Tandem and recumbent bicycles, with their unique design allowing two riders to pedal in sync, offer a shared cycling experience unlike any other. Tandem bikes are perfect for couples, friends, or family members looking to enjoy the outdoors together. While recumbent bikes are great for cyclist looking to relieve pressure on their knees while still getting out to ride. However, these elongated frame and unusual seating arrangements of these bikes pose a challenge for transportation. In this quick guide we'll help you find the right carrier to fit your bike, your vehicle and your transportation needs.
Safe Transportation of Tandem and Recumbent Bikes
Transporting a tandem and recumbent bike safely requires careful consideration due to its size and shape. Ensuring the wheels and frame are securely fastened and providing enough space to prevent any contact with the vehicle or other bikes is crucial. High-quality bike carriers like those from Let's Go Aero are designed to meet these needs, ensuring your tandem bike is transported safely and efficiently.
Hitch Carriers for Tandem and Recumbent Bikes
To find a hitch carrier that fits your tandem or recumbent your will want to look at styles that accommodate unique bike styles. The best types of carriers for universal mounting are wheel mounts racks and some styles of platform racks.
While wheel mount systems typically work by grabbing the bikes by both wheels, these racks can actually grip bikes from any part of the bike wheel or frame that is under 2.75 inches in diameter (4in with a fat bike add-on), ensuring a perfect fit for even for bikes of unconventional shapes, sizes, or extended lengths like tandem bicycles. You can mount odd shapes bikes simply by supporting the bike on one side by a wheel and on the other side by the frame. In some cases, it may even be best to grab from frame on both sides of the bike. Such versatility guarantees that regardless of a bike's unique design, it can be transported safely and securely.
While not all platform racks are universal enough to accommodate unusual bike styles, platforms like those from Let's Go Aero have universal attachments points and adjustable trays to fit a wider variety of bike models and styles. Some platform racks even include ramps for easy loading and unloading.
At Let's Go Aero we offer carriers specifically designed to accommodate the unique requirements of tandem and recumbents bikes, such as:
The BikeWing-2 PRO (#B02189): A versatile wheel mount carrier featuring universal cradles and a tilt mechanism for easy rear hatch access.
The NEO-2 (#B01748): Known for its universal fit and ease of handling, this carrier ensures your tandem bike is secure and ready for any adventure.
V-Lectric PRO 3.0: The V-Lectric 3.0 heavy duty wheel-mount carrier can carry bikes and tandems up to 60lbs and has slide-out functionality for quick access to rear vehicle storage.
V-lectric VFR: Carry Tandem and Recumbent Bikes along side standard bikes up to 80 lbs each with slide-out and tilt-up functionality on the V-Lectric VFR platform carrier. Ramp included for easy loading and unloading of bikes.
TriQuad Trike Carrier: Transport recumbent style Trikes and Quads on the hitch with the TriQuad Slide-out Carrier. Includes two ramps and with easy access to rear storage and tilt-up for fast storage.
Federal Standards for Bike Transportation
It's important to be aware that federal standards mandate that bikes mounted to the rear of a vehicle must not exceed 102 inches in length. This regulation ensures that tandem and similar bikes are transported safely, without extending beyond the vehicle's dimensions and posing a risk to other road users. If your bikes are over 102”, you may be able to shorten the bikes overall length by removing and storing the front tire or other sections of bike separately in the vehicle.
Why not transport your tandem or recumbent on the roof of vehicle?
There are a couple of reasons why we do not recommend transport recumbents and tandems (or any bike) on the roof of the carrier. First, lifting your bikes is always going to more difficult and strenuous that putting them on the hitch. As many people opt for recumbents due to their ease on the joint, starting your adventure off straining to lift your bike is never ideal. The second reason we do recommend mounting your trikes above the vehicle is fuel efficiency. Bikes mounted to the roof of the vehicle cause drag and reduced fuel mileage. With these considerations in mind we typically do not recommend mounting tandems, recumbents or other bikes onto the roof the vehicle.
Tips for Securing Your Tandem/Recumbent Bike
To ensure the safety of your tandem bike during transport, it's essential to:
- Double-check all connection points for security.
- Use additional straps for extra stability.
- Follow the user manual's guidelines for best practices.
Let's Go Aero is focused on providing straight-forward, effective solutions for transporting bikes of all shapes and sizes including tandems. Our carriers are designed to address the unique challenges posed by these bikes, making your cycling adventures more accessible and enjoyable. If you are unsure about which of our bikes carriers will work best, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 719-630-3800 so we can help you make the best decision for your bike and vehicle.