What is the difference between a 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:

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.

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.

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?'.

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?'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: