What are tandem bicycles?

Tandem bicycles are a rather unusual means of transportation for domestic latitudes. The greatest demand for such models are used in developed European countries and are used primarily for country family walks.

Bicycle-tandems contain a monolithic frame with two wheels. However, each rider here has a separate steering wheel, pedals and a saddle, taking a direct part in running the bike.

A short excursion into the history

The first bicycle-tandem was made by the Danish inventor Michael Pedersen at the end of the 19th century. The author of the idea received the patent for development in 1894 after moving to England, where he launched an unusual line of two-wheeled vehicles into batch production.

The trial model, presented in 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, easy means of transportation.

The full-scale release 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 have begun to appear on the American market.

Frame

Unlike the tandem, 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 design features of the frame, since absolutely all the solutions presented on the market fully correspond to the purpose.

To determine the convenient frame, it is worth considering, on what routes will be moving. For this reason, it is recommended to make a small test run on several separate models, which will allow to stay at 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 models are equipped with standard 26 inch diameter rims. On road bikes are more often established wheels in the size of 28 inches.

For wheels of the standard sample, the widest choice of tires is available. Thick 26-inch rubber perfectly attenuates vibration, which is an extremely important quality when traveling on tandem. Among other things, such tires are harder to pierce.

If the tandem is planned to be used for high-speed driving or organizing long distance trips, it is necessary to look first of all at wheels with the size of 28 inches. It is this diameter tires that are in demand among professional racers.

Speed

How fast are tandem bicycles? It would seem that such vehicles are extremely cumbersome. However, as practice shows, several non-professional 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 downhill.

Even a children's bicycle-tandem can bypass the sports highway bike on the downhill. The increased weight of riders and the impact of single resistance to the air flow make it possible for the dual vehicle to rush from the hill on all pairs.

Price of issue

Tandems are a model of exclusivity. Therefore, such models are in demand among consumers who are chasing after uncommon, original solutions.

How much will the bicycle tandem cost (Moscow)? 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 desired, you can find a cheaper, budget model. As for high-strength and lightweight sports models intended for the realization of serious tasks, their price is more than 1000 y. E.

Benefits

What are the advantages of a bicycle-tandem? Feedback from owners of such vehicles allows us to distinguish the following:

• No problem with the lag of one of the riders, which is one of the main disadvantages when organizing joint trips on individual bicycles;
• The development of impressive speed both on flat sections and on descents with preservation of high stability of the bike;
• Reduced risk of breaking the wheels and damaging the discs;
• For communication cyclists do not have to shout;
• If desired, one of the riders can rest, enjoying the trip in a relaxed state;
• In the course of travel on tandem, a stronger rider can be placed in front, which will pull the weak;
• The impact of the same air resistance as on an ordinary bicycle;
• If necessary, the pilot and the rider sitting behind can exchange places, which will allow the more experienced cyclist to confidently manage the bike on difficult sections of the route.

If we talk about the shortcomings of tandems, it is worth noting reduced maneuverability, which is explained by the increased length of the frame. With a sharp stop, these models go through a longer braking distance compared to single-seat models. Among other things, riders may experience certain difficulties when traveling on rough terrain.