Help Identifying Sun Cruiser Tandem Bike
6 min read
Asked by: Brittney Kay
What does a tandem bike look like?
A tandem bicycle is one of the most visually distinct bikes on the market, as it is a bike that allows for two or more riders to pedal together in tandem. These bikes are typically heavier, longer, and bulkier than traditional bikes to fit multiple riders comfortably on board.
Do they still make tandem bicycles?
At Santana’s California factory, we build a comprehensive range of tandems from superior alloys of steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon. All are guaranteed to be lighter, stiffer and more comfortable than offerings from other builders. Most models can be equipped with couplers for hassle-free flying.
What is a tandem bicycle called?
Terminology. The term tandem refers to the seating arrangement (fore to aft, not side by side), not the number of riders. A bike with two riders side by side is called a sociable. Tandem bicycles are sometimes called “Daisy Bells“.
Does a tandem bike go twice as fast?
Two adults can go faster than one adult on a solo bike because, while you’re doubling the power, weight isn’t quite doubled (one tandem is lighter than two solo bikes), and wind resistance stays almost the same. This gives the tandem a big speed advantage when you’re going downhill, on the flat, or into a headwind.
Why are tandem bikes so expensive?
In some cases the reason for the extra cost of a tandem is obvious: there are twice as many ‘contact points’, i.e. saddles, pedals, and bars, there is nearly twice as much frame and there’s that extra chain and crankset in the middle.
Can one person pedal a tandem bike?
Never ride a tandem bike alone though. You probably don’t want to hear people shouting “hey, your companion’s fallen off” once in every mile. The process of riding a tandem is not the same as riding a regular solo bike.
Is a tandem bike worth it?
Tandem bikes are faster
On average, you’ll ride around 10%-30% faster on a tandem than on a regular bike. Tandems are significantly faster while riding down hills, through flat sections, and into headwinds. In these conditions, riding a tandem can be up to 50% faster than riding two separate bikes.
How do you transport a tandem bike?
You can carry it without any rack by putting them directly into your car. You can also use trunk-mounted or roof-mounted racks to carry them. Additionally, your pickup truck (of course, if you have one) can help you haul your bike by using a tailgate pad or a truck bed bike rack.
Are tandem bikes hard to ride?
While riding a (2 person bike) tandem is not difficult, it is different than riding a single bike. “Tandeming” is probably a new sport to you; we like to compare it to dancing. Dancing together takes a bit of practice, right?
Do both riders have to pedal on a tandem bike?
Riding a tandem requires teamwork, though. The front rider (captain) does all the steering and braking, which means earning and keeping the trust of the rear rider (stoker). For most tandem bikes, the riders must pedal in synch at the same rate, which means compromise.
Who should ride in front on a tandem bike?
It clearly takes two to tandem: the captain (up front) and the stoker (in back). These positions are strictly determined by weight and size. The bigger, heavier person with greater upper body strength sits in front to steer and stabilize the bike.
Who works harder on a tandem bike?
If they both stand, then the tandem can be hard to control unless the captain is much heavier and stronger than the stoker. Power-to-weight ratio: A tandem with two light riders feels similar in pace to a single with a heavy rider. Most heavier riders are slower on climbs.
Why do people buy tandem bikes?
Tandem bikes can provide a fun and safe way to explore the great outdoors. 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. Tandem bikes can take many forms and have been around for more than a century.
Are tandem bikes popular?
Since the 1960s, tandem cycling has had a resurgence in its popularity. On one end of the spectrum, they are superbly popular on the racing circuit. On the other end, they are excellent family bicycles, allowing for fresh air entertainment for all ages.
Are tandem bikes good exercise?
According to many enthusiastic participants, tandem cycling can be highly social, immense fun, good exercise—and very fast! In addition to providing a great workout, the teamwork required by tandem cycling can strengthen friendship bonds and rapport between riders.
Do both riders have to pedal on a tandem bike?
Riding a tandem requires teamwork, though. The front rider (captain) does all the steering and braking, which means earning and keeping the trust of the rear rider (stoker). For most tandem bikes, the riders must pedal in synch at the same rate, which means compromise.
Who should ride in front on a tandem bike?
It clearly takes two to tandem: the captain (up front) and the stoker (in back). These positions are strictly determined by weight and size. The bigger, heavier person with greater upper body strength sits in front to steer and stabilize the bike.
What do I need to know about riding a tandem bike?
straddling the bike, holding the handlebars with brakes locked and both feet on the ground, feet wide apart. The captain should NOT try to sit on the saddle of the bike. The stoker should be seated on the bike, both feet on the pedals, holding onto the bars. Just like dancing, someone has to lead.
Who works harder on a tandem bike?
If they both stand, then the tandem can be hard to control unless the captain is much heavier and stronger than the stoker. Power-to-weight ratio: A tandem with two light riders feels similar in pace to a single with a heavy rider. Most heavier riders are slower on climbs.
Who should be the captain on a tandem?
The Captain should be the more skilled of the two cyclists and needs to possess sound judgement and be deft at handling a bicycle. Good upper-body strength is a real plus in this role, too.
What do you call the person on the back of a tandem?
Captain and Stoker
The person who rides at the front of the bike is called the captain and the person in the back seat is the stoker. Usually, the taller person of the tandem team is the captain. If you are going to captain, you have to be conscientious and anticipatory about the terrain ahead.