It is safe to say that double bikes are, above all, a very fun entertainment. Riding a bike with two places for riders solves a whole host of problems, especially if one of the cyclists is not confident enough in managing two-wheeled vehicles.
What is the name of a double bike?
The correct name for a double bike is tandem. Such bicycle models can be intended for two or more cyclists who are located on the frame one after another.
The most common options for tandems are precisely two-seater models, although bicycles have already been invented, which provide from 3 to 8 seats. However, using such bicycles in practice is quite difficult and inconvenient.
The benefits of tandems
Double adult bike has a number of advantages:
- First of all, on such a vehicle you can develop an impressive speed comparable to racing bike models, because the muscle power of several cyclists is used here simultaneously. Especially high speed is demonstrated by tandems on the slopes, due to the action of the mass of two riders.
- Double two-wheeled bicycle is very convenient if you need a joint trip of two people, whose strength is unequal. In this case, every cyclist has the ability to pedal with the maximum possible effort. Most often, in tandem, a strong cyclist helps the weak. This advantage is decisive for most cyclists who prefer tandems.
- When riding a double bike, the leading cyclist and the co-pilot can easily change places, giving each other the necessary respite. The tandem control, as well as the main load, is taken over by the one sitting in front.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the tandems, then we can note the low maneuverability, the presence of a large braking distance, some difficulties when driving in difficult terrain. Riding a double bike for one rider may be too difficult due to the impressive weight of such vehicles.
Team Management Features
Double bicycles are controlled by a pilot, who occupies a frontal position and is responsible for switching speeds, activating the brakes and choosing the direction of movement. Behind is a partner, whose efforts usually make up to 50% of the total energy when pedaling. The main task of the partner is to create the necessary efforts for the bicycle to move at a certain speed, as well as confident balancing.
Double bicycles equalize opportunities
Using a tandem allows you to quickly turn a person who is practically unfamiliar with riding a bicycle into a confident cyclist. When riding a bicycle in a pair, the fear of falling factor completely disappears, since the management of the bicycle lies entirely on the shoulders of a more experienced cyclist, who is located in front.
The tandem instantly equalizes people who are distinguished by different physical capabilities and moral-volitional qualities. This means of transportation is available to people with poor vision, young children, the elderly, people who need rehabilitation after injuries.
A tandem is an ideal tool for testing trust and psychological compatibility. Riding a double bike automatically brings people together, makes psychological barriers to communication between unfamiliar or shy individuals disappear.
Speed factor
From year to year, double tandems are increasingly acquired by cyclists, who are guided by the possibility of achieving impressive speeds. By managing a tandem, a pair of amateur cyclists is able to overtake one professional on a good sports bike both on a flat track and on a slope.
The presence of two cyclists in one vehicle gives the strength of two hearts, doubly increases the energy of muscle effort. At the same time, the oncoming air flow slows down only in front of the sitting cyclist, which becomes a determining factor for the development of a high speed of movement.
Features of movement on the slopes
When you have to overcome long, stiff climbs, the tandem becomes quite difficult to manage, a slow bicycle. All the benefits that two cyclists get when riding on flat terrain or on a slope, instantly disappear.
Double bikes when moving uphill need to switch to lower gears. Especially tangible problems when moving up the slope are when it is necessary to catch up with a group of cyclists.
Braking
Tandem braking has its own difficulties, especially if it is a double tricycle. As you know, when braking, bicycle brakes can overheat. Braking energy increases relative to the speed and mass of cyclists. This, in turn, means that when the speed of the bicycle is increased several times compared to single skating, the braking energy can increase to a level of about 8 times.
To reduce the load on the brakes in tandems, several different types of brake systems of a separate type are often used: sleeve, drum, rim, disk. Having three or more different types of brakes is the standard solution for double bikes.
Children's tandems
Double children's bike is an excellent tool for the healthy development of the younger generation. A tandem can be a good entertainment for children whose physical abilities are at the formation stage.
Skating in tandem helps kids learn to navigate in space, promotes the development of dexterity, coordination of movements, strengthens the musculoskeletal system.
In the end, why spend money on buying several expensive bikes when parents can buy one vehicle for riding several children at the same time? Among other things, this option can be an ideal birthday gift for twins.
Finally
Let's repeat the main points of the article.
What is the name of a double bike? Such an original, comfortable and highly efficient vehicle is widely known throughout the world under the term "tandem".
The defining quality of a double bike can be considered the development of teamwork. Some experts consider tandem to be the best way to build cohesion. Currently, to synchronize the actions of cyclists while riding a double bike, a whole system of conditional teams has been developed that allow you to coordinate the actions of riders for coordinated movement.
Riding a double bike can bring a lot of vivid impressions, especially to avid cyclists who are hard to surprise with anything new. Therefore, tandem riding is recommended for anyone who is friends with two-wheeled modes of transport.