Tandem Energy Calculator

Tandem Ride Physics

Terry Barnaby - Version 1.0 - 2022-09-19 - Information and Help
This is an interactive, Tandem speed calculator.It uses basic physics mathmatics to roughly calculate a tandems speed over a circular cycle ride starting and ending at the same height. For simplicity it assumes a flat section for 1/4 of the ride and then a hill climb for the next 1/4 followed a descent back to the flat.

To use enter the parameters for your Tandem in the form below and click on the 'Calculate' button. You can use the Config Name to use some standard parameters although these are rough ideas.

Config Name
Cycle Weight (Kg)Riders Weight (Kg)
Rolling Drag CoefficientPedal Power (W)
Frontal Area (m sq)Air Drag Coefficient
Ride Distance (km)Overal climbing height(m)

Plot of Bike Speed over ride



This is a rough simulation showing the speed of a bike over a ride.

Overal ride time: 2.84 hours or 170.58 minutes

Average speed: 21.10 km/h

Climbing speed: 10.52 km/h on gradiant of 3.3 %