Advice on kids with disabilities

[agronomist bob]

My daughter is 14 years old and has limited vision and a congenital heart and lung defect limiting her exercise capacity. We have had a trail-a-bike, which has been a beautiful option for us and for any family in our situation. My daughter is unable to ride a bike alone due to her problems, and prefers a large bike with training wheels, which is not an option due to her current growth to a weight of 95 lbs. Also, she refuses to consider a 3-wheeled 'old lady' bike. We are looking at the Trek T900 tandem, due to its small rear adjustments for her small size. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Does anyone have any experience with this low-priced tandem? Our daughter is unlikely to ever weigh over 110 lbs. due to her physical illnesses. Thank you.

[DocF]

Dollar for dollar, that may well be the best match for your needs. You also should look at entry level tandems from KHS and Raleigh. The Trek T900 was close to fitting my wife who is 4'10" and weighs less than 90 lbs. It was just a bit to big for her, though.

Good luck,
Doc

[Retro Grouch]

I've had good results fitting a Burley Zydaco Mixte X to a small stoker.

[zonatandem]

2005 Burley Zydeco @ about $999. Will fit smaller stoker and adult up front. A bit better quality IMO than the others mentioned.
Have pedaled tandem with folks with limited abilities (from blind to Parkinsons to chemo to severely physically handicapped) and it is a most rewarding experience for both parties!
Good luck!

[agronomist bob]

Thanks for all of the ideas, we will explore the options. We appreciate this; I've gotten 3 opinions in the last 6 hours or so; that is very helpful and reflective of the spirit of those who are riding.
Sincerely,
one of the other doctor bobs