And for families, the choice is even tougher. By transcending skill, experience and ability, tandems are the ultimate family bikes. With proper design, tubing and components, a tandem, by virtue of its weight and wheelbase, is exceptionally safe and stable. Compared to single bikes, good tandems are also faster and more comfortable. Two can ride more easily than one.
Most cyclists first learn about a tandem's speed when riding behind one on an organized ride.
Then, we notice that even while single bikers are struggling to keep up, the tandem's riders are sharing a normal conversation. When confronted with this contradictory image of speed and leisure, most people assume the tandem's owners must be incredibly fit. After all, cycling can't be this efficient, there must be a catch. But that's what it's like on a tandem, you can ride faster and farther with less work. While most activities reveal our differences in strength, style and grace, every couple looks great on a tandem.