I have been to New York once before and went to Central Park for about 4 hours. I did not realize how much time it would take to see all. This time I am thinking it would be wise to rent bikes. Has anyone rented bikes or what about the tandem bikes? There will be 2 of us. Is this the best way to see as much as you can in little time?

We never rent the bikes but the rental is right next to the boat house. We were there Monday for lunch and the bike rental was doing a great business.I think it would be a great way to see more of the park if you don't have unlimited walking time.
Have fun!

Bike rentals near and in the park are a great idea. My boyfriend and I live near the park and frequently rent bikes to explore different areas of the city. I have two suggestions for you
1) rentals a few blocks from the park are MUCH cheaper...there's a place on 9th Avenue, between 55th and 56th Streets where the two of you could rent bikes for less than $20 for the day. In the park I think they charge nearly that per hour. The name of the rental spot is Anewgen (sp?). They have a big "Bike rental" sign outside their front door.
2) If you do a daily rental, make your way over to the Hudson river bike path (just go all the way west). It's a beautiful path for bikers that extends the entire length of manhattan, from Battery Park up to the George Washington Bridge. A great way to see the city!
Good luck and have fun!

Do NOT get a tamdem bike! As "cute" or efficient as they appear, you will not believe how much the captain (front person) blocks the view of the stoker (back person) and the stoker will not like the steering decisions the captain makes. And they're not as manueverable as a "standard" bicycle.

Have fun!

Just got back from NY and the bike rental at Anewgen was easy to find and cheap. $6 an hour! Thanks.