Trek vs. KHS vs. Raleigh

[stucksworth]

Any thoughts on which of these is the best-value entry-level tandem?

$700 - Raleigh Companion
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=10&itemid=366

$800 - KHS Tandemania Sport
http://www.khsbicycles.com/08_tan_sport_07.htm

$900 - Trek T900
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1244000&f=10

Or, is there another high quality bike under $1000 that one woud suggest? I'd like to be able to take the bike on some poorly maintained paths and gravel even.

[TandemGeek]

.... which ever one is sold by the bike shop that has the better reputation for after-sales service and support. Seriously, the only real discrimator is the frame material of the Trek which is Aluminum whereas the Trek & KHS are both Hi-tensile / Chomoloy steel. The rest of the components are a mixed bag of nearly equivalent entry-level parts.

[CaptDon]

I looked at all three tandems, and chose the Trek T900. My LBS carried the Raleigh, and I could have saved a few hundred bucks, but my wife is very short, (4'10") and the frame was still too big for her. My local bike shop offers free lifetime service on any new bike you buy from them, so that was another plus to choose between the Trek and the Raleigh, (they sell both the Raleigh and Trek lines). The KHS dealer was about 25 miles away. Both the KHS and Raleigh have steel frames, (nothing wrong with steel, I just like aluminum better, lighter and don't have to worry about rust). The Trek T900 also has better drive hardware in my opinion. I did however replace the 26 X 195 tires with some urban 26 X 1.5, rolls and handles much nicer! We also changed the pedals to Shimano SPD's, and the seats. I installed the same Bontrager seat I have on my hybred, and installed a Bontrager WSD seat for my wife. I also replaced the handlebars and shifters to the same set-up I have on my Hybred. We've been very happy with our T900.

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/2456/2917947280100337260S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2917947280100337260FlNIef)

I believe the bike is 49 LB's as shown in the picture with the additional rack, bag, and steel center stand.

Don

[zonatandem]

Depending on your needs/finances, going for a used tandem may get you a bit better quality.
C'dale MT version, Burley Samba or even a Rock 'n Roll (26" wheels) could suit your needs.

[JTGraphics]

We ended up with a Trek T900 the after considering the KHS Tandemania Alite and Sport and the Fuji Absolute 4.2 which were all in the $1000 - $1300 price range. Componments are all pretty equal. The final deciding factor was on fit which eliminated most all frames including the other models I was looking at. My wife (stoker) is short and top tube height was just to hi or to close to make it a wise choice for her to enjoy the ride. You need to keep them happy (stoker) if you don't the tandem experience won't last long and it will just sit.
It rides great is on the light with its aluminum frame and for what we do is just fine. The only thing I changes was the tires were using 26x1.25 and seats, but bottom line is fit and the Trek T900 was the only one with a low top tube for her to enjoy the ride on.
In any case hope you find one that fits your needs.

[ang1sgt]

After many years of trying there are some good sub-1000 tandems out there. I think the best bang for the buck is the Trek.

I would caution you that unless you have a few miles underneath you both on a tandem, that you not try gravel or an off-road trail as a new Team. It only takes a little hesitation on either of your parts to take you down. Even after thousands of miles on our bike, I am very very careful even on a stoned road. With my wife as stoker, I am very careful. My Youngest daughter was fearless on the tandem and we were able to STAND in unison and hammer out of the saddle. She is a great Stoker and so much fun to have behind me.

The important thing to check is that you can both get comfortable with the frame you get. Have your stoker go out with a rider that knows their stuff first. Then take the bike out yourself alone to get the feel of it. Add a stoker and see how that feels. Take it easy, get used to it, and most of all enjoy.

Chris

[Mr. Beanz]

Had the KHS Tandemania Sport back in '97(?). Had a problem with the rear wheel. Old style bearing set up (shop guy words). We are a heavy team so the rear axle kept bending. Bought a new rear wheel for a lil over a hundred bux solved the problem. Also the stock rear wheel has no quick realease which is a pain in the butt if you plan long rides. Must carry ratchets,sockets,wrenches what have you. Not sure about the other models mentioned.

Also, the bottom brackets started falling apart after nearly a undred miles. Under warrnty but we put in about $25 so the shop guy upgraded the BB's to decent Shimano models.

After that, the bike was GREAT. We put 26 slicks on it and it was a nice ride. We did our fastest time on this tandem. Now have a Burley Duet (3X's the price) but still haven't been able to match our time of our KHS on a a 20 stretch. Maybe it was jsut a good day?....or a good bike!:D

[FlyTime]

I have a Univega which shares the frame of the Raleigh. I put smooth 1.95 tires on it for the road and use the 2.5 it came with for off road. And by the way it is for sale. almost new... $550. I'm in upstate NY

[JanMM]

Have been very happy with a KHS Tandemania Comp, a 2000 model that they no longer sell. Looks similar to the Sport but has a CroMo frame and improved headset, bottom brackets, crank, rear hub, shifters etc. In other words, not nearly the same bikes - there was a several hundred dollar difference at the time.

[teamcompi]

We as a family have two KHS tandems the sport and the alu. version. After many many miles we have had no problems other than parts wearing out due to miles. I have been very happy. for what its worth.

[Buckshot77]

CaptDon- what rack is on your bike & how much was it (if you don't mind telling)? My wife and I want to pick up a rack that we can strap a nice picnic lunch to for our pleasure rides. Is it a Trek specific piece?

Thanks,
Rick

[CaptDon]

Yes, it's a Trek rack. Paid about $30 if I recall. They make two sizes, you'll want the larger version. It was designed as a quick disconnect. In the front it fits into the trailor hole that some bikes have, and the rear legs were held on with a velcro strap assembly. The plastic loop on one strap broke, so I replaced them both with stainless steel aircraft cable loops, which have a rubber insert. Very strong, and found out we don't take the rack on and off anyway.

Don

[stapfam]

I'd like to be able to take the bike on some poorly maintained paths and gravel even.


One of the problems with poor paths is the vibration that can be transmitted to the stoker through the saddle. For some reason- the pilot does not have the problem through frame flex and he/she can see the potholes. One certainty is that the stoker will need a suspension post for comfort.