Taryn and Amanda’s QU-AX Minibike Tandem

Bikes aren’t toys, they’re tools! Well, some tools are less useful than others, like mini hammers. The QU-AX Minibike Tandem exists in a league of its own, sporting fast-rolling 6″ solid rubber tires, a riveted leather saddle, and an eccentric bottom bracket to adjust chain tension. I’d argue it’s actually much more impressive than a tiny hammer. Plus, it offers instant fun when you’re not sure what to do. Or in the case of my friends Taryn and Amanda, a source of entertainment when ferries get cancelled.

QU-AX is a German unicycle company with a huge selection of models, ranging from beginner-specific to mountain bike rated. And then they have a category on the site titled “fun vehicles” that consists of a few mini bikes, a tandem unicycle, a penny farthing, and a 36″ wheeled bike for good measure. Although QU-AX doesn’t specify, the Minibike Tandem likely offers a higher fun rating than the others. I was able to get on for a quick spin with Taryn, and although it felt a little cramped, we were crushing figure eights outside of my house in no time. Due to its compact design and adjustable saddle height, it packed easily in the back of their SUV while not in use—pairing perfectly with their more trail-ready mountain bikes that they brought along for their coastal road trip. I asked Taryn and Amanda if they’d be willing to share the story behind their mini tandem and their reasons for buying it. Find that below.

The Minibike Tandem Story

By Taryn Mckenzie (@toplesstaryn) and Amanda Cormier (@itsamandacormier)

Our passion for mini bikes started back mid-pandemic when we had too much time on our hands. Amanda was digging through her family’s sea-can storage unit and found absolute gold: a mini bike from Canadian Tire her dad bought back in the 2000s. It was on that day that we knew 29ers were dead and 6” wheels were the future. We set out to film an edit that would rival the intensity of Rampage but with the cinematography of The Revenant. We hit the local bike trails and got to work. Our edit dropped and started a movement on social media.

Amanda and I then began to stress, “How are we supposed to top this absolute masterpiece of a bike edit?” Late one lonely night, I was browsing the online bike market and stumbled across the most beautiful piece of equipment: the QU-AX Tandem Mini 6” Bike. This marvel of bike manufacturing was soon to be ours, and the opportunity for hilarity was fast approaching.

I remember the electric feeling when Amanda and I first placed feet to pedals and launched ourselves into the next chapter of our lives. We couldn’t stop giggling that entire first ride. And we knew we would have to share this joy with the world. We started outlining everything we wanted to accomplish with this bike. There is a follow-up edit in the works.

If you’re looking for a bike to crush epic kilometres on, this is not the bike (your thighs burn after 10 metres). However, if you’re looking to pick up cuties from the local watering hole, then consider investing in a QU-AX. It is 100% guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The plan is that one day, I’ll find Mr. Right and we can ride off into the sunset with him on the back seat of the tandem, laughing the entire time.

The QU-AX Minibike Tandem retails for €359 (~$415 USD) and is worth every penny, according to Taryn and Amanda. Learn more at Qu-AX.de.

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