Best Tandem Bikes Under $500 Reviews : Top 5 Picks Of Tandem Bikes

We usually see Tandem bikes in movies and on the TV. A romantic couple is usually riding it in a foreign city. As a child, it was one of those things I wanted with all my heart!

But most of us don’t really see tandem bikes on the streets everywhere we go. So naturally, it is understandable if most of us don’t have any significant information about them.

So in this review, we will be discussing some things you should know about Tandem bikes, and then we will discuss reviews of some of the best Tandem bikes you can buy.

Structure of a Tandem Bike

Let us start by talking about the structure of a Tandem Bike. After this, you will hopefully notice some significantly noticeable changes in the structure of a Tandem Road Bike and that of a Normal Mountain Bike:

Frame:

Remember that a Tandem Bike must be strong enough to withstand the weight of two people on it. This is why the tubing and struts of a Tandem Bike are extra thick.

There are two commonly used materials that make a Tandem Bike: Steel and Aluminium. Steel Bikes are naturally much heavier than Aluminum Bikes. Other, more expensive materials like Titanium can also be used for fancier bikes.

Wheels:

The size of the wheels of a Tandem Bike is usually the same as a normal Mountain Bike or a Fixed Gear Bike. The difference lies in the spoke count and the width, both of which are greater than those of other Bikes.

The higher spoke count and increased width make it easier to balance the bike, reduces the chances of a flat and reinforces the bike to easily carry the load of two people.

Serial	Name	Rating	Price	Reviews
1	Schwinn Twinn Tandem 20”	4.3	$$$	Review
2	Pacific Dualie Tandem Bicycle	4.1	$$	Review
3	Kent Northwoods Dual Drive Tandem Bike	4.0	$$	Review
4	Giordano Viaggio Tandem Road Bike	3.8	$$	Review
5	26” Kulana Lua Tandem Bike	4.0	$$$	Review

Extra Powerful Features:

Tandem Bikes are easily customizable according to the preferences of each rider. You can easily choose and fit the seats and handlebars of your choice.

Many Tandem Bikes also come with other powerful features like powerful disc brakes and enhanced mirrors.

Why Should You Ride a Tandem Bike?

According to movies and TV, Tandem road bikes are super cute and romantic. You can ride them with your partner and have tons of fun.

But riding on two single Hybrid bikes or Mountain Bikes is also quite cute, no?

Yes, they are but many times, you wish to go riding with your partner but you know that there is a significant difference in ability in the way you both ride. One of you is exceptionally good while the other struggles to catch up. In this way, touring becomes less fun.

A Tandem Bike, therefore, gives the pleasure of riding with your partner when you are touring a city without feeling the pressure of keeping up with them.

Terminology Of Riders Used By Tandem Bike Riders

Captain:

The Captain is the front rider. It is preferable that the Captain be the rider with the heavier stature. He or she has most of the control over the bike. He or she also decides the turning and the speed of the bike.

Stoker:

The Stoker is the rear rider of a Tandem Bike. He or she is usually of smaller stature than the Captain. The Stoker is supposed to give a boost of speed to the bike. The Stoker is also the entertainer and the one who definitely has more fun with sightseeing.

How To Properly Ride a Tandem Bike

The key to riding a Tandem Bike with zero problems is communication. Just like any other new thing you pick up, riding a Tandem Bike with ease will also need some getting used to.  But this really won’t take long if you communicate with your partner.

Most commonly, it is the Captain who should be yelling commands. Before starting the ride, the Captain should always ask the Stoker if they are ready so both of them start at the same time.

He or she should tell the Stoker when to turn, when to give a boost, and when to brake. Other common things that the Captain should communicate to the Stoker are when there is a bump in the road when they want to cruise when they want to slow down, and when they need to shift gears.

The Stoker should obey the commands of the Captain and not try to take control of the bike by himself. Other than that, in case the pedals of the bike are out of the Stoker’s control, he or she should not try to take control.

Instead, it is best that the Stoke tells the Captain that they have no control over the pedals so the Captain can pull the brakes and start riding again when both the riders are in sync.

Since Tandem Bikes take some time getting used to and in the process might damage them quite a bit, It is best that newbies buy Cheap Tandem bikes first. Another option is buying a Tandem bike on sale, a or a second-hand Tandem Bike from someone you know.

You should only invest in a high-end Tandem Bike like a Cannondale Tandem Bike after you have gained enough experience to ride with your partner smoothly.

Advantages Of Riding a Tandem Bike

So what exactly is so awesome about riding a Tandem Bike? Let’s see:

Speed: A Tandem Bike is much faster than a Mountain Bike or a Hybrid Bike since there are two people doing the pedaling.

Safety: They are also really safe because of the width of the tires and the thick tubing.

Lightness: Aluminium Tandem Bikes are super light. But, Tandem Bikes are also some of the best foldable bikes as well which makes you awesome for carrying when you are touring with your partner.

Easier Communication: On two separate bikes, you sometimes have to shout to make the other person hear you over the noise of the streets and the traffic. On a Tandem Bike, you are close enough to talk without yelling.

Togetherness: You may be a professional cyclist and your partner may be a rookie; a Tandem Bike will ensure that you stay together all the time. Also, a two-seater Tandem bike is a lot more fun that side-by-side riding with your partner.

Disadvantages Of Using a Tandem Bike

Naturally, there are some major disadvantages to having a Tandem bike as well:

Difficult Turns: Tandem Bikes are not easy to maneuver and it may take months of practice till you ace difficult turns.

Bumpy Roads: This can be attributed to the maneuvering as well but it is much more difficult to avoid bumps and ditches than it is on Mountain Bikes and Fixed Gear Bikes.

Portability: Unless you own a foldable Tandem Bike, it is really difficult to pack it when you are traveling.

Spare Parts: As we mentioned before, Tandem Bikes are not exactly common. This is why it is not easy to find their spare parts.

Expectations From The Bikes We are Reviewing

All the bikes we will be reviewing are cheap Tandem bikes which are really good for cruising. If you are in search of a high-end tandem bike with high-quality features then we suggest you look elsewhere.

That said, the Tandem Road bikes we will be reviewing will hold perfectly as men’s cruiser bikes with a riding partner. You will attract all the attention a cute couple on a tandem bike should and you will have a lot of fun.

The Best Tandem Road Bikes

• Kent Northwoods Dual Drive Tandem Bike
• Pacific Dualie Tandem Bicycle
• Giordano Viaggio Tandem Road Bike
• 26” Kulana Lua Tandem Bike
• Schwinn Twin Tandem 20”

Reviews Of The Best Tandem Bikes 2020

Conclusion

All the tandem bikes we have reviewed are great for cruising with a partner. If you are able to travel with them, they are excellent for touring foreign cities. They are quite cheap, all of them around $500, so they won’t put a dent in your pocket either. You basically get to try out something new and fun within a budget.

All these bikes will get your attention from the onlookers and you will have loads of fun too!

If we have to pick a personal favorite, it would undoubtedly be the Giordano Viaggio Tandem Road Bike.