Entry-Level Tandem Bike

[flat_tire]

Hello,

I am (will be) looking for a tandem bike for my wife and I. I have gone riding a few times with a friend of ours, and we would like to drag my wife along. She, however, feels like she would slow down our pace too much and therefore make the ride less enjoyable. The rides, however, are for excercise as well as recreation (certainly not training).

So, one solution was to get a tandem bike. I have done a little looking around, but it seems like they are very expensive from the start. Are there some entry-level bikes that are still good quality, but not too bad on the wallet? Another way of phrasing the question: what should I expect to pay for an entry-level tandem bike?

Thanks for all of your help.

CZ

[gregm]

Are you open to shopping for used bikes? Can you do a little wrenching yourself to change out things like handlebars, seats, and pedals?

My impression is that at around the US$1,000 mark, give or take, you can end up with a nice, respectable used bike that will be quite reliable for club rides, centuries, etc. This is also roughly the price of a new KHS tandem, and the entry-level Burley and Trek tandems.

You can indeed get yourself a two-seater for fewer dollars. In the used market, this will probably mean that you're quickly looking at 15-20 year old bikes, and in the new market, you'll be looking at bikes whose low build quality would probably make you unhappy.

Of course, as you go upward from the $1,000 point, you get loads more choices.

Happy hunting!
-Greg

[buelito]

you might laugh-- but we bought a mountain-style frame tandem at Costco a few years ago for about $400. Not the greatest bike in the world, but we did the Seagull Century on Maryland's eastern shore-- One note about tandem riding, however, be aware that the person in the back feels every bump--and that the person in the front can anticipate them, becuase s/he can see them.

train safe-

[landstander]

I purchased a new 2005 Raleigh Companion from a LBS last may, for approximately $600. While it's a touch on the heavy side, it performs rather nicely and has been a very comfortable ride. I'd highly recommend this model to anyone in your situation... a great value for the money, IMO. :)

Incidentally, the Raleighs were originally suggested to me by several members of the tandem@hobbes (http://www-acs.ucsd.edu/home-pages/wade/tandem.html) list. This has proved to be another great forum for tandem-related issues.

[stapfam]

I purchased a new 2005 Raleigh Companion from a LBS last may, for approximately $600. While it's a touch on the heavy side, it performs rather nicely and has been a very comfortable ride. I'd highly recommend this model to anyone in your situation... a great value for the money, IMO. :)

.

There are a few tandems around at the cheaper end of the market and the raleigh is one of them that beginners have been pleased with. Only thing I would say is do not get a "Wallmart" style tandem. There are some around that are so cheap, and a are not worth getting. Second hand is a good idea, if you can wield spanners and you know what to look for. Only thing is that Tandems are dangerous. They can hit your bank balance quicker that the wife hitting the shops.

[HngUpNDrv]

We like our 2005 Raleigh Companion, also but sadly we are selling it we went out and bought a Rans Screamer and two Bacchetta Giros (Bents). We took them for a ride and got hooked.

[R900]

Others have a lot more experience then I, but we started with a slightly used Fuji Absolute. After a couple little upgrades, liked it well enough to invest in a much nicer Trek T2000 they we love. Nothing really wrong with the Fuji, it's a great entry level bike. It was a little small for me, and had a flat bar, but we wanted a traditional drop bar bike. Frame is fairly close the the Trek, but components on the Fuji were mostly entry level. Once we bought the Trek, we added a child stoker kit to the Fuji so my daughter can ride.

The Fuji lists for around $1200 - $1400, but you should be able to fine a decent used on for $600 - $900, based on condition, etc... Used Cannondales are also nice but seem to run $1000 - $1400 for good used tandems.

John

[zonatandem]

Stay away from 'Wally-world' tandems as you'll spend more $$$ on them to keep 'em running than your original purchase price.
Going used with a better brand is the way to go. Go with the above named brands for an introductory, and not too-pricey, 2-seater.

[Trsnrtr]

I've seen used tandems go way under what I would expect them to sell for. I'd suggest scouring the net or perusing the Tandem Club of America's DoubleTalk magazine for ads.

[galen_52657]

You don't have to spend that much to get a decent tandem. Naturally, everybody will have there personal favorite and opinion and there is certainly more than one way to go to get your feet wet tandeming.

When I wanted to get my girlfriend into cycling more, she had a an old 'comfort' bike that weighed about 30 lbs. I asked her if she would be my tandem test-ride partner and she agreed. Neither of us had ever ridden a tandem before. Mt. Airy Bicycles is the tandem Mecca of Maryland. Over the course of several weekends we test-rode different tandems from Trek, Cannodale, Santana, Longbikes and KHS. I purposely stayed at the bottom of the line as I was just not going to spend $3k on something that I was not sure was going to take. As I said we were nubbies but we really could not tell all that much difference between the bikes - nothing earth shattering that would clearly tell us one bike was 'better' than the other. They were all slow uphill, stable on the flats and flew downhill.

So, since I was paying I decided on the KHS Milano. Before I purchased the bike, I found internet sales prices well below $1k. Larry Black, the owner of Mt. Airy matched the price so the purchase was made from him.

Other than the saddles and some other minor upgrades, my bike is stock. This bike is a steal for the price:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Full05/tandemm.jpg

I see you can now get the same bike with flat bars:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Full06/full-tcross-06.jpg

Just a solid, no-frills bike that does the job.

[nyubie]

I purchased a used '02 TREK T1000 ($700) from a couple who found themself not into tandeming. They purchased from a LBS more than double the price. So, it's a good example here not to invest too much if you are new on tandeming.

It's our first tandem bike and we love it so much and I ended up tandeming more than my MTB. If the joy of tandeming still there until next couple years then we'll invest more on this sport.

[tornadobass]

We've been tandeming for two seasons now (heading toward our third). For the first season, we bought a new Raleigh Companion and put on 900 miles, including an 80 mile day of RAGBRAI. We did a 40 mile group ride at the start of our second season and had trouble keeping up with the group. It helped a lot to switch to thinner tires...we put on some 1.5" Specialized tires...the originals sounded like a truck (or at least a small car) going down the road at higher speeds.

Shortly after, we headed on a quest for a road tandem and bought a used Burley Rumba Softride. We're still no all that fast, but the going is easier.

The Companion is great for rides on trails and shorter road rides up to about 30 miles. Very functional components, other than we popped a couple of spokes on one ride...but I think the wheels have been upgraded in more recent models.

[flat_tire]

You guys have given me hope.

I was hoping to get something decent for under $1000, and it sounds like I can.
You have given me some names I can look into, both for new bikes as well as some used bikes.

Thanks for the input. It will be a lengthy process, but that is better then jumpy into something too soon.

CZ

[Mark Pettit]

I just bought a 2006 Raleigh Coupe as my entry-level bike.
Burley was definitely my first choice for a bike, but their dealer locator online and their CSR at the factory couldn't give me the name of a bike store (that is still in business) that carries their product. In fact, the tandem business must be really slow in Arizona. I called every bike store that said they "specialized in tandem fitting and sales" and none of them kept any stock (of any brand) in their store. The only "demos" I was offered were older model rental bikes.
It was a pretty disappointing experience.
My extremely local (within 1 block) bike store carries Raleigh and I went with the 2006 Coupe. I realize that Raleigh is poo poo'd by several in the higher-end tandem community, but it looks as though they have really improved their product over the last couple of model years and I hope to reap the rewards of their hard work.
I hope that being a tandem couple takes to my wife and I like we anticipate it will. We pick up the bike tomorrow and will be taking it out over the weekend for some introdctory spins.
'Looking forward to being a part of this community.

[derath]

I just got the Fuji Absolute a few months ago for about $750. Fuji does some great deals at the end of the season to sell off the year's stock. My wife and I rode it on a couple decent length rides and it has been good. Stock seats suck, but otherwise comfortable

[Retro Grouch]

"Entry level tandem bike" is kind of like "jumbo shrimp" and "military intelligence". Some combinations of words just don't go together.

[Tmax1]

Shameless plug for my friends at Tandems, Ltd. Oftentimes they have or know of used tandems.

Tmax1

[ulle53]

I bought a trek T900 last year so a friend of mine whos has heart problems could still enjoy riding without over-extending herself, the bike was under $800 new and is really quite comfortable :)

[rlong]

We bought a 1997 Burley Rock n Roll last year for $1100.00. It had very few miles on it, certainly fewer than 2000, and is in almost flawless condition. We like it very much for a first tandem and we have both ridden high end bikes all our lives. We got it on e-bay, but the seller was within a 100 miles and we went out to see it, ride it, and buy it. I should say that the seller provided us with many excellent pictures on ebay. Enough so that I was not concerned about the condition of the bike.

[NewbieIATandem]

I bought a trek T900 last year so a friend of mine whos has heart problems could still enjoy riding without over-extending herself, the bike was under $800 new and is really quite comfortable :)

We did the same thing. However the suggested price on the T900 jumped to $899 for this year. Still we are thrilled with ours. But be careful, as some people have suggested on this forum, "ya can't have just one..."

Our son and daughter now want a tandem, so we are scouting out for a used tandem for them to use on our family outings and we can't swing another $800+. We have a couple of leads we are following up on.

I do suggest as others have, if you have ANY uncertainty try to find a good affordable used or new tandem. If the bug really bites, you can meet some awefully nice people who are looking to take that now used tandem off your hands so they can try out the sport that you have either A. found that you love and are upgrading, or B. are getting rid of the tandem because it is not for you. (Better to take a %-age off a new $800 tandem then the same %-age off a $2000 tandem if you discover you don't like it as much as you thought you would). (Also keeps the used tandems on the market for cheapskates like me ;))

[JanMM]

I've been quite pleased with the KHS Tandemania Comp my wife and I bought a few years ago. A bit more than $1000 at the time.
CroMo frame and fat tires make for a comfortable ride.

[ou98dtbiggs]

well, I barrowed a nice santanna, the Novelta, and My girlfriend and I liked it a good deal, and after seeing that used Tandems were going for so much I went ahead and bought new. Bought Tsunami Ti-Boom and it is nice ride, alot softer for her, a little harsher for me, alot quicker in turns, and has clearance for 42mm tires(for dirt road rides) So I can't complain. I'm about to put on a rear disc brake, have to see how that goes.

[Tmax1]

"Entry level tandem bike" is kind of like "jumbo shrimp" and "military intelligence". Some combinations of words just don't go together.

How did I miss this incredible line before now?

I took the bride for a tandem test ride at the local tandem folk's shop as listed above and I think I have her hooked, line and stoker.

Wish me luck.

~counting pennies; all donations welcome; paypal accepted; money orders; personal checks will have to clear though.

[fmw]

You don't have to spend that much to get a decent tandem. Naturally, everybody will have there personal favorite and opinion and there is certainly more than one way to go to get your feet wet tandeming.

When I wanted to get my girlfriend into cycling more, she had a an old 'comfort' bike that weighed about 30 lbs. I asked her if she would be my tandem test-ride partner and she agreed. Neither of us had ever ridden a tandem before. Mt. Airy Bicycles is the tandem Mecca of Maryland. Over the course of several weekends we test-rode different tandems from Trek, Cannodale, Santana, Longbikes and KHS. I purposely stayed at the bottom of the line as I was just not going to spend $3k on something that I was not sure was going to take. As I said we were nubbies but we really could not tell all that much difference between the bikes - nothing earth shattering that would clearly tell us one bike was 'better' than the other. They were all slow uphill, stable on the flats and flew downhill.

So, since I was paying I decided on the KHS Milano. Before I purchased the bike, I found internet sales prices well below $1k. Larry Black, the owner of Mt. Airy matched the price so the purchase was made from him.

Other than the saddles and some other minor upgrades, my bike is stock. This bike is a steal for the price:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Full05/tandemm.jpg

I see you can now get the same bike with flat bars:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Full06/full-tcross-06.jpg

Just a solid, no-frills bike that does the job.

Things like bike shops that have tandems are unknown in these parts. Where can I find one of these on-line?

[galen_52657]

Here is a shop in NC with one:

http://allstarbikeshop.com/page.cfm?PageID=77

I am sure Tandems East will mail one to you:

http://www.tandemseast.com/frames/khs.html

Or, you can look on the used tandem lists and keep an eye on Ebay

I have not seen any on Ebay lately

[FoC]

Hello,

I am (will be) looking for a tandem bike for my wife and I. I have gone riding a few times with a friend of ours, and we would like to drag my wife along. She, however, feels like she would slow down our pace too much and therefore make the ride less enjoyable. The rides, however, are for excercise as well as recreation (certainly not training).

So, one solution was to get a tandem bike. I have done a little looking around, but it seems like they are very expensive from the start. Are there some entry-level bikes that are still good quality, but not too bad on the wallet? Another way of phrasing the question: what should I expect to pay for an entry-level tandem bike?

Thanks for all of your help.

CZ
The wife and I bought a Diamondback Wildwood tandem for a little over $600.

We love it so far :)

[Leisesturm]

This is all very interesting. Last September I joined this forum after a horrible experience with a rented tandem in Central Park. My new GF and I quickly realized we had better buy rather than continue renting because rentals at $75.00/day from good LBS's would kill us. I don't recall any mention of the tandems discussed in this thread, last year. In fact I got the impression that anything below $1000.00 was beneath contempt unless it was once in the $2.5k range. Against advice we got the W-Mart tandem and aside from its weight we have had no problems. Not a single broken spoke and the only component replaced has been the stoker seat. I suspect most $500 tandems are not significantly better than the W-Mart version and the savings can buy a lot of accessories. I've even used it as a solo snowmobile one snowy morning in Hoboken this past winter.

This season we would like to do some club rides and I feel we need something decent. My GF loves our present mount so it will not be a joint purchase. I have never bought a car that cost more than $1200 and the last one I bought cost $800 and I crossed this country (East - West) twice with it! It was towed by NYC's overzealous DOT and would have cost more to spring from the impound yard than I paid for it. I mention this to put the prospect of paying over $1000 for a bicycle, even a tandem, into perspective. Since reading this thread last Friday I have researched all the bikes mentioned in it. I think a Tsunami Ti-Boom is perhaps the coolest tandem I have ever seen. At $600+ for just the frame, my question is, how would the final bike spec out? In other words, what component levels make sense on a $600 frame? Building a complete tandem from scratch is not beyond me but if the price of it goes much higher than $1200 I think I would be better off just buying a Tandemania Cross or Raleigh Coupe and calling it good.

I notice the Tandemania Cross costs a bit more than the Raleigh Coupe. Both bikes interest me but the Raleigh has more speeds and sounds lighter, certainly the tires are more for speed than the Cross. Since we already have the heavy tank like mountain tandem I think our hybrid should be biased toward road performance rather than off road tough. Any thoughts on Ti-Boom vs Tandemania vs Raleigh??

H

[2wheeled]

My wife and I also want to start tandeming and that KHS looks like a good deal. Can anyone give a review of the tandem?

[galen_52657]

My wife and I also want to start tandeming and that KHS looks like a good deal. Can anyone give a review of the tandem?

I purchased my KHS Milano in November of 2004. Can't say exactly how many miles I have put on the bike (don't have a cycle computer on it), but spring, summer & fall I ride it at least once a week and much more once the temps are up.

There is really not much negative to say about this bike, other than the stock seats did not go over well. But seeing as most cyclists (including me) already have their favorite saddle, I figured to toss the stock saddles anyway.

The Milano comes in 2 frame sizes, small and large. At 6" 4" tall, I have the large sizes - a 23" x 21". I was able to get the frame to fit quite well by not cutting the steerer, using spacers to get the bars up as high as they would go and using a long stem. I have had stokers from 5' 2" tall to 5' 9" tall on the back and could still go a little shorter and a lot taller.

The frame I am sure is not as stiff as a high-end name-brand frame. If I stand on a hill with an inexperienced stoker and we can't get coordinated, you can feel the frame flex but it's not excessive. Or, if you are barrelling down hill and throw the bike into a turn you can feel some give, but not much.

All in all it's a steal for what I paid for it - $900 new. With my upgrades - saddles, 180 mm TA Specialties captain's crankset, seat bag, tools & bottle holders - I might have $1,200 invested. I have ridden this bike on a tandem rally and was mixing it up with the high-end tandems in the front group. The bike is not going to hold you back.

These bikes where once plentiful on Ebay and through other on-line shops, but they seem to be a little harder to find these days.

Good luck!

[PhucNguyen57]

I going to start out with one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/TANDEM-BIKE-BICYCLE-TWO-SEAT-BIKES-BICYCLES-21S-NO-TREK_W0QQitemZ7228462928QQcategoryZ56192QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem because my girlfriend is not real sure about riding and I'm not going to spend a bunch on a bike that might not be used regularly. We will only be using if for short rides, bike scavenger hunts, and the ocasional alley cat. It is only about $300 with shipping in the end.

[modmon]

I going to start out with one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/TANDEM-BIKE-BICYCLE-TWO-SEAT-BIKES-BICYCLES-21S-NO-TREK_W0QQitemZ7228462928QQcategoryZ56192QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem because my girlfriend is not real sure about riding and I'm not going to spend a bunch on a bike that might not be used regularly. We will only be using if for short rides, bike scavenger hunts, and the ocasional alley cat. It is only about $300 with shipping in the end.

Honestly, you might be better off renting a tandem from a shop to see whether or not the tandem thing is going to work out for the two of you. Most shops will take your rental money and allow you to put it toward your purchase if you do decide on buying a tandem.
Otherwise, shop around a little more. Check your local papers and craigslist... Ill admit I have no experience with the bike youre about to buy but it really seems like a bad idea.

[2wheeled]

galan, thanks for your feedback, I think we're going to make the leap into tandeming in the next couple of months.

Cheers

[regomatic]

We bought our first tandem, a mid '90's Burley Duet just over a year ago, and got hooked on tandem riding right away.

I later found a deal on a like-newTrek T2000 that was too good to pass up, so that's our regular ride.

I've been holding on to the Burley hoping to find someone deserving of a good deal on a good bike in hope that they'll get the bug like we did. It's within your price range and in very good condition. How close are you to Orlando, FL?