Did a shaft drive tandem bicycle ever exist?

[mike cates]

As a long time student of researching and wondering about the fantastic development of antique bicycles and learning something new almost weekly for decades as a member of The Wheelmen. Seeing 2 speed, hearing about a 3 speed  and seeing a advertisement for a 4 speed shaft drive bicycle, I pose the question that I don't think is out of the possibility of mechanical design that could have happened, DID A SHAFT DRIVE TANDEM BICYCLE EVER GET PRODUCED?
Mike Cates, CA.

[Tyson Brown]

Here are a couple in concept anyway, not sure if either were ever produced.

[mike cates]

Thanks Tyson for posting this! It just seemed like a natural progression to go to from the single person bevel gear shaft driven bicycle and sure enough some tandems and triplets were on the drawing board and possibly produced. If so, someone will have a great find now that this is in everyone's mind to look for one. Bicycle history continually unfolds no matter how long you study it and makes learning things like this fun!
Mike Cates, CA.

[slcurts]

Both of these designs are rear-steer! Does anyone know why there was such insistence that everybody should be able to steer?

[mike cates]

My guess why both riders have steering capabilities is that most tandems are set up with their pedals in-synch and not set up at 90 degrees off (caterpillar set up). The in-synch set up allows more power at speed since each rider is driving the right and left pedal at the same time and the motion is fluid opposed to the caterpillar set up where the power is applied  by one rider offsetting the other rider and torqueing of the frame and handlebars is power application efficiency lost.
The steering by both riders, and again my guess, is to extenuate the fluid motion and each rider can feel the other riders continued pushing and pulling on each side of the handlebars and they can work together as a team. Similar as to a rowing team being in synch for forward motion in the water.
Mike Cates, CA.

[Paul Rubenson]

Early tandem designers, extrapolating from solo bicycles, may have assumed steering for both riders would facilitate balance.  But an important factor perpetuating rear steering was social.  Most rear-steer tandems were also "lady front" or "courting" tandems.  Victorian cyclists were overtly chivalrous and preferred allowing the lady the front seat.  It is actually a more pleasant arrangement.  Most male riders are taller than females, so both riders have a clear view ahead.  But chivalry goes hand-in-hand with chauvinism, and few Victorian men would cede all control to a woman.