Riders
Someone who rides in the front of the bike either on a recumbent tandem or a regular tandem is referred to as the captain. The person behind the captain is called the stoker.
Types
The main types of tandem bicycles include three wheeled, hand and foot, touring, recumbent and mountain.
General Use
Most tandem bicycles are used for pleasure purposes for occasional riding and recreational events. Tandems are popular at tourist sites such as Mackinac Island, Michigan, where motor vehicles are prohibited.
Racing
Some tandem bikes are used in the Paralympics where a captain with normal vision guides the bike and the stoker, who may have impaired vision, can pedal the rear of the bike. Tandem off-roading through the backcountry is also a popular sport as riders make their way through rough terrain.
Brands
Popular brands of tandem bicycles include Burley, Da Vinci, Fuji and Santana. Most can be bought at bike shops or outdoor recreation stores.
Article Written By Julie Boehlke
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
