How to make a tandem bicycle with your own hands

Description

This unusual bicycle is driven by a person at the front, although there are also models with an installed steering switch mechanism. If the steering wheel does not perform a steering function, then it is used as a hand support. The braking system may also be engaged or disabled. There are models with two wheels on the rear axle.

From history: the first patented tandem bicycle appeared back in 1898 in Europe.

Pros of use

To cover the same distance on a tandem, the effort required is at least two times less than on a regular single bicycle.
If one cyclist gets tired, then to rest it is enough to simply switch places, because the last passenger can ride with his eyes literally closed, and even put down his tired arms on flat sections of the route.
The speed of a tandem bicycle is significantly higher than that of an ordinary cyclist. It can easily reach 35 kilometers per hour.
The descent speed is also higher. Although the torque remains unchanged, the weight of the vehicle with passengers is at least twice as much.
Emotional characteristics: team spirit, ability to work together, sense of community.

Let's get started

An additional steering column bracket is added to the rear bike.
In the front bike, you need to strengthen the trunk and install a cross-shaped tube (hinge) on it:

We weld a support to the trunk.
We screw a king pin to the welded support (you can make a king pin from an old front fork rod from a bicycle used for conversion).
We put the hinge on the already screwed pin.

The advantage of such a semi-tandem is quick and easy assembly - the frames are not sawed, the chains on each bicycle remain separate. If necessary, such a tandem is very easy to divide again into two separate bicycles.

Metamorphosis of two broken bicycles

There is an option to make a tandem bicycle with your own hands, using two in a faulty condition, two sticks and one roll of electrical tape.

Tools and materials for work:

Hacksaw for metal.
Insulating tape.
Adjustable wrench.
Hammer.
A tool that can be used to press out a chain or chain links connected together.
Screwdriver.
Any two bicycles that have a high top tube frame (usually found in men's models).
The derailleur for the front gears should have the two smallest sprockets and the same number of teeth (it can be removed from an old bicycle if it fits the parameters, or you can purchase a new one on the market).
Long cable for rear brake.

How to choose?

The selection of a tandem is made according to the same parameters as for choosing a regular bicycle:

wheel diameter and width;
number of speeds;
frame material, bushings, rims, front steering fork;
dimensions and weight;
shock absorption parameters (for tandem hardtails and double suspension);
number of wheels (including three-wheelers);
adjustability of the steering wheel and several other parameters that are no less important when choosing.

However, there are a few different options:

number of riders (tandems for three or more people exist);
adjustable rear stem and saddle;
number of stars of the additional system.

In the latter case we are talking about an additional (rear) pedal carriage. In any case, your safety depends on the quality of the tandem bicycle.

What's next?

To make a tandem bicycle (photos of examples are in our article), you need to do a few more operations. So:

We are approaching the stage of chain extension. The front chain will have to be extended just enough to reach the rear wheel. The easiest way to do this is with a special chain squeezer. If such a special tool is not available, then purchase two links to connect in the chain and cut off the additional required length with a hacksaw. The entire chain should have no more than 37 links. Less is possible, but not more.
In order for the frame of the assembled tandem bicycle to take the shape necessary for riding, it is enough, after the entire assembly, to put a load on it by twisting the chain on various sprockets.
Let's synchronize the pedals with each other. This is necessary to avoid kicking each other while riding, as well as to maintain balance and pass the track on turns and hills.
We attach the brake at the rear with a long cable.
If desired, you can install a second steering wheel. However, it should be noted that this will interfere with maintaining balance.

Manufacturers

The modern market for children's bicycles presents double models in a wide range.
Among them are models for twins, as well as models for children of different ages. Below are several popular models, positive reviews of which are more often found on the Internet. Without exaggeration, the model of the Chinese manufacturer Capella Twin Trike 360 can be called the most popular in Russia among 2-seater bicycles. The model is intended for children up to 4 years old and is available in a wide range of colors. The model is designed for a total weight load of up to 30 kg, is equipped with a basket for things, weighs 17 kg and is available in dimensions of 145x70x100 cm. Among the advantages include the presence of a reverse seat in the front seat, which allows you to turn children around to face each other, as well as the presence of comfortable footrests and visors that protect babies from rain and sun.

A significant disadvantage is its weight, because of which few children are able to make long independent bike rides on it. An adult has to constantly push the bike, helping the child sitting in front pedal. Parents often complain about the tight fasteners of the belts and the flimsy design of the push handle. The latter fails quite quickly, especially when driving on uneven terrain.

The Chinese model Small Rider Platinum is also very popular in our country. The bike is made in black and platinum colors, which gives it a stylish and serious appearance. The model is designed for children from one to four years old and has a load capacity of 45 kg. The big advantage of this model is its weight, which is only 12.5 kg. The bicycle is equipped with two comfortable seats with soft headrests and has one common awning.

A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of three pairs of footrests at once, which allows children to take comfortable positions during long walks. Each seat is equipped with a soft bumper and a seat belt, an elegant horn is installed on the steering wheel, and the control handle has a telescopic design and is equipped with comfortable handles. Moreover, the base of the handle is reinforced with a special arch and double tubes, which allows you to roll the bike over curbs without lifting it by the handlebars. The model is available in dimensions 108x64 cm and costs about 10,000 rubles.

The BA Twins model is also made in China and can replace a stroller. The bicycle is equipped with passable inflatable wheels, deep protective awnings and soft bumpers. The front wheel has a size of 12 inches, the rear wheels are 10 inches each, the pusher handle is made of durable alloy and, judging by the reviews, lasts quite a long time. The model is equipped with a basket for things and wide footrests. Its weight is 16 kg, load capacity is 50 kg, cost is 8,600 rubles.

The Taga convertible bike model from Eltreco will also be an excellent alternative to a stroller. The model is an excellent option for twins and the same age under the age of 4 years. Children's seats are attached "train" to the frame of the parent's bicycle, which allows the parent to observe the behavior of the children throughout the trip. If necessary, the bicycle can easily be transformed into a stroller, which takes no more than 20 seconds. The convertible bike is available in dimensions 73x120x102 cm, weighs up to 29 kg and costs 68,000 rubles.

The Italian double bicycle Italtrike Taxi Dynamic is perfect for both peers and children of different ages from 3 to 6 years old. The model is so simply designed that there is absolutely nothing to break in it. At the same time, its stylish design and excellent quality distinguish it from its analogues and make it incredibly popular. The rear seat is located against the direction of travel, which allows the “passenger” to ride backwards as if on a bus.

The model is equipped with wide rubber wheels and special bearings made of a material called Acetylic Resin. This material ensures easy rotation of the wheels and prevents them from blocking when dirt and sand get into the bearing. The handlebar handles are made of environmentally friendly latex, and the frame is painted with non-toxic paints. Model dimensions – 63x69x114 cm, weight – 12.6 kg, load capacity – 35 kg, cost – 15,340 rubles.

Triple tandem

If there are three people in your family or company and everyone wants to ride one bicycle at once, then you will have to create a tandem tricycle with three seats. This option is perfect for a family with a child, for whom riding such a rare and unusual form of transport will be a truly unforgettable adventure. However, it is worth considering that maintaining balance on this model is much more difficult than on a single or double.

The working principle for making a 3-seat tandem bike with your own hands is the same as the two-wheel option mentioned above. But to create it you will need three original bicycles, where the third is attached to the second in the same way as the second is attached to the first.

Advantages and disadvantages

This type of bike has many advantages. That is why tandem is loved by people of all ages. Among the undoubted advantages, the following advantages should be highlighted:

Improved aerodynamics. Only the first rider has to deal with wind resistance, so the second person can pedal at maximum efficiency.
A joint trip is an excellent occasion for communication and an opportunity to take original photos along the way.
If the lead cyclist gets tired, he can switch places with the one sitting behind him (the first rider will take the back seat).
Psychologists say that tandem travel helps couples and experienced spouses better understand each other.
This bike is also well suited for parents with children. A father or mother can safely pedal and not be afraid that the child will lag behind or fall. If your child is not yet good at riding a bicycle, regular tandem trips will help him quickly master the basics of independent riding.

The disadvantages include large dimensions, heavy weight and, therefore, the difficulty of storing a bicycle in a small apartment in the absence of a garage or basement. According to fire safety requirements, the tandem cannot be kept even in the entrance, so as not to impede free passage. You can solve the problem by leaving it outside and using an anti-theft lock.

Electric tandem

Although it is easier to spin a tandem than a regular bicycle, it is worth the effort. After a couple of such trips, a dream appears that the pedals will spin by themselves. But is this really just a dream? If electric bicycles exist, is it really impossible to create a tandem electric bicycle? Let's see how you can do this yourself.

A wheel-motor that simultaneously performs the functions of both a wheel and an electric motor. You just need to change the original one from a tandem to a new motor one.
Rechargeable battery.
The console, which is the control panel.
Various wires and fasteners for the battery.

All this can be purchased individually or as a complete set. The manufacturing instructions are the same. The only difference is that you need to install an electric wheel on one of the bicycles. All you need is a couple of wrenches. That's it, the design will be suitable for use.

Source

Everything about a tandem bicycle and how to make it yourself

A tandem bicycle is a classic two-wheeled bicycle that has a number of characteristic features.

Two people can ride on such a device at the same time, and the second passenger can not only relax and enjoy the ride, but, together with his partner, take an active part in the movement.

Two-seater tandem bicycles are considered ideal sports and entertainment devices that are suitable for leisurely family outings.

The design of this bicycle is extremely simple; anyone can make with their own hands such a unit, the pedals of which can be rotated by both cyclists. Only the person sitting in front, behind the wheel, will control the cornering and brake the device.

A tandem bike will help you have fun

The main purpose of a tandem bicycle is to unite people. A shared ride forces cyclists to unite, to temporarily become a single indivisible mechanism that controls the system.

A standard tandem bicycle, as practice shows, can only be ridden on flat country road surfaces.

This feature is affected by the elongated frame, since when driving through holes and potholes, the unit is subjected to strong vibrations and significant vertical loads, which can, after a short period of time, lead to the destruction of the entire structure.

In the article below we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of a paired bicycle and provide step-by-step instructions for assembling the unit with your own hands.

Features of a duo bike

The tandem bicycle first saw the light of day in the 19th century; it is worth noting that a modernized version of the classic two-wheeled unit for one cyclist appeared almost immediately after the creation of the first single-seat standard design. It is noteworthy that as soon as the first pair bicycle was created, everyone who could afford it wanted to ride it. At that time, the tandem bicycle was tested by everyone, regardless of age, class and type of clothing.

However, over time, people began to look for more suitable donors, trying to convert not only the classic unit, but also other standard devices into a tandem bicycle, which led to the “doubling” of even such a model as the “penny farthing”.

Better known as the “spider,” a bicycle with one huge wheel and a second small one was reincarnated by eminent craftsmen in tandem, but this device was not very popular, which was most likely influenced by the “convenience” and “safety” of the design.

The tandem bicycle very quickly became a popular and sought-after design; it was even created for entire military units. It is reliably known from history that soldiers serving during the First World War moved in tandems of 8–10 people.

For the first time, Europeans developed a unit for so many cyclists, since they were the ones who could create a device that, even with such a huge load, could transport people on a flat surface.