Tandems Collection

The Humorist Easter Number 1938
The Humorist Easter Number front cover illustrated by William Heath Robinson featuring two exhausted cyclists sleeping off a picnic lunch, unaware that somebody is riding away on their tandem bicycle

Open Tandem 30 Race near Bishops Stortford May 1960 Dennis Kohlman (front left) and Norman Kirby take a corner of their tricycle

Tandem Cycle July 1976 Kim Riley (L) and Fidelma Rosbruck (R) have some fun on an impossibe double ended bike

Mrs. Enid Saint and Mrs. Margatet Robson, of Stakeford, both in their early 30s limbering up for a 10 mile sping around the boundries of old Bedlingtonshire

Advert for Centaur tricycles 1884
Latest inventions and improvement in bicycles. Date: 1884

Tired Tandem Rider
A tired cyclist rests against a signpost, with his tandem leaning close by

Preparing the Tandem
A young couple prepare their tandem bicycle for an early morning ride, the acme of seeing England at its very best

Cycling Hijinx 1930S
Four cyclists take a break from their ride and stop at a stocks for a bit of high- spirited fun; the two chaps pelting their companions seem to be rather enjoying it

Culottes on Cycles 1937
Two French ladies set off into the countryside on their tandem in appropriate clothes - tailored costume comprising a short jacquette and a jupe-culotte (divided skirt)

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"Tandems: A Journey Through Time and Laughter" In the world of cycling, they have always held a special place. From their early appearances in advertisements to their hilarious escapades captured on film, these two-seater bicycles have brought joy and amusement to riders throughout history. It all began with an advert for Centaur tricycles back in 1884. The promise of making cycling a pleasure was enough to entice many enthusiasts into trying out this unique form of transportation. Fast forward to 1901, when the Sheffield Weekly Telegraph poster proudly proclaimed that they were the key to enjoying the open road. One memorable event took place near Bishops Stortford in May 1960 during the Open Tandem 30 Race. Dennis Kohlman can be seen leading the pack from his front-left position, showcasing both skill and determination. Another duo that left their mark on tandem history was Kim Riley and Fidelma Rosbruck in July 1976, as they pedaled side by side towards victory. But tandems weren't just about racing; they also provided a platform for camaraderie and fun. Mrs. Enid Saint and Mrs. Margaret Robson, both in their early thirties, were captured limbering up before embarking on an exciting adventure together. Even prestigious events like Stage Four of the Tour de France couldn't resist including tandems along their route from Dover to Brighton. The sight of synchronized cyclists whizzing past captivated spectators year after year. Of course, not every tandem rider had smooth sailing - or rather pedaling - experiences. One tired tandem rider perfectly encapsulated how physically demanding this mode of transport could be at times. Yet despite any challenges faced along the way, preparing a tandem for a ride always brought anticipation and excitement bubbling up within riders' hearts. Looking back at old photographs from the 1930s reveals some delightful cycling hijinks.