folding tandem | Circe Cycles

Customising a tandem

admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 23:25:16 +0000

Every tandem rider is different; different sizes, different fitness levels and different needs. As tandem riders and enthusiasts ourselves, we are aware of the sort of use to which a tandem might be put, and, like most tandem companies, specify our models to meet those needs. However, we also want customers to have the best tandem for their type of cycling and recognise that this is often only achievable by modifying our existing models or even ‘ground up’ builds.

One of the most important things when riding any bike, particularly a tandem, is comfort, and we work with customers to optimise their riding position, in particular, with reference to existing bike fit and to contact points; saddle, handlebars and pedals. This can mean, with new tandem riders, working with dimensions from their solo bikes; something we frequently do.

For many customers one of our standard specification tandem builds, with any required tweaks, and attention to the fit and comfort, is perfect, but for others, the whole customisation gamut is available. This can sometimes seem daunting, but it’s as simple as having a conversation working through needs and projected usage. Some customers already have preferences which we are happy to implement, but otherwise we make suggestions to work towards the best tandem for your needs.

Here are some recent custom tandems we’ve done.

The post Customising a tandem first appeared on Circe Cycles.

Travelling with tandems – no 2

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 16:59:51 +0000

Travelling with tandem bikes, particularly by plane, is a significant deterrent to more adventurous use. The in-house designed coupling system we developed for the Circe Helios tandem has proven popular and facilitated some extraordinary bicycle adventures.

We’ve now incorporated the separable feature into both our Morpheus and Eos travel tandems to allow packing them safely into a suitcase or suitcases. The packable feature also simplifies transporting a tandem on trains, buses and cars.

The two Morpheus Aurora tandems in the photo have been built and specced for a young European family doing an epic year long touring adventure through the Americas. Interesting adaptations include the Kiddy System and specially in-house shortened cranks, both of which feature a freewheel system so that the front rider does not have to pedal.

A family cycling adventure in which we are excited to be involved and greatly look to following.

The post Travelling with tandems – no 2 first appeared on Circe Cycles.

How to pack a Tandem bike in two bags for travel

admin — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 16:19:04 +0000

The Circe Helios is well known for its easy transportability, but how about packing a tandem into two 70 x 60 x 20cm bags, each weighing just under 10kg? Even better, and saving packing and re-construction time, the rear wheel and transmission can stay in place.

Every tandem couple has different requirements, with some preferring a single case or bag, as with the Circe Tandem Traveller case, but, with increasing constraints on size and weight that is allowed on trains and planes, the 2 bag tandem pack has advantages and is increasingly popular :-

1. Each bag weighs under 10kg, which, with two riders, is very manageable.

2. The packed size is compact and, as with the weight, much more manageable than a one bag or case pack.

3. The rear wheel, transmission and brakes can stay in place. This makes for a much easier and quicker pack and reconstruction.

To see how it’s done, have a look here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=UP8bmprUzf4

The post How to pack a Tandem bike in two bags for travel first appeared on Circe Cycles.

Josie Dew and family cycling with a Shimano STEPS assisted Helios Triplet.

admin — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:22:24 +0000

Inspirational touring cyclist and author, Josie Dew, has been using a Circe Helios for transporting her family, but with a growing family and having to regularly propel an increasingly heavy load, she’s upgraded the family transport to a Shimano STEPS assisted Circe Helios Triplet. It’s used every day for the school run and general transportation duties, but Josie still has a passion for cycle touring and also uses the Triplet for family holidays.

If you’d like to read a bit about her trips or even just see how she packs everything for such an adventure, she writes entertainingly in her website blog. She has also written a number of inspiring books about touring by bicycle.

The post Josie Dew and family cycling with a Shimano STEPS assisted Helios Triplet. first appeared on Circe Cycles.