Tandems of the Roof

First are carriers that are still in production

ATOC Tandem Topper

Made in the USA, St John's Street Cycles supply

Tandem Topper's pivot assist loading system allows true one-person loading and unloading of your tandem or LWB recumbent every time.

   
 

Helton Tandem Carrier

Honley Cycles, 47 Bradshaw Road, Honley, Holmfirth, HD9 6DX

We have a Helton roof carrier on our estate. It is easy to load as it slides down to one side & tandem is horizontal to the roof.

   

Pendle Steel Tandem Carrier

Available at the Tandem Experience

This is a Pendle steel tandem carrier that fixes to a car roof rack. Adjustable for different lengths of tandem. Holds the tandem by both wheels and by both frame seat tubes so it's a stable 4 point fixing. No need to disassemble the bicycle or even remove the wheels. You will need bolts to attach the carrier to crossbars fitted to your roof rack.

 

There is also a front fork version, unsure in 2024 if available

Tandem Experience

Our super 9 models of Tandem racks designed and manufactured in the UK to carry your beloved Tandem on all types of rack/roof bars are now launched, manufactured from Stainless Steel and available in models to suit all needs.

Tandem Swing from JD cycles

Our roof mounted tandem carrier allows you to mount the tandem safely onto the roof a car. This product is not available for mail order and we only supply it if you visit us in North Yorkshire and it is fitted by ourselves.

Yakima Sidewinder

For the couple that loves to bike together, there's the SideWinder. Featuring a swing out arm allowing one person to load a tandem bike with ease. Fork-mount style that won't interfere with most hatchbacks. Fits Yakima round or square crossbars only.

Review - Yakima Sidewinder is the heavy duty option. But it weighs 9.2kg. I am 5'11", 65kg and can load the 20kg Trek T200 by myself.

These are no longer manufactured, but you may find them second hand

Atera hydraulic cycle

Using Thule roof bars and use one of these to get a moustache e tandem (which weighs around 20+ kg with batteries removed) on the roof.  
There is a modification we made - the addition of a cross brace (15mm stainless bar) from the stoker seat post to the centre of the roof bar to stop the bike from moving around (there is too much lateral movement otherwise). Overall it works really well - we drive to Burgundy and Bordeaux every year and have never had any issues (so far). 
I think that with the cross brace, this is the best solution I've found for lifting/transporting a tandem - unfortunately as they were discontinued, finding one for sale is tricky. I keep 2 spare hydraulic units just in case one fails as I'd be lost without it. (this was from the Tandem Club forum)

 

BTS Tandem Lift

Discontinued in 2024, were retailing for £500

It attaches to a two bar roof rack and acts as a crane to lift a tandem or bike onto the roof of a car - very easily.  The key component is a gas (hydraulic) strut which is the same thing as is used to help open and close a hatchback boot/rear door.