Tandem Bikes – Definitive Buying Guide- Latest Bestsellers Only

The awesome benefits of cycling are well known – a healthy heart, increased strength, better sleep, increased brain power, a faster, environment friendly commute, a great stress buster – to name just a few. The added benefit is that tandem cycling is double the fun!

Why Tandem Bikes

Everyone knows that tandem biking is fun, and it looks really cool too, but what are the real pros and cons of riding a tandem bike with a partner? This guide will give you a great overview of what its like to go in for a tandem bike.

Good for Two

Built for two, it is great for partners of unequal cycling strength. Both riders can get the ride they want. It is great to coax a recovering patient out in the open with this exercise that can be as light or strenuous as required. Tandems are also great for those who are visually impaired or physically inhibited in any way. The support system is always present. Parents introducing their children to cycling can move ahead with the confidence that they are doing so in a safe environment. No one gets left behind!

Twice the Fun

Going tandem allows both riders to enjoy the ride. It is relaxing and allows both riders to share responsibility (though the captain has be vigilant). It builds confidence as well.

No Shouting

Since both riders are seated so close to each other, there is no need to shout. It is especially easy to chat when both riders are moving in the same rhythm.

Go green!

With zero fuel costs and low maintenance, going tandem doubles your contribution to going green.

More Powerful

A tandem cycle is more powerful than a solo bike, whether is going up the steep hills, or coasting down an undulating road. Going tandem can allow one upto 50% more speed than when cycling solo on a flat road. Tandem biks are great for flat terrain and for going downhill, and are good wind resistant bikes, since there are two of you against the wind

Get Noticed!

Going tandem is a great way to have kids wave out to you, to have couples smile and for other riders to give you the thumbs up as they pass you. You also get extra room for overtaking! It is a great conversation starter, you can count on folks coming up t you to know more about your bike and how you manage.

Great Teamwork

Both riders, the captain and the stroker, have to contribute to the cycle moving ahead easily. While one provides pedal power, the other will have to steer over potholes and bumps over the road.  It enhances togetherness, and I bonding between two – a parent and child being a good example.

The Tandem Cycle Itself

One tandem cycle for two is lighter than having two bikes, it takes up less space and keeps the weight down for air travel or on the back of your car. You need fewer spares and the chances of getting a flat are reduced by half

On the Flip Side

Getting to Handle It

The tandem bike is heavier than a solo bike, maneuvering it will require practice, up and down curbs and through traffic. It won’t be as easy to cart the tandem bike up and down the stairs, especially when loaded.

Wheels

You will require stronger wheels/tyres to go on tour/carry the weight of two.

Going Uphill

While tandems can climb, you will have to put in more effort to go uphill, in most cases you might have to get off and push the bike up.

More storage space required

A tandem bike will require slightly more space than two solo bikes, and it will not be a very easy item to store while flying. Though airlines are usually guided by weight, it will still be an awkward package to handle.

Choosing the right Tandem Bike

Do remember that tandem cycles come in as many varieties as a solo bike depending on the duration and where you are likely to ride. Once you have decided on these factors, the following will help you decide the best tandem bike to suit your requirements.

Frames

Tandem bikes today are stable, efficient and comfortable to ride. Frame design will depend on what kind of bike you want – a tourer, cruiser or a mountain bike.

Tandem bikes are relatively heavy, and this will have to be kept in mind while choosing the right frame. The frame should be a right fit for two. There should be enough distance between the two riders while not making the bike too long.

Material

Since tandem bikes are naturally heavy, the material of the bike is an important factor to consider. A novice had better steer off a steel bike, and opt for a lighter aluminum bike. You can choose models made from high-end steel, aluminum, titanium, and even carbon

Wheel Size

This is probably the most important factor to consider in buying a tandem cycle. The most common sizes available are the 26 inch one or the 700c wheels. While the 26 incher is good for comfort, off-road and all terrain bikes, the 700cc is good for pavement riding.

However, the 26 inch wheels work well on pavements as well. Since the 26 inch wheels are fatter, they absorb road shocks well resulting in a smooth ride. This wheel is usually preferred for all round tandem riding.

The lighter, faster and more efficient 700cc wheels, on the other hand, are great for long distance touring and racing.

Maintenance

The more the add ons on a bike, the more the maintenance they will require. If you are just starting off, go easy on the accessories. A few gears, depending on the place where you plan to cycle in tandem, should suffice in the early stages. Once you are confident about the terrain, an bike can always be upgraded.

Common Features

Like with a solo bike, do remember to pay attention to other details such as suspension seatpost, adjustable rear stem, roomy bars, clipless pedals easy gears and excellent brakes. A significant advantage of tandem cycles is that you can mix and match components to choose both riders.

Suspension seatposts, for example, smoothen out the bumps on the road for both riders. Different handlebars at the front and the back provide flexibility to both riders – flat handlebars providing an upright riding position while drop handlebars allow a more aerodynamic riding position to hit top speeds and fight headwinds. A triple cranksets with low gearing will makes climbing easier and handlebar-mounted shift levers will allow shifting without removing your hands from the bars.

As in all the features above, comfort and safety are paramount.

Trial Run

Both riders should be present for a trial run of the bike. It is important that both are comfortable on the bike as both will have to travel long distances on the cycle. Adjustments can be made to give you and your partner the optimum fit.

Top 10 Best Tandem Bikes - Latest Bestsellers

Check out the Top 10 Best Tandem Bikes of 2019, which are also the latest bestsellers. When you choose one of these Tandem Bikes you not only choose the best, you also get the best price.

If you love to be out there in the great wide open, you will love the Top 10 in American Outdoors and American Outdoor Sports. Make your choice and head out already!