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| Our Tandem Recumbent Bike |
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Once we decided to purchase a
tandem recumbent, we started doing our homework.
Most every review I read picked the Rans Screamer as the
best bike available. One review said: "We
think the Screamers are the highest performance, best
climbing & most stable recumbent tandems we have
ridden." As I write this, we
have now logged around 10,000 miles on our bike! We love it just as
much as we did the day we took our first test ride,
laughing and giggling like a couple of little kids!
If I were to purchase a new bike today, it would be another Screamer.
One feature I would get on my next Screamer are couplers
which allows the frame to be broken apart into two
sections for shipping. That would expand our bike
vacation options.
(Rans does make another tandem recumbent, we talk
about the differences at the bottom of this page.) |
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For the detailed specs on the Screamer, you can visit
the
Rans website.
I have also included the full text of
the review written by "The Bicycle Man" who has ridden
most every brand of tandem recumbent bike (Tandem Recumbent Review). It is also very worthwhile to visit
"The Bicycle Man"
web site. He's got lots of great information on
recumbents. |
It is not an
exaggeration to say that this bike has changed
our life. When we purchased it, we thought
it would be fun but had no idea it would
captivate us the way it has. We are in
better shape now than we have been in 30 years!
A normal ride for us is 50 - 60 miles. In May
of 2009 we rode in our first "century" (100 mile
ride) called "Reach
the Beach." The picture to the right
is us crossing the finish line!
Lots of people see our bike and would love to
try it out. We try to explain that it is
much different than riding their regular upright
single bike. We recommend at least 50
miles of experience on a single recumbent before
attempting to ride a tandem recumbent.
Even then, it takes a while to get used to this
unusual machine. Check out
Our Learning Curve
page. |
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Over the years we have made a number of modifications,
and added many accessories to the stock bike
pictured at the top of the page. We talk about
each one of them on Our
Accessories page. |
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Screamer vs. Seavo |
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Rans
makes two tandem recumbents, the Screamer and the Seavo
(below).
I am frequently asked about the difference
between the two, so I decided to address those questions
here on this page. To start with, I need to say that I have not
ridden a Seavo (below right). I have talked to
several people who have logged lots of mile on both.
They all seem to be in agreement about the advantages
and disadvantages of each bike. Choosing between
the two really boils down to the type of riding you
enjoy most. If you are looking for a high performance
machine, the Seavo may be for you. The captain
(front rider) is in a more aggressive riding position,
that is also more aerodynamic. The stoker (rear
rider) is tucked down behind the captain to also improve
aerodynamics. The dual 26 inch tires improve the
rolling resistance. I have a friend who has
raced a Seavo, and is very impressed with it. On
the other hand, if a more relaxed ride is your style the
Screamer may be the best bet. As far as handling
goes, the Screamer is more forgiving at low speeds, like
on steep hills. The stoker has much better
visibility since they are at the same level as the
captain, so for sight-seeing it's got the advantage.
Given these features, it's not a hard decision for us.
We like the leisurely sight-seeing type pace, so
Michelle would definitely choose the Screamer. Now
that we have gotten into touring (vacationing by bike)
where we are traveling fully loaded, the more stable
low speed handling of the Screamer is a distinct advantage.
(Regarding our riding style choices, check out our
"Route 66 Philosophy") |
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