Many people may think the idea of a tandem bicycle is ridiculously old-fashioned. The thought of a “bicycle made for two”, as the words of the song go is enough to make some people burst out laughing. And yet, it seems that the tandem is coming back into vogue. Who knows what has prompted this rise back to prominence? What is known is that the tandem bicycle is not such a figure of fun anymore – it is seen more than ever as a way for people to enjoy a cycling trip together and divide the “work” appropriately. If one of the cyclists is more experienced or stronger, then they are able to put in more effort while remaining together.

Therefore, the tandem appeals to the gallantry of men who like to let the lady in their life take some pressure off themselves. It appeals also to small families – dad at the front and mom on the back seat with the baby strapped to her front protectively. Rather than risking separation or confusion during the course of the trip the tandem allows you to approach everything as a team.

It may also be that the idea of riding in tandem appeals to the old-fashioned person within. There is something cheerfully classic about these curious machines, and if cycling on a tandem makes you seem somewhat eccentric then that is certainly no bad thing. the one thing that needs to be kept in mind, of course, is that it really does take two to tandem, even if one of the cyclists is doing more of the work. Don’t assume that a tandem will appeal to everyone – it may not, and any tandem bicycle tour can be ruined by the knowledge that there is someone sitting behind you who wishes for your comeuppance.