Tandem Bike: What Are the Pros and Cons? 

What is a tandem bike?

A tandem bike is a bicycle designed to be ridden by more than one person.

There are a variety of styles and types of bike for different purposes, including recumbent tandems, three-wheeled tandems, basic tandems, long distance touring bikes and tandem road bike more.

The first tandem bicycle was patented in 1869 by James A. Boyd of Great Britain.

Notable examples of early American tandem bicycles include the Easterly and the Otis.

The Otis was manufactured in 1882 by J.H. Pomeroy& Company in Boston, MA and was praised for its "excellent steering qualities." You can find tandem bikes in many different shapes and sizes, but they are typically lightweight and have more gears. This is because the second person on the bike needs to pedal just as much as the first person. Tandem bikes have been known to be used in races as well!

What are the benefits of riding a tandem bike?

1. Tandem bikes can provide a fun and safe way to explore the great outdoors.
2. Tandem bikes are often ridden by two people on the same bike. They are usually long enough that both riders have a comfortable seat while they pedal. 
3. Tandem bikes can take many forms and have been around for more than a century.
4. Tandem Bikes are not just for kids; adults love them too! Tandems make it possible for inexperienced riders to experience the thrill of biking, as their tandem partner does all of the steering and braking. So if you've never skied before, or you're looking for a new adventure with your family or friends, give tandem biking a try!
5. Tandem bikes are a great way for two people to pedal together. However, tandem bikes are not just for couples. In fact, tandem bikes can be used by siblings, friends, and coworkers to get exercise.
6. There are many benefits of tandem bike riding. For example, it provides a great cardio workout that’s social at the same time. It's also great for the environment because you'll have one less car on the road and one less person in an airplane seat (or car seat).
7. When taking your tandem bike on prolonged excursions, you can choose a car rental that offers larger vehicles so that you can safely hook up your bike to the roof of the car.
8. The bike ride will be more intense because you have two sets of legs pedaling at the same time as opposed to just one set like on a regular bicycle. The wingspan is wider than a regular bicycle which means that there's more room on it for people who might not.
9. There are many benefits to owning a tandem bike. One of the main benefits is that they require less skill than you would need for riding an individual bike. So it is perfect for beginners or people with disabilities that cannot ride an individual bike. Tandem bikes also allow for more weight to be carried on them so they can be used to transport goods which makes them perfect for small businesses like bakeries or restaurants that want to carry heavy items without having to rely on a car. Finally, because tandem bikes are built with two seats it allows couples to ride together which feels romantic and intimate.
10. Personal Connections: You can ride with your partner or another couple or group, or go on group tours. Tandem bikes are easy to maneuver
11. You can carry more cargo and fewer people
12. For seniors, the advantage is the upright position
13.  It's a cinch to load a passenger and get them on  
14. it's easier to maneuver for just one person.

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What are the drawbacks of riding a tandem bike?

1. No mirrors - it's easier to watch out for people and obstacles. You can be as "petite" as you want to be, but at any point the bike can tip over. 
2.  It's hard to take on a plane. Roads are usually not smooth. You have to re-learn cycling. You don't get solitude. You can't be as spur-of-the-moment.
3. It's more physically demanding, obviously
4.  It takes up more room on the street.
5. You're relying on the skill of another rider. 
6. You don't get spontaneity. 
7.  Rough roads are slow going.
8.  In terms of advantage, the tandem has speed and power. 
9.  There's little evidence that tandem bikes are any more or less safe than riding single-seat.
10.  it's harder to carry cargo and slower.
11.  you're with another person who makes it difficult to take on an airplane (people watch you), there's more of a workload, and also, you don't get the solitude. So you really miss out on that solitude of getting on a bike and going out alone for an hour or two or whatever you want to do
12.  Bike assembly and maintenance requires more care, as you can't take your hands off of your bike, and you'll need to maintain the bike yourself.
13. Riders must be more cautious. It's easier to topple over when the bike is so close to the ground.
14.  Spare parts are more expensive.

Conclusion

It's the most exhilarating way to ride a bike. You go fast enough to really zip down the hill. And in a tandem, there's always someone behind you to pull you back if you lose control.

If you want to buy tandem bike there are several Bike brands available. First, check to see if your local bike shop carries tandem bikes. They will be able to answer your questions, help you figure out which bike is right for you, and even rent one for you to try out. Before you take a bike out on the road, make sure that you test out your tandem in your local area.