The "good" ranges from just that to great.  As you know by now, Kettwiesels are highly maneuverable.  Well, in tandem, this quality really is magnified based on the manner in which these two trikes are coupled when used in tandem.  In order to attach two Kettwiesels for tandem use, the front wheel of the rear trike is removed, and the forks placed in to a receving bracket on the rear of the lead (or captain's) trike.  This attachment creates a five wheel eleven foot long articulated tandem.  Because of this articulated joint, maneuvering around obsticles is pretty much a snap, especially valuable in urban settings where ninety degree turns are the norm.  The narrow width of Hase Kettwiesels also contributes to great maneuverability when they are used in tandem since most openings on gated paths are about thirty-six inches wide.  Though the fit through such openings is tight, a Kettwiesel tandem generally will make it through without having to stop.

        The fact that the Kettwiesel tandem setup is based on two individual trikes provides unparalelled diversity in terms of independent pedaling.  Generally, tandems featuring independent pedaling systems only allow one rider to discontinue pedaling; once pedaling resumes, it is at the same speed (or cadence) as the other member of the tandem team is pedaling.  Conversely, a Kettwiesel tandem not only allows one rider to rest by not pedaling; but, because both trikes have independent gearing, one rider can pedal more or less than the other in completely different gears.  The Kettwiesel tandem setup truly allows for a team of completely unmatched strength, endurance  and ability, unlike any other tandem bicycle or trike currently available.

        However, when it comes to tandem performance, beyond superb maneuverability, the Kettwiesel tandem setup is not without its faults.  Simply put, rolling resistance is the biggest enemy of a Kettwiesel tandem as there are five wheels rolling when two Kettwiesel trikes are in tandem use.  Based on more than three years of riding experience, however, there is no doubt that the type of tires used on the trike can make a huge difference.  Specifically, we discerned that narrow (1.35 to 1.5 inch), high pressure tires similar to Shwaabe Kojaks can add one to two miles per hour to your average speed.  The only cautionary note, here, is that narrow high pressure tires appear to make the rear trike more proned to instability during hard fast turning maneuvers, probably because not as much rubber is in contact with the ground.  Rolling resistance also contributes to the simple fact that Kettwiesels in tandem just do not coast particularly well.  There is no doubt that if you are looking for exercise while having fun riding a trike, a Kettwiesel tandem is the ticket as it is necessary for one or both members of the tandem team to pedal almost 100% of the time in order to maintain speed on level terrain.  One simple sollution to this problem, though somewhat expensive, is to add an electric motor to supplement performance, especially on uphill ascents.

        All in all, and based on many miles of riding, it would be hard to challenge anyone's decision to purchase Kettwiesel trikes for use in tandem, especially given that the two trikes can be detached and used seperately if needed or desired.  A Kettwiesel tandem setup truly is three-trikes-in-one no matter how you cut it.

KETTWIESEL REVIEW


KETTWIESEL RIDE REVIEW


BACK TO TRIKESHOPPE REVIEWS