Sometimes riding a bike alone gets boring, especially if you do it regularly. So why not do it with someone else? With the exciting experience that comes with tandem bikes, there is no chance that you will get bored riding along the beaches or in the park. Today there are lots of tandem bikes that you will find when looking for one to buy, and it gets tricky handpicking the best of them.
Schwinn Twinn Tandem Large Bicycle
7-Speed Tandem Bike with A Low Step Frame
This amazing tandem bike has a low step frame to make it easy for you to get on and off the bike. It offers maximum comfort and style when riding. The 7-speed gear provides smooth shifting with the caliper brakes delivering excellent stopping. The saddles are comfortable and stylish, while the wheels are rugged for fast rolling.
In this guide, we will go through the best tandem bikes you can buy. But before delving into that, below are factors to keep in mind to get the best of them.
Choosing The Best Tandem Bike
Frame Quality
Among the things that you’d want to be cautious about when choosing any bike is the frame and the overall sturdiness of the bike skeleton. The quality and strength of the frame should be strong enough to hold two people and any other pressure that comes with peddling it. Frame quality can also define the durability of the bike and you’d want to get a sturdy one that will guarantee you durability and value for money.
Transmission
Tandem bikes are designed differently on how the transmission and pedaling works. Tandem bikes can either be of single speed transmission or a derailleur. In simple terms, you can have a bike that is more manual and requires the effort of two people to pedal it or one that uses specialized gearing system that is easier to pedal even when one person gets tired faster. The specialized gearing system will also come in handy in a hilly slope where one would have needed a lot of energy to pedal.
Wheels & Tires
Wheels of any bike have an impact on the overall performance and what to expect from the bike. Since the wheels are designed differently, a lot is to be expected from the different bikes in the market. One should focus on getting a bike with wheels that can stand the weight and offer good durability. The number of spokes on the wheels will also vary and you can find some bikes with 40 spokes and some tough ones with 48 spokes. Bike tires too have ratings which means that there is a certain weight limit that they can hold.
Convenience
Lastly, you’d want a bike that is easy to operate when two people are onboard. Tandem bikes are different in the way it is controlled since two people control it. Knowing when to peddle and when to brake is one issue that many tandem bikes fail to address. The braking should also be strong enough to counter the force and momentum that comes with the tandem bike. With various technologies like the use of linear pull brakes, this has become easier than ever.
Best Tandem Bikes 2022 To Buy
After long hours of rigorous research and combing through dozens of tandem bikes, here are some that will blow your mind.
7. Janizy City Tandem Folding Bicycle
Price: High price tag.
Special features: Thickened wall tubes, strong bearing capacity, foldable, high braking sensitivity, 7-speed adjustable gear system.
Bike Weight: 64 pounds.
Are you looking for a tandem bike for those leisurely strolls with your loved one? Then, you should get the Janizy City Tandem Folding Bicycle that has been optimized with thickened walls to offer the right support. With its strong bearing capacity, this tandem bike will keep you safe and make your rides enjoyable. The large wheels cushion your ride and allow you to navigate through rough terrains with ease. Wondering how you will be able to transport the bike to your riding location? Well, worry no more. This bike has a foldable design to make it easy for you to put the bike on your trunk and take it to travel.
The front fork has been thickened to increase the carrying capacity of the bike. This way, it can comfortably accommodate you and your riding partner, as well as any cargo you may have. The frame structure has been optimized to make it easier for the front-riding individual to get to board and get off the bike. Its 7-speed adjustable gear system allows you to power through different riding locations with ease. The braking system is highly sensitive to ensure you can bring the bike to a break when need be. All these features make this bike the best tandem bike you can get to improve the relationship and feeling of love with your partner.
Pros and Cons
- The thickened wall frame makes the bike strong and durable.
- It has a disc brake system that ensures smooth braking.
- Fast folding design saves spaces and allows you to fit the bike in the trunk of your car.
- It has a high price tag.
6. 26″ Kulana Lua Cruiser Spring Saddles Tandem Bike
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Comfortable cruiser saddles, HI-Ten cruiser frame, whitewall tires.
Bike Weight: Around 60 pounds.
Kulana Lua is a stylishly designed yellow tandem bike with strikingly cool rims that make it stand out from the rest. It is designed with extra large and comfy cruiser saddles which are mounted nicely on the HI-Ten cruiser frame. The frame, as well as the whole metallic structure of this tandem bike, is very sturdy which makes it durable.
Another thing that makes this bike lovable by many people is the fact that it has a good sitting position that makes the users feel comfortable all through. The integrated coast baking system is excellent and works perfectly regardless of the weather or road condition. It is a good entry level tandem bike that does what it promises.
Pros and Cons
- It comes with a stylish and beautiful design.
- The tandem bike offers good value for the money.
- The quality could use some improvements.
5. Kulana Lua 7-Speed Tandem
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Single Pedal, Hi Ten steel structure, Single – 7 speeds, Large cruiser spring seat, front & rear brakes.
Bike Weight: 66 pounds.
Yet another bike by Kulana Lua that closely rivals its own is this affordable single to seven-speed tandem bike that is operated using a 7-speed transmission. It is constructed from Hi Ten steel which makes it very sturdy and durable. Versatility and convenience is something that has been well thought in the design of this tandem bike, and you can count on it to deliver on that. To add to the convenience and ease of use the fenders and extra large cruiser spring seat is in place.
You will hardly come across a tandem bike that is this good and comes at such a low price as this one.
Pros and Cons
- The tandem bike is convenient and easy to operate.
- Regid and reliable.
- Some users feel that it is a bit heavy.
4. Giordano Duetto Tandem Road Bike
Price: High priced.
Special features: 6061 aluminum frame, 16 speed transmission.
Bike Weight: 53 pounds.
Giordano Duetto Tandem Road Bike is an attractive grey designed bike that is designed using a 6061 high grade aluminum frame which ensures it remains lightweight while maintaining excellent quality and durability. With the rear derailleur, pedaling couldn’t be easier and more convenient even on a hill climb.
Almost every part of this bike is serviceable and you can expect good quality service for a long time from it. It is a highly priced tandem bike in the market.
Pros and Cons
- It is sturdy and of excellent quality.
- The tandem bike offers good value for the money.
- The bike is very expensive than most in the market.
3. Kent International Tandem Bike
Price: Affordable.
Special features: Aluminum frame, large tires, 21 speed, double-wall alloy rims, linear-pull brake system.
Bike weight: 50 pounds.
The Kent International Tandem Bike is exactly what you need to have fun with a loved one on two wheels. This best tandem bike has been built with an aluminum frame to ensure it is strong and can accommodate the two of you when riding. The tires are large to provide you with adequate support as you ride through different terrains.
With a 21-speed gear system, this tandem bike is super fast and can power through difficult terrains with ease. The handlebar is perfectly positioned to you and your partner are comfortable when riding. The seats are padded to eliminate any discomfort that will prevent you and your partner from having a good time. When you need to brake, the linear-pull brake style ensures smooth braking even at high speed. A bottle carrier has been fitted on each rider frame that you can use to carry water and other refreshments when riding.
Pros and Cons
- The strong aluminum frame provides adequate support.
- The large wheels provide adequate cushioning on tough terrains.
- The linear-pull brake system ensures smooth braking
- The bike doesn’t come with assembly instructions.
2. Pacific Dualie Tandem Bicycle
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: 21 speed derailleur, Alloy wheels, Alloy linear pull breaks.
Bike Weight: 59.8 pounds.
Pacific Dualie is a 26 inch tandem bicycle designed with a steel mountain style frame to make it durable. The bike is actually easy to assemble and takes some minutes, thanks to the handy manual it comes with. The alloy wheels and the linear pull brakes ensure convenient and easy control of the bike. Riding on this tandem bike is a breeze, thanks to the 21 speed index twist shifters it comes with.
Whether you want to go riding around the neighborhood or spend some family time riding in the park, this is a good bike that won’t disappoint.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to assemble.
- The tandem bike is very comfortable and convenient.
- The saddles could be of better quality.
1. Schwinn Twinn Tandem Large Bicycle
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: 21-speed, Mechanical disc brakes, Ergonomic grips.
Bike Weight: 47 pounds
Schwinn Twinn Tandem is a large tandem bicycle that is designed with quality materials and has an extra low step-thru rear bar which makes it suitable for smaller riders. It is the best selling tandem bike one can find today. Weighing only 47 pounds, it is one of the lightest tandem bikes in the market.
It is not the cheapest tandem bicycle in its class, but nothing else comes close to it when it comes to quality and performance. It comes highly recommended and guaranteed to give you good value for the money.
Pros and Cons
- The tandem bike is easy to assemble.
- It comes with a high customer rating than any other tandem bicycle in the market.
- Some users feel that the pedal needs to be adjusted to avoid touching the ground.
Final Verdict
Tandem bikes have reinvented bike riding by making it more fun for couples and buddies to have more fun pedaling. Listed above are some of the best tandem bikes that one can find in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is A Tandem Bike?
A: A tandem bike, as the name suggests is a bike that is designed to be used by two people. It is much longer than the usual solo bikes and has two seats and two pedals for each of the rider. The only resemblance with a solo bike is that they both have two wheels and a single handlebar (steering).
Q: How Long Is A Tandem Bike?
A: Although tandem bikes are made by different manufacturers, their conventional layout, wheelbase, and overall length are almost within the same range. Tandem bikes are almost 96 inches in total length which is around 2.4 meters. Although there are some that may have a different length based on the design, most of them will be within this range.
Q: Are Tandem Bikes Faster Than Solo Bikes?
A: Tandem bikes are designed with a combo transmission system which lets two people pedal at the same time. This theoretically increases the power input and since it is a single bike, the momentum is increased hence the tandem bike is much faster. The combined pedaling effort will also make work easier and users will feel less effort.
Q: Can One Person Ride A Tandem Bike?
A: Since tandem bikes are meant to be used by two people, they are longer and much heavier than normal solo bikes. From a control point, a single person can ride a tandem bike, but it is not as easy and flexible as riding a solo bike. This is because of the added weight which demands more peddling energy and more attention to control.
Q: How Much Weight Can A Tandem Bike Hold?
A: The weight factor is something that is usually considered by every bicycle manufacturer. The frame sturdiness, wheels and tires are some of the things that affect the weight capacity of a bike. While most standard solo bikes are capable of holding up to 300 lbs, tandem bikes can hold up to around 550 pounds. Of course, there are those that are below this and other sturdier ones beyond this.
