Yes, a good tandem is very much the key to having a positive experience. I remember when I was a little kid and rented a tandem for an hour or so from a local hardware store, and it was like riding a big, wet noodle. Needless to say, that was an experience that lasted with me for quite some time. However, some 25 or 30 years later when my wife suggested purchasing a tandem, we took a spin on one and fell in love with it. We've now had the bike for over 20 years and still very much enjoy riding together.