5 Best Tandem Bikes

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What is a tandem bike?

A tandem is a specialized bicycle that is generally designed and built for use by two riders simultaneously. The tandem bike comes outfitted with twin sets of handlebars, seat posts, and pedals making it convenient to be cycled by two riders at the same time. Tandems were used during the last decade of the 19th century for the first time but their popularity started waning following the end of WWII.

However, tandem bikes made a comeback in the 1960s and their use has gradually increased over the years. Though pedaling a road bike or a mountain bike can undoubtedly be fulfilling, cycling on a tandem offers an experience that is no less enjoyable and unparalleled. Both the front and back cyclist has to coordinate and communicate with each other to ride as well as steer the tandem effectively.

The advantages of using a tandem bike

• Allows partners with different riding abilities to coordinate-You may like to cruise on a bicycle whereas your other half or better half prefers slow, comfortable rides. Pedaling on a tandem allows you and your partner to test and make the most of individual coordination skills.
• The more the merrier-When you are cycling all by yourself, the onus of speeding up or slowing down is completely on you. However, when a bike is being used by two cyclists, it implies that there are two pairs of legs available for pedaling and steering which can contribute towards intensifying the speed.
• Rides are enjoyable and safe-Riding alone can make you feel unsafe, especially if you are a woman and commuting in a foreign country or in an unfamiliar territory. So, two heads are always better than one when it comes to cycling. At the same, riding in pairs means you’ve someone to converse with during the course of the trip or journey.
• A great way for children to learn cycling and riding safely
• An excellent option for handicapped who are not able to ride independently

The disadvantages

• Controlling a tandem needs exceptional coordination skills that many riders lack
• The tires on a tandem are highly prone to going flat
• Not easily transportable or storable
• Can be difficult to steer on rough and unpaved roads

The essential gears of a tandem bike

• Drivetrain-The drivetrain housed in a tandem usually features a dual crankset one at the front and the other at the rear. Both the sets are connected to each other by a timing chain on the rider’s left side to which the rear wheel is hooked up via another time chain lying on the right side of the cyclist.
• Crankset-The crankset at the front usually has a single chainring while the one at the back has multiple chainrings. The chainrings of the time chain that connects both the cranksets are of identical size to facilitate synchronized pedaling. The chain rings on the drivetrain of tandem bikes could either be equipped with a derailleur having several speed shifters or feature a single speed gear.
• Fork-The design or structure of a tandem bike determines the type of fork it will have. Manufacturers take into account the proportion of the total load that will be shared by the fork, frame, brake, and the wheels while deciding on the layout of the fork and the type of material to be used for fabricating the same. Forks in tandems are generally crafted from steel, aluminum, chromoly, and titanium.
• Stem and handlebars-There are two sets of handlebars and stems that are welded to the frame. The handlebars tend to be upright with drop down or upward curving bars.
• Wheels-As tandem bikes have to withstand loads of two riders along with the weight of the essentials they carry, it follows that these bikes have sturdy, high pressure tires fitted around robust rims, hardy tire tubes, and large number of spokes.
• Brakes-Tandems usually are fitted with mechanical disc brakes or drum brakes.

	Kulana Lua Single Speed Tandem 26” wheel, Yellow, 17"/Medium frame size	See Price
	Buddy Bike Family Classic 7 Speed	See Price
	Afar White 20" 24 Speed Dual Derailleur System Drive Family Foldable Tandem Bicycle	See Price
	Schwinn Twinn Tandem 20"/ one size Wheel Bicycle, Grey One Frame Size	See Price
	Kent Dual Drive 21 Speed Tandem Bicycle	See Price

1. Kulana Lua Single Speed Tandem 26” wheel, Yellow, 17″/Medium frame size

The Kulana Lua Single Speed Tandem is equipped with an array of versatile features that makes it an ideal bicycle for dual riders and at the same time it is remarkably affordable. The frame of the tandem has been chiseled out of Hi-Ten steel frame and the large, robust fork dampens out vibrations and shocks resulting from sudden impacts. The drivetrain comes with a single-speed shifter that allows both riders to cruise in tandem.

2. Buddy Bike Family Classic 7 Speed

The Family Classic 7 Speed is one of the most handy tandem bikes that you can use for commuting to work or fetching essentials from your local grocery store. This tandem bike seamlessly blends in eye-catching aesthetics with performance. At the core of the bicycle is a flaming orange aluminum frame to which an ergonomically arched handlebar, sturdy suspension fork, and a drivetrain with 7-speed Shimano Inter speed shifters are forged in.

3. Afar White 20″ 24 Speed Dual Derailleur System Drive Family Foldable Tandem Bicycle

Reinforced with a 20-inch chromium molybdenum alloy steel frame, the Afar White Family Foldable Tandem Bicycle is a sheer joy to ride. The Afar White is also one of the few tandem bikes that can be retracted down to a very small size for carrying and stowing away in automobiles, trains, airplanes, and boats. The drivetrain boasts of a 24-speed derailleur system that comes handy for shifting gears when riding on different terrains.

4. Schwinn Twinn Tandem 20″/ one size Wheel Bicycle, Grey One Frame Size

The Schwinn Twinn Tandem is a versatile tandem bike that comes with an aluminum frame typified by a low slip through bar at the rear which enables small size riders to fit comfortably. Additionally, this tandem bicycle comes outfitted with 21-speed Shimano EZ-fire trigger shifters coupled with a rear derailleur for shifting gears smoothly on each ride. Mechanical disc brakes come handy for coming to a stop or slowing down on any track or terrain.

5. Kent Dual Drive 21 Speed Tandem Bicycle

The Kent Dual Drive 21-Speed Tandem Bicycle sports a versatile frame constructed from durable material that allows both front and back riders to step through and pedal without difficulty. The drivetrain features 21-speed Shimano Revo Twist shifters for hassle-free gear shifting and the V-brakes attached on both the wheels aid in stopping almost instantaneously or slowing down. This tandem bike from Kent also features dual mounts for securing two water-bottles.