Discussion at PY about Tandems and I was asked why heavier/bigger rider needs to be at front. My attempt at answering wasn't very convincing, so thought I would canvass the collective knowledge...
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Tandem balance
(13 posts)- Started 12 years ago by SRD
- Latest reply from Roibeard
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Posted 12 years ago #
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I'm sticking with my "person at the front does the steering so needs enough mass to tilt-bike-into/maintain-balance-during turns against the inertia of the stoker+bike" guess.
Posted 12 years ago # -
That is funny, I was asked the same question last night about this. I think Laidback knows but I can't remember what he said about it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Almost all tandems are set up this way - you could say it was traditional!
Bigger person (often male) acts as shelter too. The Hase Pino one though reverses all this stuff so the stoker in effect goes in front. Roibeard is the man for a shot!
In NL they do have the Onderwater tandem which puts kids first.
I've shared the Helios as a stoker and captain. Darren was on back and he may have been more powerful than me - did increase the amount I had to steer it.
On the trike tandem true equality could be found as all energies are concentrated on pedalling with no balance issue. in fact they do offer an independent pedalling system so rear person can freewheel. This though is not always a 'good thing' . Doubling up on power whilst keeping same wind resistance is a key benefit.
Sorry didn't make it to PY. EN are coming round
Posted 12 years ago # -
Comparative examples interesting, but still doesn't seem to answer question....unless it is just tradition?
What changes in the design if assumption is for bigger person at front?
I'd much rather see where I am going than be sheltered!
Posted 12 years ago # -
One thing I was not keen on - with the Pinto of Roberts was the front cyclist could not steer. If both cyclist had the option to steer, this would be great for having fun. Build a small box to put on the front, think Icecream seller, then I could sit in the box (with large slots for vis), cycling but the bike would look like it was riding its self...
Posted 12 years ago # -
Control freak on the front?
Posted 12 years ago # -
@DaveC - I think there is photographic evidence of your level of comfort, courtesy of Anth:
Hase No Hands by blackpuddinonnabike, on FlickrI'll leave others to judge!
;-)
Robert
Posted 12 years ago # -
That Pino would look even better (and more monstrous) with a fairing on the front. :)
Posted 12 years ago # -
Now available, pinched from the Klimax:
Robert
Posted 12 years ago # -
It's the Batmobile! Adam West more than Christian Bale, I admit...
Posted 12 years ago # -
Check this tandem (half way down page).
Posted 12 years ago # -
If this is becoming a bizarre tandem thread (and yes, I know I've participated in this drift)...
Anyone fancy a two wheel drive, tandem bicycle?
Either a kit, or full bike...
http://www.tangaroo.de/index_en.html
Unfortunately only available in kiddie
backfront!Robert
Posted 12 years ago #
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