original captain's crank and pedals. The stoker's crank is custom, as are the chainrings.
The most important word in the captain's vocabulary is "Bump!"
Decide (which means ask the stoker) which foot should be down or forward during rests/coasting, and starting and stopping. (Note, the rule of left-foot-forward-with level pedals on a solo bike doesn't apply to a tandem. It applies to the stoker's crank, but is the opposite for the captain's. So figure which crank arm would be harder to replace if you ovalized the square hole in the arm. It may not even matter.)
As captain, don't suddenly stop pedaling. Do any significant cadence changes gently.
We have no trouble with one of us standing for short bursts. Never tried both of us standing though, don't know that it would help. Standing gives more torque but can slow your cadence.
Here is our C&V tandem, a Peugeot TH8 also, 1982:
This still has MAFAC brakes and Simplex derailleurs, and the original captain's crank and pedals. The stoker's crank is custom, as are the chainrings.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
07-11-14, 10:31 AM
#27
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First rule of tandem riding: The stoker is ALWAYS right.
Second rule of tandem riding: See the first rule.
I love tandem riding! Have fun!!
Second rule of tandem riding: See the first rule.
I love tandem riding! Have fun!!
07-11-14, 12:03 PM
#28
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Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
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07-11-14, 02:00 PM
#29
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Bikes: 1939 The James Arrow Ace Convertible Touring Tandem, 1950 Dunelt cruiser, 1960 Robin Hood Sports, 1972 Humber Sports, 1986 Panasonic Touring Deluxe
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Just to post another vintage tandem:
1939(?) The James Arrow Ace Convertible Touring Tandem. Stoker is set in the "Ladyback" postion (as opposed to the "double gents") Also front drum brake is hand operated by the captain, rear drum brake is foot operated, also by the captain!
1939(?) The James Arrow Ace Convertible Touring Tandem. Stoker is set in the "Ladyback" postion (as opposed to the "double gents") Also front drum brake is hand operated by the captain, rear drum brake is foot operated, also by the captain!
07-12-14, 04:34 AM
#30
hi
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Thanks for all of the useful advice 
I picked it up a couple nights ago and need to do some TLC to it before it's on the road. It does fit both of us, so we'll see how this goes!
I picked it up a couple nights ago and need to do some TLC to it before it's on the road. It does fit both of us, so we'll see how this goes!
07-12-14, 05:37 AM
#31
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Let us know how it goes!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
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08-11-14 10:38 AM
