Best Tandem Bike Reviews 2018 for You & Your Valentine
Have you ever been bike riding along with a friend on separate bikes and had to yell over traffic noise to ask a question? More than likely, you have. Or, have you ever gone on a date riding separate bikes with your spouse and got stuck waiting for a car to move, and they had to wait so both of you could catch up to one another? Probably so, right? That can be frustrating.
And so you’re a little annoyed with riding separately or not being able to stay connected and looking to consolidate? Well, tandem bike riding is the best solution to your problems.
If you are one half of a couple and you both secretly share an obsession for bikes, then a tandem bike is definitely what you need. When compared to single bikes, you can find an array of advantages including a bit more speed.
A tandem bike is able to compensate for the weight and the power of two riders, rather than just one. This makes a tandem bike able to go faster than a solo bike. However, you may find it a bit more difficult when it comes time to ride uphill.
One of the biggest issues to keep in mind before purchasing a tandem bike is how you are going to store and transport it because tandem bikes are much larger than single bikes. You may be able to find a tandem bike option with couplings that make it easier to break down the frame when you need to store it. However, this kind of feature may cause the price of the bike to raise much higher than a beginner may be willing to pay.
It is also recommended that you go on a test ride with a tandem bike before choosing so you can get a feel for it. You want to rate you and your partner’s compatibility while on the bike and better determine if it is something you will be able to enjoy.
The following are some of the best tandem bike reviews for your consideration in 2018:
Schwinn Twinn Tandem 26″ Bicycle-Grey-20″ Frame Size
- Aluminum frame is lightweight
- Accommodates riders with various heights and body weights
- Low step-thru rear bar made to accommodate shorter and smaller riders
- 21-speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters
- Larger gear range for an easier ride
- High performing mechanical disc brakes made to provide a quick-stop response in any condition
- Two different seat heights (rear is lower)
- Second set of handlebars for second rider
- Suspension fork made to absorb bumps
- Ergonomic handlebar grips
- Deluxe fitness saddles
From a well-known name in the cycle-sphere that spans hundreds of years, this tandem bike was made to provide comfort for each rider in any condition. If you’re looking for a sturdy bike that makes you and your companion feel safe, then this is a great choice.
Shimano rear derailleur is said to make some of the best gears around, so you can expect to experience a wide gear range. You won’t be jerked around riding over bumpy roads due to the high-quality absorption the Schwinn suspension fork provides.
Whether you’re riding down a pebble-filled trail or hitting sharp corners around town, the handlebar grips will feel comfortable as you maneuver and will hold tighter to brace for breaking. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about making smooth stops in a hurry with this tandem bike. You can expect to engage the mechanical disc breaks with ease.
As you turn corners and ride to various places, while making frequent stops, you will experience the quality of craftsmanship. From the boardwalk to a dirt road, this tandem bike doesn’t lack where it counts.
What’s Being Said:
Buyers have said many great things about this Schwinn Tandem Bike, but for the sake of being brief in this section, only one buyer’s experience will be mentioned. However, it’s important to note that a general point made by multiple customers is that this bike is great for the price.
One highly experienced biker stated that this bike is, in fact, sturdy but lightweight. So, if you and your riding partner want to pack this bike up to take on a road trip or park, you won’t shudder at the thought. Even better? You only need to pack one bike instead of two.
Keep in Mind:
Now, it’s time to nitpick a little. After all, you are thinking about spending your money, and you want to spend it wisely.
One very savvy buyer mentioned that you will want to consider this bike’s finishing kit (“finishing touches,” i.e., saddles/seats, pedals) before purchasing. They pointed out that the seats are a bit hard too.
Bottom Line:
You and your riding partner are sure to be in sync with this choice. With the features it has combined with its performance, this would be an ideal choice to reach your couples fitness goals and kick your relationship into high gear.
Offering overall comfort, and safety, this Schwinn tandem is an excellent choice for the price. It is more expensive than other options with similar features and components, but it is very well made. You and your riding partner should definitely consider purchasing this bike.
Kent Dual Drive Tandem Comfort Bike
- Sturdy cruiser-style frame (steel)
- 21-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and Revo twist shifters
- Stand-over heights (29″ front and 20″ rear)
- Extra-wide 2.1-inch tires
- Safe and dependable alloy linear pull V brakes
- Includes a set of spring gel saddles
- Two water bottle holders
- Frame Size: 18″ Front, 17″ Rear & Wheel Size: 26″
- Comes in blue
Typically, cruiser style bikes are intended for more casual and leisurely ventures, so you’ll find that the Kent Dual Drive Tandem Comfort Bike is a practical choice to get you and your companion to and from your destination.
Again, note that Shimano is a trusted bike manufacturer and parts supplier, so you can feel confident that the Revo twist shifters will allow you to shift gears with ease. This tandem bike allows for easy stand over access, which prevents you from struggling to get off and on. The wide wheels offer excellent balance and stability-needed for holding two bodies.
The drive train efficiently carries power from both sets of pedals to provide an exhilarating ride.
In comparison to other options, this is the only one on this list that includes two water bottle holders for your convenience. If you’re out for a long ride together and would rather not interrupt your ride to stop for a drink, this feature makes it easier for you to store your drink for quick access instead of reaching around to grab it from your pack.
Sure, the rear rider could take out captain’s bottle for them, but who would grab the rear rider’s water bottle for them? Think about it.
What’s Being Said:
It pedals well, according to one customer. Since both you and your riding buddy will be working together, you want a tandem bike that delivers in that area without any snags. Meaning, if you are fairly new to tandem cycling, it may take some practice to get in sync (i.e., anticipating/learning when and how to coast at the same time), -pedaling issues would hold things up potentially even more.
Keep in Mind:
Some buyers stated that the chain is noisy. But, for the price, you still are getting a great bike for a hard to beat value.
Bottom Line:
You and your riding partner will have fun riding this bike for a long time. It provides ideal comfort, and stability. It is recommended that you strongly consider this top contender.
*This is probably a good place to point out that none of these options has an Independent Coasting System. Which isn’t a problem, since you don’t need one to have an overall worthwhile experience with tandem bikes in general.
Pacific Dualie Tandem Bicycle w/ 26 inch Wheels-Blue
- Steel frame
- Mountain style
- Made for comfort
- Shimano rear 21-speed derailleur with 21-speed twist shifter
- Lightweight alloy wheels
- Alloy linear pull brakes
- Alloy crank for wide gear range
This is a tandem bike that you look at and imagine what you and your partner would look like riding it around. There’s just something about it that makes it looks like a blast to ride. So, how about we call this the “Fun Bike.” And according to what’s being said, it really is.
The Pacific Dualie Tandem bike is a top choice and is probably one of the best choices in its class and price range. Note that it’s the least expensive option on this list.
Offering comfort and strength, this sturdy tandem bike can withstand rides down hills and frequent trips around town. It’s likely to handle unpaved roads and bumpy terrain just fine.
The alloy linear pull brakes work well, so you don’t have to worry about making expected or unexpected stops.
Both you and your friend will enjoy testing how powerful this tandem bike is and how fluid the 21-speed twist shifter shifts as you whisk down the road together making memories along the way.
Fun to ride, and safe to drive, this tandem bike won’t ever collect dust in your garage, that’s for sure.
What’s Being Said:
This tandem bike has received consistently high customer ratings. One buyer stated that because of their issues with vision, they are unable to ride bikes solo, so they purchased this tandem bike so that they could still be included in the family fun.
This is a great selling point because if your vision is diminished, or you have some other impairment or limitation that prevents you from riding alone, this is a safe alternative if someone trusted is available to steer.
Keep In Mind:
Some buyers stated that the second/rear handlebar is too low. This is an easy “switch out” if you find that to be the case for you.
Also, if you have in mind to transport the Pacific Dualie Tandem on a standard bike rack, note that some buyers stated that because of its weight and length, it might not fit well on the back of cars or vans. Another buyer recommends using a hitch rack instead.
Bottom Line:
Those points mentioned in the “Keep in Mind” section were included to give you a heads up, just in case, but they were not meant to put a damper on this tandem bike’s potential or the fact that in many ways, it still delivers.
At the lowest price point on the list, it offers great features and is a popular choice that had to be included in this top three review.
If you’re not sure which is best for you and your partner, consider The Pacific Dualie Tandem. It is an overall functionally solid choice that is highly recommended.
Newbies to tandem biking looking to spend more quality time with their partners will love the intimacy factor that tandem biking offers. And, if you’re one of those people who are tired of being separated in traffic from your friend while riding separately, then a tandem bike will be a nice solution.
Again, these really are some of the best tandem bikes for the price. And if you’re new to tandem cycling, or want to experience what they have to offer, each of these tandem bike options are the most sensible choices for the money.
Tandem bikes need to be built with strength and stability in mind and the frame needs to have enough flexibility to ensure proper handling by both riders. If you do not find a tandem bike with all the characteristics we have mentioned, then you may find that it is going to be increasingly difficult for you and your partner to synchronize enough to ride the tandem bike together.
Take your time, do your research, and test out a few tandem bikes before you make the investment.
Solid tandem bikes at great prices, what more could you ask for?
