You can’t deny that life is way more fun when you are with your best friend. Why not get a bike for two? The tandem cruiser bike is the perfect hobby for couples or best friends. You can both cruise along the oceanfront or easily ride across town together. So if you are in the market for a tandem bicycle, this article will help you understand what to look for before you purchase. I will go over a few standard features, benefits, concerns you may have, and lastly cover my top 4 favorite tandem beach cruiser bikes for sale.
Choosing The Best Tandem Cruiser
There are a few things to consider before purchasing your first tandem bike cruiser. I have outlined a few design features to keep in mind when searching for your perfect bike. If you want even more information about choosing the right cruiser to check out my detailed guide to buying a cruiser bike.
Weight
Many people are afraid to purchase tandem bikes because they are too heavy. Yes, they are heavy because they are almost twice the size. Therefore you should be mindful of the type of material being used for the frame. Heavier bikes are harder to maneuver. For beginners, I recommend buying an aluminum frame bike. Its lightweight body will perform extremely well and is much easier to handle.
Maintenance
Since a two-seater bike is twice the size of a regular bike (well, almost) then you might think it would have twice the problems. This is possible. Remember, if your bike has more gizmos than Go-Go Gadget, it will require far more maintenance. Multi-gear bikes will also require more maintenance.
Length
Another feature you might not have thought about is the overall length of the bike. You want to make sure it is big enough to fit both you and your partner or friend comfortably. You don’t want to ride with your head right behind your friend’s bottom side right? However, you also don’t want too long of a bike either because it becomes more challenging to handle. The tandem cruisers mentioned later in this article should be a good fit.
Benefits of A Tandem Cruiser
First of all, riding a tandem cruiser with your friend or loved one is far more fun and exciting. This type of bike forces you to work together as a team and build your relationship. It is perfect for someone who has a disability. The captain of the bike (person in the front seat) can help them enjoy riding a bike, which they might not be able to do by themselves. Two-seat bikes can move faster than single-seat bikes. You get twice the pedaling power with two people. If you feel the need for speed, get a tandem cruiser.
Drawbacks of A Tandem Cruiser
A two-seater cruiser can be challenging to manage. You are constantly trying to balance your weight and your riding partner’s weight. A shift in the movement of your riding partner can cause you to become unbalanced and out of sync. Therefore it can be dangerous riding one of these on the street if you are not experienced. Coordinating the bike is difficult if you do not know what you are doing. The captain should lead and control the overall bike. The stoker, or backseat rider, is in charge of supplies and navigation. You will be traveling a lot faster on a tandem cruiser so make sure you are comfortable riding at higher speeds. These types of bikes are more expensive than a single-seat bike. Just get your riding partner to chip in!
Best Tandem Bike Brands
I’m sure you have noticed by now that you do not see many tandem cruiser bikes out on the road. Even though these types of bikes are not popular, there are still some reputable brands that enthusiasts swear by. The best brands offer lightweight and customizable designs. Some of the more well-known brands include Co-Motion, Trek, and Cannondale. In the next section, you will find some of the best tandem cruiser bikes you can purchase online.
Top 4 Best Tandem Cruisers Amazon
Here are some of the best tandem beach cruiser bikes for sale on Amazon. I have provided a brief review of each bike to help you make a decision on which tandem cruiser to choose.
Pedego Tandem Cruiser
Although this is one of the more expensive tandem cruisers you can find online, it is by far one of the best. This electric tandem cruiser is the perfect fit for two adult riders. It features a durable frame, six-speed system, and a classic design that will bring you back in time. It is simple to operate. Beginner riders will love this cruiser bike.
The Pedego Tandem cruiser weighs around 85 pounds and uses an aluminum frame. The motor on this bike is very quiet and powerful. It has a 500w gearless motor that can push you along at speeds of 20 mph. It can travel up to 30 miles on a single charge.
The updated battery pack incorporates and LED tail light in case you are riding when it is dark out. It is removable for convenient storage and helps to keep the bike lighter. The motor requires a key to start. Simply insert it and flip the switch. The battery is protected by an enclosure so you do not have to worry about it getting damaged while you ride.
You will enjoy the oversized seats, extra long handlebars, and balloon tires. This tandem cruiser was built for ultimate comfort and luxury. The twist throttle is super simple and effective. This bike is a great way to explore new areas around town or ride along the beach.
The shifters on this tandem cruiser are located on the right handlebar. They are simple to operate for a seamless transition and won’t distract you while pedaling.
One area of improvement could be the rear brakes and rear handlebars. The rear brakes decelerate the bike at a slower speed than expected. The rear handlebars have a rather low position, which could cause discomfort for the backseat rider. Overall though, this is a decent bike that is fun to ride and easy to operate.
Kulana Lua Single Speed Tandem Cruiser
You can easily recognize the Kulana Lua tandem bike by its bright yellow color and frame design. It features an oversized front fork, fenders, rising handlebars, and an oversized spring saddle for maximum riding comfort.
It has 26 inch thick tires that do a good job of absorbing shock and provide excellent traction. The frame is very strong and uses a coaster brake system in order to decelerate the bike. It is perfect for both adults and children. The Kulana Lua is very user-friendly so makes it a perfect tandem bike for beginners. Also, did I mention that this is one of the cheapest tandem bikes on the market?!
Hollandia Rathburn Tandem Bicycle
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with this tandem cruiser. It features a durable steel frame that will last you and your riding partner a lifetime. This cruiser has 26-inch wheels that are super thick for ultimate comfort. It will feel like you are riding on a cloud! The seats are easy to adjust using the quick-release posts. The saddle on this bad boy is very comfortable so you will enjoy longer rides. If you are on a tight budget, this is an affordable cruiser that is perfect for beginners.
Micargi Island Tandem Bike
Don’t enjoy the beach without your Micargi island Tandem bike. This is one of the best ways to take in the scenery! One of the best things about ordering this tandem cruiser is that its assembly is included absolutely free!
The Micargi has up to 18 speeds for the ultimate riding pleasure. It is very easy to steer and simple to adjust for the perfect riding position. The comfort you will experience riding this bike is unparalleled. It has oversized seats, wide handlebars, and thick 26 inch tires for maximum shock support. The material of the frame is made of steel. The crankset comes with a Shimano freewheel. The brakes on this cruiser work tremendously for sudden stops.
Read This Before You Buy
Before buying a tandem bike cruiser, make sure you and your riding partner are on the same page. This is an expensive bike and I’m sure you would hate to see it collect dust in your home. If this is going to be one of your legitimate hobbies then make sure to invest in a good bike. The cruisers mentioned on here are good but there are also much more out there so start your research early. Which reminds me, set up a plan to share the cost. This way one person does not have to pay the full price unless you want to. This will prevent potential arguments in the future. Lastly, remember some of the design features to look for that were discussed in this article.
Final Thoughts
You will definitely get a few stares when riding your tandem bicycle. This is such a good way to enjoy time with your friends or loved ones. They are a little challenging to ride at first but you can quickly get the hang of it if you keep practicing. I hope the information in this post helps steer you in the right direction in purchasing your first tandem cruiser! If you no longer want a tandem cruiser bike, read my guide to choosing a traditional beach bike.