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 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 the 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 tell the Captain that they have no control on 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 2018
Kent Northwoods Dual Drive Tandem Bike
Claims and General Information
This Tandem Road Bike is green in color.
It has a very durable, cruiser style frame which is great for touring a foreign city.
This bike is made to be suitable for people of all heights because of its easy-to-access seat, which makes it simple for anyone to hop on to.
This Kent Northwood Tandem Bike also comes with extra wide tires.
Other than that, it also has linear pull V brakes.
Other interesting features of this Tandem bike include spring gel saddles and water bottle holders.
When it arrives at your doorstep, you will have to mount the bike yourself.
The bike is best suited for one small (Stoker) and one large rider (Captain).
Reviews
It is safe to say that this Tandem Bike is very easy to assemble. You can do it yourself with no trouble, but if you are unsure or have never assembled a bike before, you can simply take it to your local bike shop as well.
Despite easy assembly, the bike must be taken to a mechanic for gear shifting and brake adjustment.
Unfortunately, this bike has really poor-quality wheels. It is recommended that you get them changed.
Everything else in this Tandem Bike, including the frame, the brakes, and the shifters, are of good quality. We can assure you that they will last you a decent while.
Even so, if any feature of the original Tandem bike is not suited for you, you can easily get it upgraded from your local mechanic.
Overall, the bike is very cheap and is great value for money. You should totally give it a try if you are a newbie.
What we Liked
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Cheap
What we Disliked
- Poor quality wheels
Pacific Dualie Tandem Bicycle
Claims and General Information
This Tandem bike has a very sturdy Steel Frame.
The Pacific Dualie Tandem Bike also boasts of a 21-speed twist shifter for shifting.
It has lightweight and strong alloy wheels.
The bike also features linear pull brakes which are also made of alloy.
Because of the alloy crank, the Bike also has a wide range of gear shifting.
For the ease of the user, this Tandem bike also comes partially assembled.
It weighs a total of 59 pounds.
Reviews
Because this bike comes partially assembled, it is really easy to put together on your own.
This Tandem bike is also easy to get a hang of and therefore easy to ride as well.
The bike is quite sturdy and can easily hold one large and one slightly smaller person without being unstable.
The seats of this Tandem bike are quite uncomfortable, though. You might want to invest a little more money and replace them with better seats.
The bike is quite durable and will last you a decent while.
The Stoker riding this bike should not be too tall since it will be difficult for him or her to adjust on the seat.
The rest of the bike can also be upgraded according to the preferences of the riders.
Overall, this bike is quite cheap and good value for money.
What we Liked
- Easy to assemble
- Durable and Sturdy
- Cheap
What we Disliked
- Uncomfortable seats
Giordano Viaggio Tandem Road Bike 20″
Claims and General Information
This Tandem bike has a lightweight Aluminium frame.
The bike has a 20-inch frame in the front and a 16-inch frame at the rear end.
It consists of powerful Shimano STI integrated shifters.
This bike also features responsive alloy pull brakes.
This Giordano Bike also consists of smooth riding tires.
There are also sturdy, resin pedals on this bike.
This bike comes in either white or blue color.
It weighs a total of 42.5 pounds.
Reviews
The bike must be assembled after it arrives at your home.
We recommend you ask a mechanic for assistance if you have no experience in assembling a bike by yourself.
The frame of this bike is very sturdy. It is good enough to hold a large captain and a slightly smaller stoker.
It can be upgraded according to the preference of the riders.
This Tandem bike is best suited for a tall Captain and a short Stoker. After trying it out first, you will need to tune it according to your preferences.
Overall, this Tandem Bike is very cheap and good value for money.
What we Liked
- Sturdy
- Cheap
What we Disliked
- Tricky to assemble on your own
- Will need to be tuned according to the riders’ builds
26” Kulana Lua Tandem Bike
Claims and General Information
This Tandem bike has a steel frame and an over sized fork for extra sturdiness.
This tandem bike also boasts of having ergonomic seats.
The handlebars of this tandem bike are really easy to reach.
This tandem bike also has a powerful rear coaster brake.
It is good for us in any weather because of its front and rear fenders.
You can ride this bike on almost any kind of landscape, including light trails.
Reviews
Assembling the bike might take some time because of its poorly instructed manual. You will find it useful to take the bike to your local bike shop for assembly without hassle.
The bike itself is really sturdy and can withstand a decent amount of weight.
It also consists of powerful brakes.
While pedaling, the Captain will need to adjust his feet on the pedals so that they do not brush against the tires. This is quite painful and irritating for the Captain.
The kickstand of this bike also needs to be sturdier.
The fenders that are supposed to protect you from any weather conditions are quite flimsy and don’t really add much to the bike.
You will need to tune the bike so that both the riders sit well without any discomfort.
You can replace all the undesirable features and upgrade this tandem bike according to your needs.
This tandem bike is really fun and safe for children too.
Overall, this Tandem bike is quite cheap and decent value for money as well.
What we Liked
- Powerful brakes
- Sturdy
- Safe for children
- Cheap
What we Disliked
- Tricky assembling
- Badly positioned front pedals
- Flimsy fenders
Schwinn Twinn Tandem 20”
Claims and General Information
This tandem bike comes with an aluminium frame, which makes it lightweight and easy to travel with.
Unlike most other Tandems, this bike is great for short and tall riders.
This Schwinn Tandem Bike boasts of an extended gear range and smooth shifting.
It consists of mechanical disc brakes which provide the bike with great stopping power.
You have great control over the bike as maneuvering it is quite easy.
This Tandem bike also has ergonomic seating along with a strong and steady grip.
This tandem bike weighs a total of 47 pounds.
Reviews
This Tandem bike is quite easy to assemble yourself. If you do not feel up to the task though, it is best that you take it to an experienced mechanic or someone who is good at assembling bikes.
You might also want to adjust and upgrade the bike according to your and your partner’s needs for the smoothest riding experience.
The positions of the pedals in this bike is such that they may hit the ground when you are on a bumpy road.
The gears on this bike are great and it shifts really well.
There are good brakes on this bike as well.
You will want to keep the total weight on this bike well below 400 pounds because it might become unstable and dangerous. It might be an inconvenience but we believe that 400 pounds are pretty good weight for a cheap tandem bike to handle.
Overall, this bike is quite cheap and decent value for money.
What we Liked
- Easy to assemble
- Hold a decent amount of weight
- Good brakes
- Cheap
What we Disliked
- Badly positioned pedals
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.