Used tandem for New tandem rider

[ironglen]

Hello All, new to the forum, and hopefully to tandem riding sometime soon-

I'm seeking a tandem and looking at purchasing used. Fit shouldn't be too hard as I am 5-9, 145lbs and stoker of 5-6, 120lbs. Looking at an old SCHWINN DUOSPORT TANDEM PARAMOUNT DESIGN on ebay for cheap (free ship),
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

as well as these others:

80's Cannondale Tandem road bike
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

80's Santana Tandem Mountain Bike with Stoker Kit http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

likely beyond my budget:
2004 Trek T1000 Tandem Bicycle
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Very interested in eventually riding off-road (fire roads,etc). I've built-up all my own bikes and have shop experience, but...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially max purchase cost.

[Retro Grouch]

If you intend to do a lot of off roading, I'd definitely choose the Santana.

[zonatandem]

The DuoSport by Schwinn was a very under-rated tandem. Although it did not have a lateral tube, the oversize tubing made it as good as other bikes out there for its time.
If we recall correctly, the DuoSport has a rather short wheelbase (around 65"?) and could be a touch short in stoker room. Not too many of those out there and price should be around 500 bucks(?), depending on condition.
C'dale would be nice and stiff; Santana would be a good choice if you plan to do lots of off-roading.
Just our opinion/experience.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

[gregm]

Steer clear of the 27" wheels and freewheels. If you can shop around, you'll find many choices of comparable used 26"/700c-wheeled bikes with cassettes.

-Greg

[ironglen]

Steer clear of the 27" wheels and freewheels. If you can shop around, you'll find many choices of comparable used 26"/700c-wheeled bikes with cassettes.

-Greg

Thanks to all for the input!

Greg,
The Schwinn uses Wolber 27" rims and Suntour XCD groupo in a 21 speed: I'm thinking it is probably freewheel; but if I get a bargain price, will it be a bargain for a starter bike?

[gregm]

but if I get a bargain price, will it be a bargain for a starter bike?

That's a personal question for you to answer, I'm afraid. It's currently at about sixty bucks, which definitely seems like a bargain. :)

I have a 27"/freewheel single bike, and the incompatibility with modern parts has introduced little episodes of minor grief from time to time when replacing parts. Nothing insurmountable, and never quite enough to justify replacing the bike. However, looking back, I probably would have been better off if I'd switch to something as "new" as a used ten year old bike some time back, instead of keeping the 1980s machine in service.

-Greg

[DocF]

At the $511 it currently shows, this bike is probably now a collector's prize. That seems to me what it should be.

Doc

[ironglen]

Any estimated value for the Santana? It is dated, but fewer interested parties. I now hold the high bid, but little idea of how much it is worth bidding for.

Right now I'd like to pick up the Santana for < $650 ,OR hope this late model Trek doesn't get trumped-up before tomorrow...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7207807913&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The starting bid is the absolute most I can afford right now :( so I'm not holding my breath, but still keeping my eyes open!

[rlong]

Any estimated value for the Santana? It is dated, but fewer interested parties. I now hold the high bid, but little idea of how much it is worth bidding for.

Right now I'd like to pick up the Santana for < $650 ,OR hope this late model Trek doesn't get trumped-up before tomorrow...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7207807913&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The starting bid is the absolute most I can afford right now :( so I'm not holding my breath, but still keeping my eyes open!
Go to www.thetandemlink.com. - so you want to buy a tandem. You will find a spread sheet for estamating the value of a used tandem. It was very helpful to me and many others as well. Good luck!

[bbwolfy]

you could do what i did i did not like the prices so i built one for just about a weekends rental out of two mtn bikes that were identical

[ironglen]

Tandem riding will have to wait-some wiseguy outbid me for a bike on ebay in the last 30s after never having placed a bid during the 7 days it was posted-hope the sneak is cursed with a lifetime of flats!

ps Will continue keeping eyes open, but ebay is not a pleasant experience, especially since some people drive bidding up, or are outright sneaky...

[DocF]

The last minute bid is a well-established technique used by many eBay bidders to assure success without exceeding their limits. Try it, you'll like it.

Doc.