Raleigh tandem -- how long to order?

[rgtft]

How long should it take the LBS to order and receive a Raleigh Companion (tandem)? We placed our order at the end of January and it still hasn't arrived (almost two full months now). Is this unusual? We are getting anxious to get out.

[2372ighost]

This is raleigh usa. After two months I would call directly and ask what the problem is.

(253) 395-1100 and ask for customer services.

[rgtft]

Thanks; I think I'll call Raliegh directly. The LBS has told me that they (Raliegh) are waiting for a shipment of frames from Asia (Taiwan? China?). The weather is starting to get decent here in Michigan and we are getting anxious to ride.

[rgtft]

This is raleigh usa. After two months I would call directly and ask what the problem is.

(253) 395-1100 and ask for customer services.

I took 2372ighost's advice and called Raleigh directly. I spoke with a friendly customer service rep (Jackie) and asked if they had 2006 Companion Tandems in stock. She checked her computer and said yes, they were in their New Jersey warehouse and it would take 3-4 days to ship to Michigan. I asked if my local bike shop had placed an order; she put me on hold while she called my LBS; she then said I'd have to talk directly with the bike shop. It turns out that the bike shop has a "credit hold" from Raleigh because they haven't paid their bills. For the past two months, the LBS has said the bike was on back order. I'm pretty steamed at being lied to. Apparently Raleigh won't ship the bike COD to the bike shop. They claim they can get the bike through another dealer here in the state. My problem is they have my $700 deposit. Any advice?

[ElRey]

Yes: cancel your order and find a respectable bike shop to deal with.

[Leisesturm]

A $300 deposit sufficed for our Raleigh Coupe which is several hundred more than the Companion. Never again leave more than 30% on a big ticket item. If that isn't sufficient then you should be smelling rodent. ElRey's advice is certainly sound but somehow I doubt it will be easy to execute. Don't even begin to argue with them, if they do not immediately do the right thing upon request get legal on them.

H

[masiman]

Agree with above. Let us know how it turns out. Good luck, really.

[rgtft]

I called around to other Raleigh dealers in the state; I found one in Holland, MI that had two Raleigh Companion's in stock. I drove over yesterday evening (about an hour and half drive one way) and bought it. The shop in Holland was very friendly and helpful. My new tandem is now in my hot little hands (actually it's in the garage). I cancelled the order at the LBS with no problem. So, despite the extra wait, extra drive and aggrevation it looks like everything turned out okay.

[2372ighost]

Welcome to the world of two up.

[tornadobass]

We had a fun season+ on our Companion (and 900 miles) before we decided that a road tandem fit our rides better. But that Companion was always easy to shift and plenty comfortable. The V brakes worked well, too.

Had a great one day of RAGBRAI in 2004, weaving the Companion through lots of bike traffic. It now resides with a young family who want to ride their local bike paths with the kids.