Quadrant Tandem

This Quadrant Tandem looks more complicated than it is. This is largely because it was a “bicycle built for two” and therefore it had two of everything: handlebars, seats, pedals, cranks, chains, etc.

Riding in tandem was a unique social opportunity made possible with the introduction of the Tricycle. Respectable women could ride Tricycles by themselves, and ride in the company of men on bicycles. But on a Tandem, respectable men and women could ride together on the same machine.

The Quadrant, nevertheless, still reflected the era’s attitudes towards the sexes. For example, it was considered improper for a woman to ride behind a man at the back of a Tandem. So her position was at the front, which is also where the tubing made it easier for her to mount and ride while wearing a dress.

And while both riders pedalled, and both sets of handlebars turned, it was a man’s job to control the steering, which he did all the way from the back, through a complicated series of rods. Turning the handlebars, however, did not turn the fixed metal forks holding the wheel at the front. Thanks to the patented “quadrant” hubs, only the wheel turned between the forks.

Gender issues aside, the Quadrant allowed you a quiet ride in the park with your partner, or even a lengthy tour of the countryside, using the rack between the seats to carry your luggage.