
A tandem bicycle is a bike that is built for two riders, and in some cases three or four. While not nearly as popular as single rider bikes, they do have a dedicated following. They also offer a few advantages over single rider designs, especially for longer rides.
One of the main advantages of a tandem bicycle comes in the form of pedaling power. Obviously, the more people that are doing the pedaling, the less work each rider has to do on their own. And because there is little increase in friction or drag, they are a much more efficient means of traveling long distances.
A tandem bicycle can be found in many different configurations. In most cases, they are designed for one rider to sit directly in front of the other, with the rider in front in charge of the steering. There are also recumbent variations, as well as short wheelbase and even tricycle configurations.