Tandem bicycles are a rather unusual means of transportation for domestic latitudes. Such models are most in demand in developed European countries and are used mainly for suburban family walks.
Tandem bicycles contain a monolithic frame with two wheels. However, each rider here has its own steering wheel, pedals and saddle, taking a direct part in the management of the bike.
A brief excursion into history
The first tandem bicycle was made by the Danish inventor Michael Pedersen at the end of the 19th century. The author of the idea received a patent for development in 1894 after moving to England, where he launched an unusual line of two-wheeled vehicles in mass production.
The trial model, presented on the British market, weighed about 24 pounds, which is about 10 kg. Later, tandem bicycles of this type were actively used by the British military during the Second World War as a mobile, light vehicle.
A full-scale production of tandems, designed for a general consumer audience, was organized by the French company Lejeune and Gitane at the end of the last century. Since 1976, advanced models developed by Santana Cycles began to appear on the American market.
Frame
Unlike tandems, common in the 80s of the last century, modern models are characterized by increased stability, high strength and thoughtful design.
Today, buyers of such vehicles do not have to think about the features of the frame design, since absolutely all the solutions on the market fully correspond to the purpose.
To decide on a convenient frame, it is worth considering what routes will be moving. For this reason, it is recommended to make a small test run on several separate models, which will allow you to stay on the most comfortable solution.
Wheels
One of the most important parameters when buying a tandem, which should be given special attention, is the size of the wheels. Most comfortable urban-style models come with standard 26-inch rims. On road bikes, 28-inch wheels are more commonly installed.
A wide range of tires is available for standard wheels. Thick 26-inch rubber perfectly dampens vibration, which is an extremely important quality when traveling in tandem. Among other things, such tires are more difficult to pierce.
If you plan to use the tandem for high-speed driving or organizing long-distance trips, you should look closely, first of all, at 28-inch wheels. This tire diameter is in demand among professional racers.
Speed
How fast are tandem bikes? It would seem that such vehicles are extremely bulky. However, as practice shows, several unprofessional cyclists who simultaneously create traction on a two-seater model are able to overtake a trained rider, both on flat sections of the road and on a slope.
Even a children's tandem bike can get around a downhill sports bike. The increased weight of the riders and the effect of a single resistance to air flow make it possible for a twin vehicle to race off the hill in full steam.
Issue price
Tandems are a model of exclusivity. Therefore, such models are in demand among consumers who are striving for outstanding, original solutions.
How much will the tandem bike (Moscow) cost ? In the domestic market, the cost of bicycles designed for several riders starts at about 300 y. e. If a tandem is required for ordinary walks in the park, if you wish, you can find a cheaper, budget model. As for the high-strength and lightweight sports models designed for the implementation of serious tasks, their price is more than 1000. e.
Benefits
What are the advantages of a tandem bike? The feedback from the owners of such vehicles allows us to highlight the following:
- the absence of a problem with the lag of one of the riders, which is one of the main inconveniences in organizing joint trips on individual bicycles;
- the development of impressive speed both on flat areas and on the slopes with maintaining high stability of the bike;
- Reduced risk of wheel breakage and rim damage
- cyclists do not have to shout to communicate;
- if desired, one of the riders can rest while enjoying the ride in a relaxed state;
- during movement in tandem, a stronger rider can sit in front, which will allow you to pull the weak;
- exposure to the same air resistance as on a regular bicycle;
- if necessary, the pilot and the riders sitting behind can exchange seats, which will allow a more experienced cyclist to confidently control the bike on difficult sections of the track.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the tandems, it is worth noting the reduced maneuverability, due to the increased length of the frame. With a sudden stop, such models pass a greater braking distance compared to single models. Among other things, riders may experience certain difficulties when traveling over rough terrain.