Bought GT Hybred w/ 700D+extra tires @LBS

[ebr898]

My Dad retired a few years ago, then wet macular degeneration took most of his vision. Dad has always enjoyed riding so he has invested in a tandem so he can continue to ride. I found it at a local bike shop at what I thought was a very reasonable price for a CRMO frame. I checked the internet about the GT Hybreds and found many coments warning me NOT TO BUY IT DUE TO 700D tires. The LBS had extra sets of tires so I bought two extra sets and asked the owner if he could order more? he said it should not be a problem.
My question is should I buy up the 3 other sets he has on his tire rack Or is he correct ordering new tires will not be a problem.

[halfspeed]

The bad news: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/587.html

I don't know where your bike shop got all of those 700D tires. Are you sure that's what they are?

In any case, rather than buy all of those tires, I'd use what you have until they wear out. Then, if you're still riding it regularly rebuild the wheels with 650B rims. While they are not mass market items either, they have their adherents and several manufacturer commitments for continued supply.

[ebr898]

They are 700Ds I checked them before closing the deal. I picked up the bike yesterday and asked again about the shops ablity to provide tires, the owner said he had plenty in stock in his three stores. I know that I saw two more sets on the tire rack.
Well I know that I have 3 sets so if any one is looking for 700D tires: Bike America in Overland Park Kansas has at lest 2 sets. The owner (Nick) said he has more at his other stores.

[zonatandem]

Those wheels/tires on the GT were a major drawback; jhat sizing never took hold. If you plan to hold on that tandem buy a few set of tires while they are still available . . . they are usually a very rare find.