| Tandem bicycles are bicycles that are built for two or | | | | limited amount of storage space for their bikes. Folding |
| more people. Originally they were created by welding | | | | tandems are just as durable and functional as regular |
| two or more bicycles together; however, today they | | | | bikes are. The only difference in their construction is |
| are custom built by hand. The first patent for a tandem | | | | that they contain a special lug nut that allows the bike |
| bicycle was filed sometime in the 1800s, and since then | | | | to be taken apart for storage, or they contain special |
| they have remained a great alternative to the | | | | parts that can be loosened to allow for the frame to |
| traditional two wheelers. Modern versions of the | | | | be folded for storage. The cost of a folding tandem |
| original tandem are considered high end custom bikes. | | | | bicycle is going to be significantly more than a regular |
| Recumbent bicycles are a special type of bicycle that | | | | bike. Good folders can cost nearly $1,800. However, |
| is designed with a reclined seat. This form of bicycle | | | | the price you pay is going to depend a lot on the |
| has been around since bikes were first developed; | | | | weight of the bike, how fast the folding process is |
| however, they have not gained as much attention as | | | | designed to be and who manufactures the bike. |
| the traditional upright versions. The design of these | | | | When shopping for a classic tandem bicycle you may |
| bikes makes them fast. In fact it was a recumbent | | | | run across advertisements for used tandem bicycles |
| bike that set the world's bicycle land speed record in | | | | and antique tandem bicycles. You may be wondering |
| the early part of the 20th century. Unfortunately, | | | | what the difference is. The difference is simply the |
| recumbent bikes were banned from international bike | | | | wording. Used and antique generally refer to the same |
| racing back in 1934 so their true performance value | | | | types of bikes. However, "used" is used to describe |
| has not yet been proven. Recumbent bikes come is | | | | lower value or lower quality tandem bikes whereas |
| several varieties including: bicycle, tricycle, tandem or | | | | "antique" is used to describe collectible or higher valued |
| folder. | | | | tandem bikes. On the other hand, some sellers may |
| Folding tandem bicycles are a great option for people | | | | use the term "antique" as a marketing ploy to entice a |
| who travel with their bikes, or for people who have a | | | | higher price from buyers. |