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Need a quote for a funding request or help choosing the right bike model and accessories for your family? Call Shelley 786.489.2453

The Buddy Bike vs. Kidz Tandem

The Buddy Bike and the Kidz Tandem are rear seat steering tandem bicycles that place the smaller rider in the front seat. They both have features that can be beneficial and fun for kids and riders with special needs. See the differences between these special bikes and see which bike would be best for your family's needs in this comparison of The Buddy Bike vs Kidz Tandem. Then call Shelley at 786.489.2453 to order your Buddy Bike or Kidz Tandem!

NOTE: On both the Buddy Bike and the Kidz Tandem we refer to the back seat rider as the "Captain" and the front seat rider as the "Stoker."

The Buddy Bike

The Buddy Bike is a rear seat steering tandem bicycle that places the smaller rider in the front seat. The Buddy Bike is safety-rated to 380 pounds. Two adults can ride as long as they are within the weight limit and the rear rider is as tall as or taller than the front seat rider ("Stoker").

Kidz Tandem.JPG

Kidz Tandem

The Kidz Tandem is a rear-steering tandem bicycle that places the smaller rider in the front seat. Kids up to 100 pounds and 5' tall will enjoy leading the ride on this bike. With optional accessories, they aren't the only ones who can ride! This versatile bike can be adapted to accommodate kids, pets and cargo!

Bike Models

The Buddy Bike

The Buddy Bike comes in two frame sizes. "Family" frames are smaller and "Sport" frames are larger with about 2" of additional rear rider leg room making it better suited for taller adult riders ("Captains"). There are a variety of models with varied features.

Kidz Tandem

The Kidz Tandem has one model that is available in 3 frame colors (red, blue or yellow). Accessories can convert the front seat to a child bike seat, supportive backrest seat, or a cargo/pet basket.

Gears and Hubs

The Buddy Bike

The Buddy Bike has a variety of gear options. Some models include Shimano internal 3,7 or 8 speed hubs, or the Enviolo (previously NuVinci) seamless shifting hub, or external Shimano Deore 24, 27 or 30 speed hubs.

Kidz Tandem

Kidz Tandem includes 27 speeds with SRAM X7 Shifters/parts package. More gears are good for hilly areas

Rider Inseams

Riders will need these minimum measurements in order to reach the pedals. Inseam measurements are taken from the top of leg (inside/groin) to the heel.

The Buddy Bike

Front Seat Rider/Stoker

25” to 31” to pedals

29” to 35” to ground

Rear Seat Rider/Captain

27” to 37” to pedals
31” to 41” to ground

Kidz Tandem

Front Seat Rider/Stoker

19.5” to 23” to pedals
28” to 31.5” to ground

Rear Seat Rider/Captain

27.5” to 37” to pedals
32.5” to 42” to ground

Bike Specs

The Buddy Bike

Frame

Aluminum from 2007

Prior models Cro-moly Steel

Bike Weight

40-64 pounds

Varies by model

Bike Length

83" Family models

84" Sport models

Kidz Tandem

Frame

Cro-moly Steel

Bike Weight

A little heavier than Buddy Bike

Bike Length

A little longer than Buddy Bike

Bike Racks

The Buddy Bike

Able to carry on a bicycle hitch rack.

Learn more about The Buddy Bike and transportation options at BIKE RACKS.

Kidz Tandem

May need to remove both wheels to carry on bicycle hitch rack

Will My Child Outgrow It?

The Buddy Bike

As long as the Stoker (front seat rider) is shorter than the Captain (rear seat rider) and both riders are within the safety-rated weight limit of 380 pounds, it is possible that families can ride together indefinitely. Stokers around 6’ may feel cramped riding the front seat and larger front seat riders may make cycling more challenging for Captains.

Kidz Tandem

Stokers (front seat riders) can ride comfortably until they reach approximately 5’2” and/or 100 pounds.

Can My Child Steer?

The Buddy Bike

Buddy Bike models with the classic handlebar setup include smaller handlebars for the Stoker that are on the same stem as the Captain. The Captain has leverage and control of the larger handlebars along with shifting and braking. While the Stoker will feel the movement of the handlebars and can contribute to steering with the Captain. Some models may also include an additional brake for the Stoker to learn braking skills. On Buddy Bike models that do not include the classic handlebar set up, there is a padded crossbar for the Stoker and no additional brake. Buddy Bike offers a Classic Stoker Add On Kit to add front rider handlebars to these bike models.

Kidz Tandem

No. The Stoker handlebars are stationary so the front rider will not affect the steering.

Can My Child Pedal?

The Buddy Bike

The Stoker needs a 25” inseam to pedal or 24" with Buddy Bike Adjustable Cranksets. The front and rear pedals work together so they will both be in motion while propelling the bicycle. Smaller riders can get their feet out of the way of the pedal motion using our optional Fold-Out Foot Pegs. Adaptive pedals, strap pedals, or toe clips are suggested to help front seat riders keep their feet on the pedals for safety.

Kidz Tandem

The Stoker needs a 19.5” inseam to pedal. The front and rear pedals work together so they will both be in motion while propelling the bicycle. The Buddy Bike fold-out foot pegs cannot be used on the Kidz Tandem. Adaptive pedals, strap pedals, or toe clips are suggested to help front seat riders keep their feet on the pedals for safety.

Supportive Seating

The Buddy Bike

For Stokers that need additional support, see the optional Sunlite Backrest Saddle which has a wider seat and small back rest. This seat does not include a harness.

Kidz Tandem

For stokers that need additional support, see the optional adaptive bicycle seat which attaches to the existing seat post. This seat includes a harness and does not work on The Buddy Bike.

Kidz Tandem also offers a basket to convert the front seat into a cargo or pet carrier.

SHOP BUDDY BIKE

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