Cheap Tandem Frames for sale?

[timmyc123]

Anyone know where I should look for cheap tandem frames in Philly area? I am looking to start a tandem project, but I have not the slightest idea. I am going to ask the folks at my bike shop when I go to pick up some stuff this weekend, but any internet advice would be helpfull.

[thomson]

I am unable to address your question but I wonder if building a tandem is cost effective over buying a used tandem. I build single bikes but there are so many speciality parts on a tandem and I would think the secondary market for them is small.

However, good luck and I hope you are successful.

[TandemGeek]

This is about as cheap as you'll find for a new frame. Imported... naturally.
http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/fr022a.htm

[TandemGeek]

but there are so many speciality parts on a tandem.

Aside from the wider rear hubs and extra long derailleur and rear brake cable, you can pretty much build up a tandem using second hand single bike parts. If you use cable-couplers (in-line cable adjusters) you can splice together standard bike length derailleur and brake cables for use on a tandem.

As for other tandem-specific parts, the eccentric usually comes with the frame as does a tandem-rated fork. A pair of triple cranks can be used to create a direct drive (right side) crankset or three sets of cranks can be modified into a cross-over (left side) crankset. A long threadless mountain bike stem can be used to create a stoker boom. Aside from that, the rest of the parts on a tandem are common to other single seat mountain and/or road bikes depending on what type of gearing you plan to run.

[ElRey]

dude, this ain't like getting an old steel roadracing frame and throwing spare parts on it. There probably won't be any tandem frames available in your size, and there probably won't be any tandem cranksets used. Or wheels. I do wish you luck, but don't thnk you're going to find much available. Please do keep us posted. Tandem Magazine does have online clasifieds, but that's mostly whole bikes.

[Ben There]

See here
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kent-Tandem-26-Dual-Drive-Bicycle_W0QQitemZ7242159123QQcategoryZ56192QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Tom Stormcrowe]

See here
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kent-Tandem-26-Dual-Drive-Bicycle_W0QQitemZ7242159123QQcategoryZ56192QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Check out the listed SHIPPING cost on This one (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Huffy-Twin-Tandem-Two-Person-Bicycle-Bike-RED_W0QQitemZ7244948795QQcategoryZ56192QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)! :eek: Hilarious!

[ElRey]

There you go... focus on CHEAP!!!!! I saw a hacked up tandem frame in Spain recently that had been converted to a single where the captain sat the stokers seat and had billy goat bars. Pointed this out to my stoker.....

[zonatandem]

On the cheap: 2 used singles can be hacked up and reconfigured into a tandem. Have seen it done a couple times. However, seems to be more trouble than it's worth . . .

[galen_52657]

If you are a savvy Ebay shopper + other classifieds it can be done, but it will take some time to gather everything. First thing to do is figure out what size frame you need.

[waterrockets]

For other parts, I'm finding AEBike to be a great place to get really specific kinds of things. Like tandem cranks: (left or right) http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=list&Category=204&Brand=397&type=T

[truman]

keep an eye out here:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/