How to Choose Tandem Bike | Buyers Guide 2022
Don’t want to ride your bicycle alone? Enjoy bike rides with a companion? Well, if this is who you are, then the tandem is just the right type of bike for you. This extraordinary bicycle not only offers you the opportunity to ride with a companion but also ensures that the ride is enjoyable.
And if you are interested to know more about this amazing cycle and then deciding whether you should buy it or not, you are in the right place. We have talked about how to choose tandem bike to consider before buying this cycle so that you never fail to score the best one for you.
How to Choose Tandem Bike: Everything You should Know
What Is a Tandem Bicycle?
In simple words, a tandem bike [or a twin, however you call it] is a two-person bike. It is a type of bicycle that is specially designed to accommodate more than one person. This incredibly fun bicycle is called “tandem” because of its sitting arrangements- as the seat saddles are placed fore to aft and not side by side, it is called a tandem rather than something else.
Because of these amazing sitting positions, you and your companion can ride your heart out together and have the fun of your life.
Features to Look for in a Tandem Bicycle
As a tandem is a specially designed bicycle, you must keep in mind a few things before making your purchase to buy just the right one for you and your companion. Let’s discuss these features so that buying a tandem becomes even easier.
Frame Materials
The frame of a tandem cycle matters. This is because the durability and the stability of this bicycle largely depend on the type of material used to construct its frame- the stronger the built, the better services you will get.
Different brands use different materials to build the frame. Some of the most common frame materials are:
Steel
One of the most common materials used to construct the frame of this bike is steel. As this material is solid, sturdy and stiffer than alloy material, tandem bikes made from steel are more durable and stronger than others.
However, as steel is an expensive material and offers extraordinary durability, tandem cycles made from it are a bit pricier than the others in the market.
Aluminum Alloy
Tandem bicycles made from aluminum alloy are hugely popular. This is because they are not only lightweight yet durable but at the same time, aluminum bikes are also inexpensive comparatively. Also, because of their lightweight nature, these bikes are easy to maneuver and fun to ride.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber frames are a dream for any tandem bike rider. This material is extremely strong yet exceptionally lightweight. However, as it is the most expensive frame material, the double seat bikes made from carbon fiber are the priciest of them all.
Frame Types
In addition to the frame material, you must also pay close attention to the frame type of your tandem cycle. The frame is crucial because it ensures you and your partner’s safety and your riding comfort.
Before buying, make sure that the frame is well-constructed with just the right components and accessories. Moreover, remember to check the maneuverability and safety features beforehand to have no possibilities for accidents and injuries.
Gear Systems
It would be best if you kept in mind that this bicycle is specially made for fun rather than speed and racing. And therefore, you shouldn’t expect top-notch speed and intensity from this type of cycle.
However, this doesn’t mean that you will not pay any attention to the gearing system of your tandem cycle. While buying, look for multiple gearing mechanisms with multiple speed levels so that you never feel a lack of speed whenever you are riding.
Even when you might not need such speed ranges in daily riding sessions, having them on your cycle won’t hurt.
Braking System
As you are riding a tandem bicycle with a companion, safety is one of the major concerns for you. And that’s why don’t hesitate to look for the best braking system whenever you select a double seat bicycle for your fun rides.
An excellent braking mechanism is a must because it offers incredible safety to both the riders and the pedestrians and provides you excellent control over your ride whenever needed.
Handlebar Style
The comfort of this bike largely depends on the position and the style of handlebar used on the cycle. For starters, if your main purpose of riding your bike is for fun and pleasure, then it’s best to go for handlebars that are positioned high.
A higher bar position also means that you won’t get tired or hurt your upper torso, even after long hours of riding.
Wheel Sizes
One thing you should keep in mind is that even though a tandem bike can accommodate two people at once, it has only two wheels to bear the weight of two riders. And therefore, the wheels of this two-person bike have to be stronger and sturdier than any other bicycle out there.
Before making your final buying decision check if the wheels of a tandem cycle have 40 or 48 spokes rather than the usual 28, 32, or 36 spokes to ensure maximum safety and riding fun.
Size and Adjustability
As a tandem is a bike for two, getting the right size bike might be a little too tricky. It’s not always that you and your riding companion would be of the same size, and therefore, can enjoy the best riding.
There are chances that your riding partner might be taller or shorter than you, and for such cases, you should get a tandem that comes with fully adjustable seat saddles.
The advantage of adjustability is that you and your riding partner can increase or decrease the saddle's height according to your needs to find a custom fit and enjoy the ride spontaneously.
Portability Option
If you are someone who loves to travel a lot, then you must look for the portability feature in the tandem before making your final call. Even though these bikes are larger in size and understandably weigh more than average, there are some models that can be assembled and dissembled effortlessly. Get such a model because they can be easily carried around to anywhere you go.
Skill Level
Even though you don’t need to extremely skillful to ride a tandem bike, you must still consider yours and your partners riding skill before investing in this cycle. As it requires at least one rider to be skillful for a smooth riding session, don’t forget to access both your riding skills before purchasing a tandem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Difficult to Ride a Tandem Bicycle?
Tandem is made for fun rides. And that’s why they are not hard to ride at all. Even if you are not a pro at riding bikes, you would still enjoy riding.
But then again, everyone is not the same. While some of you may find it extremely easy to ride, others might face some difficulties during their riding sessions.
What Is a Tandem Bicycle Used for?
A tandem is a two-seater bike, which means that it was specially designed to accommodate two people together to ride together for more fun. This bicycle is usually used for leisurely rides in the park or road so that riders can enjoy their time effectively.
Can One Person Ride a Tandem Bicycle?
Even though tandem is a bike for two-person, you can also ride it alone if needed. However, you have to be a little more careful while riding solo as the tail will be a bit light and might affect the balance sometimes.
Do Tandem Bicycles Go Faster?
A tandem is a family bike. However, suppose you have a range of gearing options and both you and your companion love speed. In that case, you can obviously increase the intensity of your pedaling and go faster for a speedy and fun riding session.
How Much Weight Can a Tandem Bicycle Hold?
Tandem is a bike for two, which means that it is by default designed to accommodate a high weight range. In general, this bicycle can hold up to 450 lbs. of users weight. But then again, some models in the market offer a higher weight limit to accommodate obese riders also.
How Do You Carry a Tandem Bicycle on a Car?
As this bicycle is larger than any normal bicycle out there, it might be quite difficult to carry it insider, your car unless you have a mini truck or a bigger car.
However, if it is really necessary to carry the bike with you while you travel, it’s the best option to adopt a bike carrier that would make it effortless to hold it in place while you are on the go.
Do Tandem Bicycles Have Gears?
Even though a tandem bike is made for fun and family ridings, it comes with a different gearing range to make sure that you can avail your required speed range and increase the fun of your ride by several notches.
Are Tandem Bicycles Fun?
The main reason for designing a tandem bike is to offer you a fun ride. As you ride throughout the city with a companion on the same bike, this cycle is extremely fun and enjoyable – all at the same time.
What Is the Back Seat of a Bicycle Called?
The most fun part of this bicycle is that both these seat saddles have different names. While the front one is called the captain, the back seat of a tandem cycle is known as a stoker or rear admiral.
How Do You Ride a 2 Person Bicycle?
Riding a tandem bicycle is quite easy if you know the right way and technique. The first thing you must get used to while riding this cycle is pedaling in sync. When you both have synchronized pedaling, everything else will fall into place. And, you will learn how to ride effortlessly.
Wrapping Up
Tandem bicycles are an excellent ride, especially if you are a couple who loves to do everything together. And now that you know everything about this two-seater bicycle, we can assume that buying one for yourself would be easier than ever before. So, don’t wait any longer. Grab your purse and get set go to bring your favorite tandem home.
