Chapter 1: Guide to safe On- and off-road operation
Before riding your tandem, or performing adjustments, read at least Chapter 1 of the owner's manual. Tandems have more parts than a standard bicycle (Figure 1).
Figure 1:
Names of tandem parts
Spend a few moments before each ride to check your tandem’s systems against the checklist in Chapter 1 and these additional items specifically for tandems:
Test the security of the handlebars in the stem, and the stem to the frame, by attempting to twist the handlebars in the stem and by attempting to turn them from side to side. When testing the captain's handlebars, hold the front wheel locked between your knees while attempting to turn the handlebars from side to side. The handlebars should not be able to rotate or turn relative to the frame connection. If either handlebar does not pass this test, refer to the stem and handlebar pages of Chapter 3, or take your tandem to your dealer for service.
Test the security of the saddle to the seatpost, and the seatpost in the frame, by attempting to move the saddles up or down on the seatposts, and by attempting to turn them from side to side. The saddles should not be able to rotate or move up and down. If either seatpost or saddle does not pass this test, refer to Chapter 3 of the Owner's Manual, or take your tandem to your dealer for service.
The following information is to supplement portions of your bicycle Owner's Manual Chapter 3. Always refer to those sections for complete information prior to performing these procedures. Follow the procedures in Chapter 3 to inspect any work prior to riding the bicycle.
Identify the expander bolt on the captain's bottom bracket eccentric (Figure 2). Loosen this bolt several turns until the eccentric can be rotated. Place an allen wrench in one of the eccentric rotator holes (Figure 2) and rotate the eccentric until the desired chain tension is achieved. Retighten the expander bolt to the torque specifications.
Figure 2:
Bottom bracket chain adjuster
Compared to a regular, or "single," bicycle, tandems require twice the braking power, put twice the weight on the wheels, and twice the power goes through the drivetrain. For this reason, the brakes, wheels, and drivetrain require more frequent service than a single bicycle. Read and follow the maintenance schedule.