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Tandem Bikes
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 Youth leads age! This Grandson-Grandmother team will take some practice! |
What is a tandem bike?
A tandem bike is a bicycle built for two
just as in the song "Daisy Daisy". The tandems of old (1960's and before)
were bulky and very heavy and not intended for much long distance travel.
These tandems were primarily for shows or just cruising across the town
or beach. |
 Age leads youth. Grandmother-Granddaughter team! |
Daisy, Daisy Give me your answer do, I'm half crazy all for the love of you It won't be a stylish marriage I can't afford a carriage But you'll look sweet Upon the seat Of a bicycle built for two Michael, Michael |
| Links: Learning to tandem Duties of Captain Duties of Stoker Definations |
Tandem Pricing If you are not familiar with tandems you would be quite suprised to know how much they cost. The average tandem on the market today would cost between $900 and $5000! The cost difference is largely due to the different metals that are different weights. A frame can be of average weight or it can be really light by using materials like titanium. Another reason that the price can be so high is the quality of the parts on it. Some parts will wear out sooner than others, while some won't need maintenance for hundreds of miles. The cost also has to do with the bikes intended use. If you plan on touring with your tandem you would need certain geometry that would not be necessary in a racing bike. For touring you would probably need to add an extra brake to accomadate the extra weight of the gear. You also would want a wide range of gears for being able to climb hills. In spite of the advantages tandems have on the downhill, there is little to no advantage for the uphills. If you are an extreme person you can even have a custom built tandem for an extra fee. If you don't like the traditional geometries that are available there are several unusual designs that add up to a much higher cost than the usual stock tandems. These are available as recumbents(a recumbent is a recliner style bike with the pedals commonly out in front of the rider who sits back in a real seat) or as half upright and half recumbent as well as ordinary styles. There are many different options available to you if you have the means to pay for it as well as the time to research what you want. |
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What is riding a tandem like? Riding a tandem is like having your best friend never further away from you than two feet. Riding a tandem is like riding the king of all bikes, besides a triple or a quad bike. Riding a tandem is like working together to accomplish a mutual goal. Riding a tandem is the most fun I've ever had! |
The End! |
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