What to look for in a tandem

[SteCenturion]

There is only one tandem i would ride.

Fugly - Fugly bike - just like the Specialized Shriv TT bike - a proper minger !!

 

[Archie_tect]

Hi guys, I'm thinking about getting a tandem for me and my partner. I'm trying to get her interested in cycling and I think this will work. I don't have any experience at all with tandems so any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

Hello No.3,

I'd always wanted a go on a tandem so after I'd got Mrs A_T confident cycling again over a month or two, we hired one for an afternoon [£25] from 'Bicycle Repairman' in Prudhoe... it was fantastic and good fun. We cycled from Prudhoe to The Bike Hut at Ouseburn, along the Tyne Riverside cycletrack via Wylam, Newburn and Newcastle Quayside and back, about 30 miles in total.... the second furthest Mrs A_T had gone in one ride, but it was so relaxed and easy with 2. It was a Dawes mountain bike type with 26" knobbly tyres. Would definitely do it again... doesn't take long to get used to and the assistance up hill s with 2 pedalling is great. Mrs A-T even got the confidence to take photos while we were cycling... you'll find that you both tend to stop pedalling at the same time when reaching descents or approaching obstacles so there's no need to shout out and the happiness is infectious.... everyone loves seeing tandem... Go for it but rent one a few times first, just in case.

Ignore the gloom mongerers!!