Twin bikes: design options and tips for choosing

Bicycles for twins have appeared relatively recently and have become very popular among parents of twins and the weather. The purchase of a double model allows not only to solve the problem of transporting babies from one to three years old, but also to ensure the organization of outdoor activities for older children.

The high demand for 2-seater bicycles is due to a number of indisputable advantages of these vehicles.

• Buying one bike instead of two saves you a lot budget and not spend money on buying two separate models.
• It is much easier and more convenient to store and transport the two-seater model, than a couple of individual copies. In addition, it is difficult for mothers to take two bicycles with two babies out into the yard at once.
• The use of the 2-seat model allows both children to be supervised, which is impossible to do when the kids are going in different directions - each on his own bike.
• Wide range of 2-seater bicycles allows you to transport in them not only twins or the weather, but also children of different ages. Many models provide a rear "passive" seat for a younger child who is not yet able to pedal alternately with an older brother or sister.
• Most twin bikes are equipped with a visor, folding footrests and a control handle, which allows you to use the model instead of a stroller and control the bike when children fall asleep.
• Traveling on one bike, kids get the opportunity not to interrupt their communication during the trip, especially since on some models it is possible to seat children facing each other.On classic bicycles, where the seats are located "paravozikom", the "navigator" can change at will, yielding the handlebars and pedals to a brother or sister. This teaches children to cooperate and interact, which will undoubtedly come in handy for them at an older age.

In addition to the undeniable advantages, the double children's models still have disadvantages. These include the dimensions of twin models, which is why they are often not included in passenger elevators. In addition, older children often cannot come to a consensus about the direction of travel and who should be behind the wheel.

Bicycles for twins are classified according to several criteria, the defining of which is the location of the seats. In most models, they are located one after the other, with the possibility of turning the front seat. Such models have one pair of pedals and are equipped with a footboard for a second rider, and their main disadvantage is the high load on the child sitting in front, who has to both pedal and operate the bike.

However, riding them requires complete coordination of actions and is corrected by an adult using a pusher handle. In our country, such models are not widespread, they practically do not go on sale and are found only in catalogs of online stores. Another sign of the difference between 2-seater models is the presence of a control knob. In many models, it has a removable design and can be easily unhooked along with bumpers, footboards, baskets and other attachments designed for transporting very young children.

The next classification criterion is the number of wheels. For young children, there are three-wheeled models, while for teenagers, you can purchase a 2-wheel tandem - with two pairs of pedals, two steering wheels and comfortable seats installed one after the other. The bike is set in motion thanks to the synchronous physical efforts of both riders, which makes movement on it as easy as possible.

Considering the designs of 2-seater bicycles, one cannot fail to mention the models, which are based on an adult bicycle with child seats installed on the frame. The parent pedals and drives the vehicle, while the children sit in their chairs and act as passive cyclists.

The modern children's bike market presents a wide range of dual models. Among them are both models for twins and specimens for children of different ages. Several popular models are considered below, positive reviews of which are more often found on the Internet.

Chinese manufacturer model Capella Twin Trike 360 without exaggeration, it can be called the most popular in Russia among 2-seater bicycles. The model is designed for babies up to 4 years old and is available in a wide range of colors. The model is designed for a total weight load of up to 30 kg, is equipped with a basket for things, weighs 17 kg and is available in dimensions 145x70x100 cm. Among the advantages are the presence of a reverse in the front seat, which allows you to turn children to face each other, as well as the presence of comfortable footrests and visorsprotecting babies from rain and sun.

A significant disadvantage is its weight, because of which few of the children are able to make long independent cycling trips on it. The adult has to constantly push the bike, helping the toddler in front to pedal. Parents often complain about tight belt buckles and a flimsy pusher handle design. The latter quickly fails, especially when driving on uneven terrain.

Chinese model Small rider platinum also very popular in our country. The bike is finished in black and platinum colors, which gives it a stylish and serious look. The model is designed for children from one to four years old and has a carrying capacity of 45 kg. The big advantage of this model is its weight, which is only 12.5 kg. The bike is equipped with two comfortable seats with soft head restraints and one common awning.

A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of three pairs of footboards at once, which allows babies to take comfortable positions during long walks. Each seat is equipped with a soft bumper and a seat belt, an elegant horn is installed on the steering wheel, and the control handle has a telescopic design and is equipped with comfortable handles. Moreover, the base of the handle is reinforced with a special arch and double tubes, which allows you to roll the bike over curbs without lifting it by the handlebars. The model is produced in dimensions 108x64 cm and costs about 10,000 rubles.

Model BA Twins also made in China and can replace a stroller. The bike is equipped with passable inflatable wheels, deep protective covers and soft bumpers. The front wheel is 12 inches in size, the rear wheels are 10 inches, the push handle is made of durable alloy and, judging by the reviews, it lasts quite a long time. The model is equipped with a basket for things and wide footrests. Its weight is 16 kg, carrying capacity - 50 kg, cost - 8 600 rubles.

The Taga bicycle transformer model from the company will also be an excellent alternative to the stroller. Eltreco. The model is an excellent option for twins and age-olds up to 4 years old. The child seats are mounted in a "train" on the frame of the parent's bicycle, which allows the parent to observe the behavior of the children throughout the trip. If necessary, the bike can be easily transformed into a stroller, which takes no more than 20 seconds. The bicycle transformer is available in dimensions 73x120x102 cm, weighs up to 29 kg and costs 68,000 rubles.

Double Italian bike Italtrike Taxi Dynamic perfect for both peers and children of different ages from 3 to 6 years old. The model is so simple that there is absolutely nothing to break in it. At the same time, its stylish design and excellent quality distinguish it favorably from analogues and make it incredibly popular. The rear seat is located against the direction of travel, which allows the "passenger" to travel backwards as if in a bus.

The model is equipped with wide rubber wheels and special bearings made of a material called Acetylic Resin. This material provides easy rotation of the wheels and prevents them from blocking when dirt and sand gets into the bearing. The handlebars are made from environmentally friendly latex and the frame is painted with non-toxic paints. Model dimensions - 63x69x114 cm, weight - 12.6 kg, carrying capacity - 35 kg, cost - 15 340 rubles.

When choosing a bike for twins or the weather, a number of important points should be considered.

• Carrying capacity. You should pay close attention to this factor, as the cycle life depends on it.It is better to purchase a model with a maximum carrying capacity, which will allow you not only to safely use it for 2-3 years, but also to take small luggage with you.
• If a bike is chosen for twins, then both seats must have equally sturdy construction for the weight of children. Models with a lightweight rear seat can only be purchased if the second child is still small and will not change seats with the older one during a walk.
• If the bike is planned to be used in conditions of not too flat terrain, then you should pay attention to the models with inflatable rubber wheels. They have excellent shock-absorbing properties, however, unlike plastic and polyurethane foam options, they need constant monitoring of tire pressure and rubber integrity. And you should also pay attention to the way the wheels are attached to the axles. It is better if these are bearings that provide ease of movement and ensure that there is no squeak.
• A good addition is the pedal free play option. This is especially convenient when transporting small children who, by their chaotic pedaling, prevent their mother from rolling the bike using the push handle. In such a situation, the pedals are set to a neutral mode, after which the baby can twist them as much as he likes, without affecting the course of the bicycle. However, this function is not provided on all models and is quite rare.
• Do not take too cheap Chinese models, since they often cannot provide adequate safety of use, and the savings are very doubtful.

For an overview of the Small Rider Platinum twin tricycle, see the video below.