| Tandem Bikes are two-seater bicycles, and although | | | | the bike, the cyclists need to practice stopping and also |
| not as common, tandems are also available in a three | | | | swinging wider around turns. |
| seater as well. | | | | Also, tandems are considerably longer than a regular |
| With a tandem bike, each rider works equally to propel | | | | bike, so you won't be able to carry one on your car |
| the bike, as one long chair runs through both sets of | | | | using a standard rear-mount or roof rack. With a |
| pedals to drive the rear wheel. | | | | tandem bike, you will probably need to buy a carrier as |
| Here are the three most common reasons that a | | | | well. |
| cyclist or cyclists chose to ride a tandem bike over a | | | | Many of the tandem bikes available are in the range of |
| solo bike: | | | | $1500 or more. If this tandem bike is going to be the |
| 1. Couples that enjoy riding together but who have | | | | main bike for adults and they ride quite often year |
| different levels of strength and stamina chose a | | | | after year, it is important to ask questions and get a |
| tandem bike because it forces compromise in riding | | | | bike that handles heavier adults and heavy-duty |
| speeds and allows them to always be together or to | | | | cycling. This even applies to purchasing any single-use |
| keep up with the group. | | | | bicycle for any serious cyclists. |
| 2. A person with a disability who cannot ride a bike on | | | | However, if used as a family cycle or with young |
| their own would get all the benefits of cycling that they | | | | children, there are many well-made tandem bikes or |
| couldn't experience on their own. By riding with another | | | | "cruiser" type tandems that are relatively inexpensive |
| cyclist who can take the lead and perhaps make any | | | | and are equally safe and comfortable as the more |
| riding decisions, it also builds a relationship of trust and | | | | expensive versions. |
| is a wonderful experience for the lead cyclist as well. | | | | Riding a tandem bike with a friend, mate or children is a |
| 3. Young children of cyclists are not usually capable of | | | | wonderful bonding experience. You can visit parks and |
| keeping up with the adult and/or are not mature or | | | | parts of your neighborhood and actually discuss what |
| experienced enough to handle traffic or road limitations. | | | | you see as you are riding. It can be a great learning |
| By riding a tandem the child gets the full benefit of | | | | experience for all the riders while gaining the emotional |
| cycling as well as learn the benefits of family activities. | | | | and physical benefits of cycling. With a little bit of |
| The feel of riding on a tandem is different than riding | | | | practice, riding tandem can be mastered and open up |
| solo. A tandem bike is considerably heavier, and has a | | | | a new world of cycling for many that would prefer the |
| much longer wheel base, therefore; practicing with your | | | | company or are not capable of riding alone. |
| tandem partner on a quiet street or in a parking lot is | | | | Seriously, give it some thought - tandem biking may be |
| highly suggested. Because of the size and weight of | | | | the route for you. Happy Cycling! |