I'm considering the purchase of a Torker Bermuda (http://www.torkerusa.com/bermuda-tandem.html), and was wondering if anyone here had comments on that model. Now before you fall out of your chairs laughing, lemme explain a little bit about the situation...
My wife and I are trying to find an activity we can share with Judy, her autistic sister. Judy isn't able to ride a normal (i.e. non-tandem) bike, because her balance isn't good enough to keep it upright (she has difficulty with the fine steering adjustments). We considered opting for an adult tricycle instead, but decided against it for safety reasons... she tends to forget minor details, such as checking for cars before crossing the street. So we thought that a tandem bicycle might be a good alternative. We'd be riding exclusively on city streets and paved bike trails, and it's very unlikely that a single excursion would last longer than about 2 hours.
The main reason for choosing the Bermuda would be, of course, price. At the moment, we simply can't afford to spend $2K or more on a bicycle... even half that amount would be tough. :( I'm certainly willing to consider other models, but I think this one is probably good enough for our rather limited purposes.
We took one for a short test ride the other day, and Judy did just fine in the stoker position... she's quite excited, in fact. She keeps asking me when we're going to buy her bicycle. :)
Comments?
zonatandem
05-18-05, 07:29 PM
If it works and if the price is right and you're planning to cruise the 'hood, go to the park or stop for ice cream somewhere, this Torker should be OK
Another option would be to look for a used tandem . . .
If you like tandeming well enough, you can always later invest in something more upscale.
In the meantime, have FUN!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Brian
05-19-05, 01:32 AM
This is precisely the reason I am going to start a tandem rescue/tandem register when I return to the states. I want every tandem in the US to be accounted for, so that all those "New, unused" ones laying around gathering dust can be adopted by good homes where they'll be put to good use. Wouldn't it be great if we could match up someone searching for an affordable tandem with someone who's got an unused one?
TandemGeek
05-19-05, 04:49 AM
This is precisely the reason I am going to start a tandem rescue/tandem register when I return to the states. I want every tandem in the US to be accounted for, so that all those "New, unused" ones laying around gathering dust can be adopted by good homes where they'll be put to good use.
I like it... You might want to contact the folks at RMF and other similar organizations to see if there is a way to leverage their non-profit status: http://www.rushmillerfoundation.org/
Brian
05-19-05, 05:12 AM
Thanks for that! Once I get settled, I'll contact them. I found that importing BMX gear and selling it for with very little markup at the BMX track where I race has made me much happier than just selling stuff online. I see a lot of kids in need of parts and clothing, and a lot of single parents out there, (moms racing with kids even!) and I feel better making my contribution to such a family oriented sport. Yes, I am aware of the irony of that comment. I've found my passion for bikes is much more than just riding, and plan on putting that energy to good use.
zonatandem
05-19-05, 06:27 PM
As they say: "Good of you!!!"
landstander
05-19-05, 07:10 PM
If it works and if the price is right and you're planning to cruise the 'hood, go to the park or stop for ice cream somewhere, this Torker should be OK
Another option would be to look for a used tandem . . .
If you like tandeming well enough, you can always later invest in something more upscale.
In the meantime, have FUN!
It looks like we're going to go ahead and purchase the Torker Bermuda come payday, unless we happen to find an appropriate used tandem in the meantime. I'll post again after we've had a chance to use it for an extended period, and let everyone know how it does.
Thanx much for your assistance! :)
Brian
05-20-05, 01:10 AM
As they say: "Good of you!!!"
Do you mean "Good on ya'"?
zonatandem
05-20-05, 02:08 PM
Slip of my Aussie accent: "Good on ya' " mate!
Brian
05-20-05, 04:25 PM
Slip of my Aussie accent: "Good on ya' " mate!
And here's to landstander getting a tandem! :beer:
landstander
05-23-05, 08:21 AM
Slight change of plans... on the advice of some folks from the tandem@hobbes list, we found a local shop which carries a number of Raleigh tandems. After several test rides we ended up purchasing a Raleigh Companion (http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=10&itemid=244&va=0) instead, which we'll be picking up on Tuesday evening. They're going to install an adjustable stem in the meantime, so I can raise the front handlebars slightly, but it was an excellent fit otherwise. We're confident that it will serve our purposes.
The Raleigh only cost us slightly more than the Torker, but gives us 24 gear combinations instead of only 7... should be helpful, as there are plenty of hills around here. It also seems to be significantly lighter (based upon my quasi-scientific "pick up both and guesstimate" technique), although both are steel-frame bikes.
My wife and I will probably take it to one of the local trails on Wednesday, so I can get more comfortable with the handling before taking Judy on an extended ride. I expect to be cycling with her by this weekend, tho (and she is SO ready to ride!). :D
Brian
05-23-05, 02:37 PM
If it wasn't so early here, I'd say that's the best news I've had all day!
DocF
05-23-05, 06:42 PM
Slight change of plans... on the advice of some folks from the tandem@hobbes list, we found a local shop which carries a number of Raleigh tandems. After several test rides we ended up purchasing a Raleigh Companion (http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=10&itemid=244&va=0) instead, which we'll be picking up on Tuesday evening. They're going to install an adjustable stem in the meantime, so I can raise the front handlebars slightly, but it was an excellent fit otherwise. We're confident that it will serve our purposes.
The Raleigh only cost us slightly more than the Torker, but gives us 24 gear combinations instead of only 7... should be helpful, as there are plenty of hills around here. It also seems to be significantly lighter (based upon my quasi-scientific "pick up both and guesstimate" technique), although both are steel-frame bikes.
My wife and I will probably take it to one of the local trails on Wednesday, so I can get more comfortable with the handling before taking Judy on an extended ride. I expect to be cycling with her by this weekend, tho (and she is SO ready to ride!). :D
Congratulations! Raleigh has improved the Companion quite a bit in the last year or so and it is a good entry level bike for the money. I'm sure this will do exactly what you want.
Good luck,
Doc
zonatandem
05-25-05, 10:43 PM
Whoa!!! Now you've already upgraded from the Torker.
Enjoy the ride & pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
landstander
05-26-05, 07:27 AM
Whoa!!! Now you've already upgraded from the Torker.
Enjoy the ride & pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Yeah, for some reason the Raleigh dealers seem to be rather uncommon in this area... no idea why. But once we finally tracked one down, we found that the Companion gave much more value for the money. It seems to be working quite well so far, although at this point we've only had the opportunity for a few short rides.
It also gave us an opportunity to discover just how out-of-shape we've managed to become. Yikes!!! :eek: