Couples stay together on a tandem bike

Many couples don’t exercise together because one of them is much fitter than the other. Riding a tandem bike is a great equalizer. The amount of work you do on a bike depends on how hard you push on the pedals. Pressing twice as hard on the pedals takes twice as much work, so a world-class bike racer can ride with a novice and still get a good workout. Even a beginner will be able to keep up with the spinning pedals, no matter how fast they go. The less fit partner simply applies little to no pressure so he doesn’t get tired. No matter how much one partner tries to leave the other, they will always be together.

They can go faster together than the fastest person can go alone. The most experienced pilot sits in the front seat. If both are equally good riders, the taller one usually sits in front. The person sitting in the back copies the movements of the person in the front. At first it may seem strange to have no control over steering, shifting or braking, but it has the great advantage of being able to work out as hard as you want while enjoying the scenery.

Many cities have tandem bike clubs that organize rides and social events. They welcome newcomers and will be very helpful when you are just starting out.