The Best Tandem Bike

Riding a bike can work as a scenic way to get your exercise while enjoying the sights and sounds of a local park or trail. Don't keep all the fun to yourself. With a tandem bicycle, which is often referred to as a bicycle for two, you and a friend or loved one can ride together.

Co-Motion Periscope Hammerhead

The Hammerhead tandem bike from Co-Motion earned an editors' choice award from "Bicycling" magazine, as well as the publication's "Gear of the Year" award. Reviewers praised its effective power transfer, which means you get more power for your pedaling, as well as its high-quality components, such as a carbon fork. The magazine calls it the "stretch-limo version of a race bike," suited for either cruising with your kids or racing with your spouse.

Landescape Freedom Series

The tandem bike from Landescape earned four stars in Bike Radar's five-star rating scale. Summarizing the two-seater, the reviewing editor calls it "a real all-rounder to match your every mood," thanks to all-weather features such as sealed bearing hubs that make them resistant to cracking. The seating is arranged so the back rider doesn't feel cramped against the front rider. Because the bike's focus is on heft and durability, don't expect high, race-worthy speeds, though it's fine for leisurely sidewalk cruises.

Axiom 007 SL

The Axiom, from Seven Cycles, comes praised by "Recumbent & Tandem Rider" magazine, which noted the bike's "great attention to detail" and high-end alignment, thanks to 50 alignment checks during the building process. Additional features include a durable titanium frame, tubing crafted from the manufacturer's proprietary Argen alloy and optional features such as heat tube extensions and internal cable routing so there are fewer wires to get snagged.

Cannondale Road Tandem 2

Cannondale's bicycle comes recommended by "Bicycling," which gave it an editors' choice award. The magazine says it shares many features found in the manufacturer's single-person race bikes, including an oversize aluminum frame whose extra-big size means it's more comfortable to ride and also more resistant to twisting- and flexing-related damage. The magazine specifically liked how the bike's geometry enhanced the control and power of the front rider.