Originally Posted by ken cummings
$80 for the machine and $200+ for an overhaul at a sympathetic bike shop. Fine. For a light adult to ride with kids around the neighborhood to introduce them to the joy of cycling. I rode one like that as a teenager. Took a couple of girls on summer dates with it before I could drive. None asked to repeat the experience. My current tandem cost $2,300 21 years ago and can carry 2x200 pounds and 4 panniers.
That's because you didn't ask them to be in the front, everyone would have enjoyed that.