Kent Dual Drive Tandem Comfort Bike
- High-quality tandem bike with a durable cruiser-style frame
- 21-speed Shimano Tourney drive train and Revo twist shifters
- Easy-to-access stand-over heights (29 inches front and 20 inches rear)
- Extra-wide 2.1-inch tires; reliable alloy linear pull V brakes
- Pair of spring gel saddles and dual water bottle holders
The Kent Dual Drive 21 Speed Tandem Bicycle offers high quality construction at a reasonable price. This durable tandem bike is comfortable and stylish, with a pair of soft gel saddles and extra-wide, bump-gobbling 2.1-inch tires. The components, meanwhile, are built for long-lasting use, including the 21-speed Shimano drive train, Revo twist shifters, and reliable alloy linear pull V brakes. Best of all, the frame features low stand-over heights (29 inches in the front and 20 inches in back), making it easy for both riders to hop on. Also equipped with a pair of water bottle holders and a heavy-duty kickstand, the tandem bike is perfect for people who want to spend a little quality time with a spouse or good friend. Enjoy a bicycle built for two without breaking the bank with the Kent Dual Drive tandem beach cruiser. The durable, high-quality bike is comfortable and stylish, with a pair of soft gel saddles and extra-wide, bump-gobbling 2.1-inch tire
List Price: $ 309.99
Price: $ 267.94
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Fun Bike! A few negatives but a lot more positives,
I 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.
Assembly 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 for cruising the neighborhoods !,
I ordered the Kent Tandem and it took about 5 days to arrive. I expected this to be a “BICYCLE KIT” and it met my expectations 100%. I removed every component from the frame one by one and inspected/lubed/re-assembled back on the frame and adjusted. The ONLY thing that had even a trace of grease on it was one of the bolts for the stoker handlebar clamp(Seriously). Every bearing was dry. The rear wheel was missing 5 balls on the gear side.I mic’ed the balls on all the bearings and all were within .0001 in. or less difference. Both tires had maybe 10 pounds of air in them. I let what little air out and pulled the tires to inspect the wheels and spokes. The spoke strip on the rear wheel was pushed over and not covering the spokes in two spots so there was a sure flat if I would have just put air in it without checking. The front tire was OK. The front wheel was within .080 in. of true both horizontal and vertical. The rear wheel was out approx .600 in. horizontal and .080 in. vertical. It wouldn’t even roll without the tire hitting the frame. I trued both wheels to +/- .020 in.(“close enough” for a bicycle) along with setting a little backlash on the spokes in the process. As with everything else on the bike, The brakes and both derailers weren’t even close to being adjusted correctly. The return springs on the rear brakes were in different holes. When adjusting the derailers I noticed the rear derailer was bent. I called the toll free # for Kent customer service and told the lady the problem. With no questions asked, she took my name and address and said she would get another derailer in the mail that day and I didn’t need to send the bad one back. A close look at the frame and no cracks,bends or dents were found. The welds are not as pretty as they could be but they didn’t look bad at all and showed signs of good penetration at the weld edges. While waiting for the new derailer I peeled off about 10 pounds of stickers and installed some aftermarket fenders,a rear cargo rack, two bells (The stoker has to have fun too),rear view mirrors and naturally some streamers on the handlebars. The replacement rear derailer arrived in three days. I’m VERY happy with their customer service. After assembling the tandem “KIT” and adjusting the seats and handlebars we took it out for a “Maiden Voyage” of 31 miles. The bike rode really well. The frame was MUCH STIFFER than our old Columbia tandem. Shifts were smooth, quick, precise and quiet. No “Auto shift” from frame flex on take off or climbs. The brakes worked nicely and took very little finger pressure to stop on the small hills we encountered. I think the supplied Velo seat will have to be replaced for me but my Wife seemed to like her seat OK so far. We managed to hit our fair share of bumps and pot holes along with going down some rough gravel roads so I was wondering how things were holding up. After we got home I looked everything over and all was as it should be. I didn’t use the dial indicator again but “eyeballed” the wheels judging with the brake pads and spinning the wheels and they seemed to hold true. We really like the bike. It does just what it was designed for (cruising around the neighborhoods) and does it well. It’s just what we hoped for and expected and we think it’s well worth the $248.00 shipped. We had a BLAST riding “twogether” through the neighborhoods of three small towns Sunday. If someone is looking for a cruiser tandem and can assemble the “KIT” themselves then I would recommend the Kent. If you are not comfortable doing the work then I suggest talking with a local bike shop, Give them the list I posted here in this review of the things I HAD TO DO to assemble the bike for an example and get a estimate. It might cost more than it’s worth if you have to go that route. Even with the missing ball bearings, I give it 4 stars for the style and price. Heck,you can’t expect “top of the line” quality on a $248 tandem.
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