What is the difference between a double bike and a tandem?

Van Raam makes special needs bikes, including double bikes and tandems. In this article, you will find out the biggest differences between these two types of bicycles and which type of bicycle suits you better: a double bike or a tandem.


What is the difference between a Van Raam double bike and a tandem?

The 12 biggest differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandem

Van Raam has the Fun2Go double bike in its assortment and the FunTrain double bike trailer. In addition, Van Raam has 4 types of tandems, both two-wheel and three-wheel tandems for both adults and adults with a child. Read the 12 biggest differences between the Van Raam double bike Fun2Go and the Van Raam tandems below:

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems seating position

1. The seating position

On the double bike, you sit next to each other, so you both have a good view and can easily communicate with each other. The main driver also has a good view of the passenger sitting next to him/her.

With a tandem, you sit behind each other and you can choose between rear and front steering.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems the seating

2. The seating

On the double bike Fun2Go, you sit on a chair, with the option of a comfort chair, a swivel chair, thicker cushions, a child's seat or armrests.

With the tandems, you sit on a bicycle saddle. You can choose an ergogel saddle, flat puch saddle or a banana saddle. You can also choose back support with, for example, a belt.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems dimensions

3. Dimensions

A double bike is a short, but wide bike. The Fun2Go will fit on most bicycle paths, and if this is not possible, it may also be used on the main road (rules for this may differ per country).

The tandems are longer bikes, but smaller. This is because, contrary to the double bike, you sit behind each other. Read more in the article: 'How long is a Van Raam tandem bike?'.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems number of wheels

4. Number of wheels

The Van Raam double bike has 3 wheels. Thanks to the 3 wheels, you have a lot of balance and you can get on and off the bike easily.

Van Raam's tandems are available with both 2 and 3 wheels. Read more about this in the article 'How many wheels does a tandem bike have?'.

5. Step in

The Fun2Go double bike has no step in, which makes it very easy to get on and off the bike. Also getting off the bike is very easy.

With the Van Raam tandem bikes, getting on and off the bike is easy because of the low step through.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems cycling together

6. Cycling together

On the double bike, you can already be a passenger if you can sit on a chair. Additional options, such as armrests, a swivel chair, belts, footrests or a foldable footplate make this bike suitable for most people.

When cycling together on a Van Raam tandem, it is important that someone can sit on a bicycle and make a cycling movement.

7. Frame sizes

The Fun2Go is available in 1 frame size, but can be adjusted to suit people of different heights. The seat and handlebars are easily adjusted to the dimensions of the main driver and passenger.

The Van Raam tandems are available in different frame sizes. In order to know which frame height is suitable, it is important to measure your inner leg length. You can read more about this in the article: 'Inner leg length for adapted Van Raam bikes'.

8. Divisible frame

It is not possible to order the Fun2Go double bike with a divisible frame.

The Twinny and the Twinny Plus tandems are available with a divisible frame. With a divisible frame, the front part of the bike can be detached from the rest. This makes it easier to transport the bike by car. Read more about the divisible frame in the article: 'A detachable frame at Van Raam bikes' or watch the video below.

9. Manoeuvrability

The double bike is very manoeuvrable, with two rear wheels and one front wheel it can turn around its own axis.

The Van Raam tandems cycle easily, but cannot turn around their own axis.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems reinforced frame
Fun2Go with reinforced frame

10. Reinforced frame

The Fun2Go is available with a reinforced frame. On the standard Fun2Go, both cyclists may weigh up to 120 kilograms per person, on the reinforced version this is 180 kilograms per person. Read more about the reinforced Fun2Go in the article 'Extended and reinforced bicycle frames for Van Raam bikes'.

The tandems are not available with a reinforced frame. The tandems are standard suitable for up to 120 kilograms per person.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems double bike trailer FunTrain
FunTrain double bike trailer

11. Trailer

Behind the Fun2Go double bike it is possible to connect a double bike trailer. This allows a caregiver to cycle safely with three co-drivers. Van Raam's double bike trailer is the FunTrain.

It is not possible to couple a bicycle trailer behind the Van Raam tandems.

Differences between the Van Raam double bike and tandems protection screen
Fun2Go with protection screen

12. Protection screen

In times of corona, it is difficult to keep your distance  when you want to make a ride with the Fun2Go double bike. Therefore, Van Raam offers the protection screen option; a physical barrier between the driver and the passenger. Read more about the protection screen in the article 'Fun2Go duo bike with protection screen in times of corona'.

For the tandems, it is not possible to order a protection screen.

Van Raam's double bikes

Van Raam has a double bike and a double bike trailer in its assortment:

Tandems by Van Raam

Van Raam has several tandems in its assortment:

  • A tandem with 2 wheels where two adults sit behind each other: the Twinny

  • A tandem with 3 wheels where two adults sit behind each other: the Twinny Plus

  • A tandem with 2 wheels where a child and a parent sit behind each other: the Kivo

  • A tandem with 3 wheels where a child and a parent sit behind each other: the Kivo Plus

Electric double bike or tandem by Van Raam

An electric double bike or tandem

All types of tandems and the double bike Fun2Go are available as an electric tandem. Van Raam has its own pedal support system; the Silent System. This system has the following advantages:

  • Simple to use

  • Three support modes + starting aid

  • Reverse cycling with pedal support (only on double bikes and three-wheel tandems)

  • Support can be programmed to suit the individual's disability

  • Virtually noiseless, but very powerful electric motors

  • Extremely high quality and safe batteries

  • Smart E-Bike

  • Free Van Raam E-Bike App

Read more about the electric tandems and double bikes in the article: 'Different types of electric tandems'.
 

More about electric tandems and double bike