Tandem Bike

What Is The Tandem Bike

What is the tandem bike? It is a twin that takes the shape of a bicycle and in some occasions even a tricycle that is designed to be ridden by multiple people at once. How did the tandem bike receive its name? Tandem refers to the seating arrangement, which consists of fore to aft, as opposed to the side-by-side designs. The tandem bike is a great option for those wishing to enjoy the activity of bike riding with another person alongside himself or herself.

Popularity Of Bikes Nowadays

Given the growing popularity of bikes nowadays, one may wonder: who invented the tandem bike? Throughout the late 1800s there were many different variations of the tandem bike. However, the person who is attributed with the first development of the tandem bike is Mikael Pedersen, who came up with a two-rider tandem bike design in 1898. Pederson also came up with an additional design for a four person tandem bike as well. This four person tandem bike became known as a “quad.?Now that we have discussed a brief history of the tandem bike, we are going to explore a topic that is a bit more exciting. Where did the inspiration to create a tandem bike come from? The following theories do not have sound historical facts; however, their reasoning is logical.

First Applications Of A New Product

The first theory relates to the notion that like most technology, the first applications of a new product tends to relate to basic everyday life needs. A few sources use the name courting bike as a synonym for a tandem bike, therefore this first theory relates to a courting explanation. One explanation of the origination of the tandem bike is that it was a device used by a courting male to venture in search of companionship. A courter would usually ride a tandem bike to a young girl’s home, ask for permission to offer a short ride and then make a small trip around town. Given the old customs of the 1800s, it would be very questionable to seat the girl in the back, since it would be interpreted a sign of disrespect. Therefore, whenever a girl was riding a tandem bike, she would be in the front of the bike.

Tandem Bike Used For Social Riding

The second explanation for a tandem bike is that it was used for social riding, similar to what it is used for in the present day. If one accepts the possibility that the tandem bike was used for courting at one point or another, it would make sense to assume that if and when a couple united, the courter would still own the tandem bike. Therefore, even as married couple and perhaps with children, the tandem bike would change from a role of courting bike to an entertainment and social bike. This is probably the most prevalent use of the tandem bike today because there are many people who enjoy visiting outdoor attractions such as parks and like to share that experience with their entire family. The obvious reason that a tandem bike is safer is that if any kid of emergency was to take place, a parent would not have to let their bikes down and tend to their child as they would on a regular bicycle. If a family uses a tandem bike, even children who are too young to ride a bike themselves can tag along for a bike ride with the rest of the family. Also, a tandem bike tends to be safer than the average bicycle because the parents would have most of the control over the bike and brakes.

Tandem Bike

If you are in the market for a tandem bike, give us a call today.