Kent Dual Drive Tandem Comfort
We received the Kent Tandem Bike about two weeks ago. We purchased this bike so my oldest, who is autistic, could ride with the family (as opposed to going in shifts with one of staying home to watch him). The brakes needed a little adjusting and the wheels needed to be trued (slightly). The only complaint was with the tires. The stock tires are from a company called Duro. The size is 26 x 2.0 but they are squarer looking then round. The tires have a groove down the middle. The shoulders of the tire come in contact with the ground and the center doesn't. It feels like this creates a lot of resistance as it did not coast well (even inflated to the maximum PSI of 45). Because of the square tire stance, the bike felt off cornering. I replaced the tires with Bontrager Solana balloon tires (26 x 2.35) and it made a world of difference. The Bontrager tires are rounded with only the center making contact with the road. With the new tires, the bikes is very sturdy when cornering and coasts well also. Even with the extra $40 spent on tires, I would recommend this bicycle. My Autistic son loves it as well!
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We ordered the Kent Tandem on a Friday, and had it in our hands by Tuesday. Unlike other reviewers -- few in number -- we found no problems in shipping. In fact, having read the (very few) negative reviews, I had my eyes wide open when unpacking the bike to see if I could understand what had happened to those who say the bike was delivered damaged.
BalasHapusThe front wheel comes strapped to the front fork, and I believe that if you were not careful removing the bike from the box (it's best, by the way, to just take a carpet knife and cut the box away at the edges, not trying to lift the bike out of an open box), you could very likely bend or even break a spoke. I couldn't understand the (again, very few) negative reviews that said the bike had come with a bent WHEEL. I believe FedEx would have to drop the box down a flight of stairs to do that kind of damage!
Neither the front nor rear tire comes inflated. It is important, before inflating, to make sure the tire valve is center in the rim's valve hole, and that the tube and tire's rim are securely inside the wheel rim. I could see how you could easily cause a blowout if you were not careful taking these steps.
It's also important to fill the tires to the prescribed pressure. You should have a pump that has a pressure gauge built into it. The prescribed range is between 30-50 psi. I filled our tires to about 48 psi, and it is a very comfortable ride.
There is one slight (and I emphasize the word slight) engineering problem: the bike has a "U" shaped guard to protect the rear shifting mechanism, and you must take care to put this guard on. But the bolts that were supplied are about 1/8 inch too long for the chassis, and this originally caused some shifting issues. I took care of this by just putting a couple of penny washers on the outside of the guard. If anyone from Kent is reading this, take a look at this very minor problem.
All in all, my wife and I have already enjoyed some very comfortable and relaxing rides, and plan on spending the rest of the summer, and well into the fall, biking places to which we would previously have driven. We're going out to dinner this week on our Kent Tandem.
This product is a GREAT buy.
It took about 45 minutes to assemble. You need to have allen wrenches that were not included with the bike. It's very stable. I am 6'2" and 200 pounds and I fit just fine. If you have very short legs, you will have trouble with the front position.
BalasHapusWe have biked all over town. It's lots of fun. It's easy to ride. I need stronger legs to go up steep hills, because it's a little heavy. I shopped for a long time before picking this bike. It's a very good ride. It's lot's of fun. The price is unbeatable. I give this four thumbs up. (Two for each rider.)
We received the Kent Tandem Bike about two weeks ago. We purchased this bike so my oldest, who is autistic, could ride with the family (as opposed to going in shifts with one of staying home to watch him). The brakes needed a little adjusting and the wheels needed to be trued (slightly). The only complaint was with the tires. The stock tires are from a company called Duro. The size is 26 x 2.0 but they are squarer looking then round. The tires have a groove down the middle. The shoulders of the tire come in contact with the ground and the center doesn't. It feels like this creates a lot of resistance as it did not coast well (even inflated to the maximum PSI of 45). Because of the square tire stance, the bike felt off cornering. I replaced the tires with Bontrager Solana balloon tires (26 x 2.35) and it made a world of difference. The Bontrager tires are rounded with only the center making contact with the road. With the new tires, the bikes is very sturdy when cornering and coasts well also. Even with the extra $40 spent on tires, I would recommend this bicycle. My Autistic son loves it as well!
BalasHapusI missed a gold box sale on this bike for $199 but picked it up for $219 a week or so later (with free shipping) which is a bargain either way you look at it. Shipping was fast and delivered right to the door. It's a large box so be prepared.
BalasHapusAssembly was relatively easy - can't comment on the instructions because never even needed to read them. Basically had to install one tire, handle bars, both seats, brakes, pedals, and bottle racks. The shifting mechanism and back tires came pre-assembled which took most of the real work out of the assembly.
The look of the bike is actually very attractive especially compared to most tandem bikes which tend to be very linear and bulky looking. This is much smoother with great lines. The silver fades into a gun-metal grey with a few red accents and black grips, seats, tires, bottles etc... Overall a very pleasing appearance albeit a bit retro.
Shifters are in the handle and smooth enough. One handle does the big shifting and the other handle fine tunes the shifting. The brakes are sufficient but NOT disc brakes but rather those little "v" brakes. Tires are large enough to give a smooth ride and in fact, was surprisingly easy to handle and navigate. You won't be taking quick turns with this as the bike is loooooong but then again, it's not really designed with racing in mind.
Negatives: first, the hand grips. The rubberized hand grips have wedges that tend to become uncomfortable on long rides but that is a minor issue. The seats - this is really a personal preference. I find the seats to be one of the most uncomfortable bike seats I've ever encountered - absolutely intolerable. Spouse finds them great and one of the most comfortable ever. It seems to be how your personal backside is built but for sure - you will love or hate the seats. There doesn't seem to be much in-between. Finally, the front seat and rail tend to be a bit tall for women or those on the short side.
Positives. Smooth ride - much smoother than expected. Both spouse and self have tried other tandems in the past that were hard to get started, difficult to navigate, bumpy and lacked speeds. All of those were non-issues. This tandem was very easy to get started. One false start out of the drive way and then no further issues. Easy steering, very nice ride. We took it out Xmas eve when the streets were quiet and empty to give it a good first ride with the intent to just go around the block. Ended up taking it for a couple mile ride to see the Xmas lights as it was so easy to drive. Great cruiser. Can actually reach a decent speed but be sure to have plenty of braking space and don't take tight corners at the high speeds. All in all, a lot of fun for a couple with a terrific price.
Update: We have now owned this bike for over a 18 months and continue to enjoy it immensely. Have experienced zero problems. It is stored in the garage and still works just like new. Very smooth ride, no irritating rattles, no rust, no problem of any type. Just a great bike at a great price. The bike remains very attractive and constantly gets a lot of response when out and about riding - people want to know where to find one and of course, kids want to try it any chance they get! As a comparison, about six months ago picked up a single person bike at Walmart that is also stored in the garage but creaks and moans like I've owned it for a decade or more. While this is not a professional quality or expensive bike...it is much better quality than most entry level bikes being sold out there today and holds up well over time. Still extremely pleased with this purchase. Smooth ride, great look, holds up well over time.
Great bike for the money! Mine arrived in excellent condition. I'm a former bicycle mechanic, so assembling it was no problem. I was impressed with the quality of the pre-assembly -- all the bearings were lubricated and the wheels were reasonable well trued. I swapped the rear seat out for one with a slightly lower profile, and my 6 1/2 year old son can ride on the back -- great fun for both of us!
BalasHapusI bought this tandem bike for my 10 year old son who has autism. We haven't taught him how to ride a two wheeler, because he doesn't understand things like stop signs or how to cross an intersection safely. He had out grown this trailer bike, and I was looking for something he could move up to. I found this tandem bike on your website and noticed that the top tube for the rider in back was unusually low. This low height allows my boy to straddle the bike with his feet on the ground with no issues.
BalasHapusI haven't had any of the problems described in the other reviews. It came with all it's parts, wasn't damaged, and was easy to assembly. It's a long, comfortable, slightly heavy bike that is perfect for what it's designed for: cruising around the neighborhood. We love it!
BalasHapusI did not need to read the instructions. Assembly was not hard. For some this may be oversimplified... sorry. Just trying to help others. Go purchase a small $10.00 bike tire pump while you are waiting for delivery. The kind that attaches to your bike. Schwinn makes a good model (see picture).
BalasHapus1) If the box is not damaged on arrival, there is no reason to suspect that any of the contents are damaged because the sides of the box are double walled with cardboard. (If the box is damaged, it is prudent to make a note of it on the freight slip before you sign, and make a claim).
2) The box is marked "This side up" on one of the long thin sides. There are large staples which I easily pried off with a flat screwdriver. Open the long thin lid of the box so you can see the contents for the next step.
3) Do not try and pull the bike out of the open box on top or you'll risk damaging the wheels. I took a utility knife and cut down the corners of the box at both ends.
4) Gently lay the down on it's side now and open the box fully. Note, this also provides your floor/carpet with a large cardboard surface to work and assemble the bike on. Its also better on the knees while working.
5) The bike contents are bound together with plastic ties. You can use wire cutters or scissors to cut them and remove free all the parts one by one. Some parts come in boxes, such as the pedals. Remove everything and lay it out on the floor. (DON'T BE TOO METICULOUS AND REMOVE THE STICKERS OFF THE PEDALS YET because they tell you which is right and left side.) Fenders do not come with this bike. You must purchase them separately if you want them.
6)Only one of the front wheels has a nut. The other one is stuck inside the large black round plate that protected the bike wheel from protruding through the box. This explains a previous comment by another customer who thought the nut was not included.
7)Put the front wheel on and tighten in place. You will have to disconnect the front brake assembly to fit the tire in place. (NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED to disconnect the front brake assembly. Just look at it carefully... You will see how it comes apart.(The back wheel is already installed.)
8)The kick stand (installed) must be loosened adjusted forward to fit in its proper position (mine was not).
---- now the bike is standing on its own ---- leave the wheels flat (airless) for now.
9) Put on the FRONT handlebar and tighten. (The back handlebar must be attached to the front seat)
10) Put on the both seats and tighten.
11) Now you can put on the back handlebar.
12) Put on the pedals. The right pedals screw in clockwise (right). The left pedals screw in counterclockwise (left); (The reason for this is so that the pedals will never unscrew and fall off while you are riding).
13) With a hexagonal Allen wrench, adjust the brake pads where they will line up with the rim. Notice they are slightly curved to go with the curve of the tire rim. (One of the brake lines may have fallen out of the handlebar hand clamp. If you have trouble getting the brake lines hooked up, go get the kid next door... they'll know how to do it. Otherwise, if you just stare at the brake system long enough, you'll see how it goes together.
14) Release ALL the remaining air from the tires by pressing the little pin; then, manipulate the tubes to where the tube stem is perfectly centered in hole in the rim. Pump up the tires now with the little pump you purchased beforehand.
15) Double check all the important bolts for tightness (tires, handlebars, seats, etc). You are ready for a trial run.
Our Kent bike came with the gear system installed and working well. I hope this helps some people assemble their kent. After doing the above, we rode two miles to a nearby park, went swimming, and returned safely home. We look forward to adding all the accessories and doing lots of riding in the neighborhood!