Tandem Cycling - Is there real value in an inexpensive tandem?

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Andy Dreisch
08-27-02, 03:17 PM
I'm considering buying a tandem. I've been looking around and am pretty familiar with the various brands and market segments. I am a long time bicyclist.

I have pretty much settled on Aluminum. I have found Al tandems in the $2000 range (like KHS), as well as $3000 and up, sometimes way up !!

I'm not terribly price sensitive and I generally believe in "you get what you paid for". My question is: is there a truly significant difference between, for instance, a KHS at around $2000 and a Co-motion at a far higher price? Where is there a point of diminishing returns? Is the difference measured in ride quality or what?

Thanks for your input. I hope to be adding comments to this forum topic soon !!!

SteveE
08-27-02, 04:43 PM
Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
as well as $3000 and up, sometimes way up !!
You mean like a Calfee? :D


I'm not terribly price sensitive and I generally believe in "you get what you paid for". My question is: is there a truly significant difference between, for instance, a KHS at around $2000 and a Co-motion at a far higher price? Where is there a point of diminishing returns? Is the difference measured in ride quality or what?
I don't know about the differences between KHS and Co-Motion but have you checked out the used tandem market? If you and, I'm going out on a limb here, your stoker's frame sizing is within reasonable limits, you might be able to find a nice, quality used one.

Another question, what type of riding are you planning on doing?
Andy Dreisch
08-27-02, 06:13 PM
Originally posted by SteveE

I don't know about the differences between KHS and Co-Motion but have you checked out the used tandem market? If you and, I'm going out on a limb here, your stoker's frame sizing is within reasonable limits, you might be able to find a nice, quality used one.

Another question, what type of riding are you planning on doing?
Thanks for feedback.

I'm 6'4" and the stoker (wife or daughter) would be 5'4". I've looked at some of the used tandem listings. Not too deeply, though. Frankly, I'd prefer going to an LBS but if something comes along ... I'll jump on it. Being 6'4" does limit some of my choices (I ride a 62cm roadie.)

Type of riding: road riding, centuries and other events.

Thanks again for info.