[Laneco]

I've had three tandem bikes and I was the captain on all of them. I did ride stoker a couple of times on some other tandems. I've also ridden all three of the tandems as a solo rider. I would ride solo, pick the child up from school, then tandem home. Feels a little odd, but on the better tandems, it's not really a big deal.

First off, straight up - the captain needs to be a strong rider. Physically strong is helpful, but what I am referring to is that you must have strong cycling skills. Very good balance, the ability to compensate for someone else's balance or flopping around, hold a good straight line at any speed, be adept at slow speed maneuvering, traffic etc. If this does not describe you - pass on the tandem.

Rent or borrow one before you buy one. The best choice is for both of you to ride stoker behind an experienced rider. Don't put two newbies on the same bike. Green plus Green equals RED (blood)...

angela