I must agree with zonatandem. We were looking for a tandem for some time. Tried a bunch including the Schwinn. Since this was a new venture for us I didn't want to go "whole hog" but I wanted quality. We were lucky enough to find TandemsEast near our home. Mel had a bunch of tandems for us to test ride so we could experience what a tandem should be. We came home with a new Burley setup with quality components. We couldn't be happier. My wife cannot ride a bike but loves to ride on the tandem. We used to ride our motorcycle every chance we got, this summer we were on that Burley more then the Goldwing! Of course we still took a nice vacation down to NC on the motorcycle. What can I say.. we just love getting out on 2 wheels.