Four Tips for Buying a Tandem Bicycle
Tandem bicycles are normally designed to seat two, but some exotic constructions allow more people. If you want to buy one of these bikes, then you will need to have a few things in mind before. Some of these things include suspension, wheels, brakes, and seats. This short overview will give you a few tips for buying a tandem bicycle.
Suspension
One of the first things you need to consider when buying a tandem bicycle is its suspension. Modern bikes can have both, a full or front only suspension. Tandem bicycles with a front suspension will be more comfortable than without, but uncomfortable for the rear rider because he will feel more unfiltered bumps. Therefore, it's best to look for bikes that have full suspension.
Wheels
Another thing you need to decide when buying a tandem bicycle is the size of the wheels. If you only want to ride the bike on the road, then you should look for a design that has 27 or 28 inch wheels. However, if you plan to take your tandem bicycle off-road, you should make sure that it has 26 inch wheels with thick allterrain tires.
Brakes
You will also have to think about the type of brakes your tandem bicycle has, because it is a point for your own safety to stop in time at a crossroad. There are different types of braking systems used for bicycles.
More expensive tandem bicycles may have hydraulic brakes as they deliver the most stopping power. Also, these brakes won't require a long cable be used for the rear wheel.
Drum brakes at the front wheel is a good choise too, because this type works well even in rain.
Some tandem bicycles use caliper brakes. The main issue with using caliper brakes is that they use arms that extend above the tire. This can present a problem with tire clearance.
Tandem bicycles that use cantilever brakes don't have this issues with the tire clearance. This is because these brakes use pivots that are mounted below the rim instead of above it.
Seats
You will also need to think about the seats when buying a tandem bicycle. You should make sure that the seats use springs or have a hydraulic suspension, because they're much more comfortable.
There are a lot of aftermarket seats from different materials which can increase your comfort at a ride. It's best to buy a tandem bicycle that has an easy and quick to adjust the height of the seats system.