My neighbors in New Mexico in the 70s had what was supposed to be the last lugged Reynolds 531 tandem built by Rene Herse.
They were classical musicians who had lived in Paris for may years.
The woman was the captain. She was about 5'4" tall. Her husband, the stoker, he was about 6'2" tall and totally blind.
They seemed to do quite well together.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
Michael Schmidt wrote:
> There is a reason why they call tandems "Divorce Coaches"
>
> My wife and I have known several cycling couples have the worst fights on a
> bike ride. They all sounded like this - Captain: "Work harder" Stoker:
> "I am working as hard as I can" Captain: "No you're not. This is not
> working, let's sell the tandem" Stoker: "Fine"
>
> When you see couples on a tandem that are smiling, you know they're not
> married.
>
> I think Paul & Rita Lee are the only two people that I know that ride a
> tandem and don't fight on a bike ride.
>
> My .02
>
> Michael D. Schmidt
> Millington, NJ
>
> From: alex m <alexpianos@yahoo.fr>
>
> Looking through period photos and magazines, and as a Rene Herse Alex Singer
> etc collector, I notice that tandems were really popular in the 50s and 60s
> in France. Always husband in front, wife behind. Sometimes a little trailer
> behind for the offspring.
>
> Why is it you never see a tandem on the road nowadays?
>
> Something to do with people being more individualistic? Or women's
> liberation? The radical decrease in the number of tandems produced and
> ridden must say something about the history of social relations.
>
> Are there any tandem riders on the CR list? Peter (Weigle), have you ever
> made a tandem?
>
> Alexander March
> Bordeaux
> France