Tandem Cycling - Opinions on a 2002 Co-Motion Speedster

OK, I found a Speedster in our size. Supposedly purchased new in October, 2002. I'm wondering how the spec has changed since then. Is this the same air-hardened frame used now, or is this the same steel now used on the Primera? I believe it has FSA cranks, but don't know the model. V-brakes, Wound-up fork, Aerohead rims on Chris King hubs, Ultegra brifters. What do you think?

Thats the same bike we have, with a few component differences (Ultegra cranks and Rolf Prima VIgor wheels, and the standard CoMo fork). We couldn't be happier with the ride quality and fit/finish on the bike. You might want to call CoMotion to ask the frame differences vs the new models, they have been very helpful whenever I called with a question. What's the price, if you don't mind saying? I paid $3200 for mine (equipped as above), it was a demo bike that was in the shop for about 18 months but was in showroom condition with no visible defects other than a little tire wear. I know I got a great deal, the shop really wanted to move that bike.

Thats the same bike we have, with a few component differences (Ultegra cranks and Rolf Prima VIgor wheels, and the standard CoMo fork). We couldn't be happier with the ride quality and fit/finish on the bike. You might want to call CoMotion to ask the frame differences vs the new models, they have been very helpful whenever I called with a question. What's the price, if you don't mind saying? I paid $3200 for mine (equipped as above), it was a demo bike that was in the shop for about 18 months but was in showroom condition with no visible defects other than a little tire wear. I know I got a great deal, the shop really wanted to move that bike.Yes, you certainly did get a great deal. I paid $3,000 including crating, insurance, and about 2000 miles shipping. I probably could have negotiated on the price a bit, but didn't want to take a chance on missing the bike. Smalls are pretty rare and I liked the fork and wheels. Bought it, anyway. Should be here in about 10 days, just in time to get in some summer miles!

Carbon,

I'm about 20 miles from you. Congrats on the new purchase. I'm curious, as I'm just researching tandems myself for the first time - what is the benefit of the Speedster over the Torpedo 700? I'm assuming the Torpedo is lighter, no? So then what is the benefit of the heavier bike that makes up for that? I'm looking at the torpedo for my child and me. Is there a benefit to the more expensive speedster I should be looking at?

Any idea how much either of these bikes weighs when complete?

Thanks!
Nika

Carbon,

I'm about 20 miles from you. Congrats on the new purchase. I'm curious, as I'm just researching tandems myself for the first time - what is the benefit of the Speedster over the Torpedo 700? I'm assuming the Torpedo is lighter, no? So then what is the benefit of the heavier bike that makes up for that? I'm looking at the torpedo for my child and me. Is there a benefit to the more expensive speedster I should be looking at?

Any idea how much either of these bikes weighs when complete?

Thanks!
NikaMy guess is that the Torpedo and current Speedster frames are about the same weight, but you'd have to ask CoMotion or a dealer. The Speedster has lighter tubing, but more of it. I suspect that the Speedster is stiffer, again because it has more tubing. It seems to me that if the Torpedo is dictated by the size of the child, then that's the thing to get. Otherwise, a Primera or Speedster. That seems to be the message on the website, anyway. Ask Bainbridge Island Cycles. The owner is very knowledgeable.

Is this the same air-hardened frame used now, or is this the same steel now used on the Primera?

If it's a non-S&S equipped 2002 Speedster, then I'm pretty sure it should have the Reynolds 725 air hardened tubeset.

what is the benefit of the Speedster over the Torpedo 700? I'm assuming the Torpedo is lighter, no? So then what is the benefit of the heavier bike that makes up for that? I'm looking at the torpedo for my child and me. Is there a benefit to the more expensive speedster I should be looking at?

The Torpedo (MSRP of $3,395 as of 1 Mar & 37.5lbs) is 2lbs heavier than the Speedster and, as you have probably discovered, comes from Co-Motion's Periscope line of "family" tandems with adjustable, telescoping seat tubes and an open frame design that allows for the wide-range of fitment for riders of all sizes while also reducing the fabrication cost, which translates into a more affordable tandem.

The Speedster (MSRP of $4,195 as of 1 Mar) uses Co-Motion's performance tandem frame design with the more conventional internal (or laterial tube, if you prefer) running from the head tube to the rear bottom bracket. The Speedster (Mocha & Supremo) uses a much stiffer frame compared to the Periscope Scout & Torpedo frames and is intended to support all types of adult riding, including loaded touring and racing. Fabricating the more complex frame with it's additional welds and added material for the internal tube is what I would presume drives the majority of the cost difference vs. the two steel Periscope models.

If you wanted to combine the best of both worlds -- Periscope design, but the stiffness and a much lighter frame than even the Speedster -- you could opt for the Periscope Hammerhead (MSRP of $4,995 as of 1 Mar & 32.4lbs) which uses an aluminum tubeset that Co-Motion calls ACM Ultra 7. The higher cost of the material and fabrication process associated with aluminum is what drives the majority of cost of the Hammerhead vs. the Torpedo plus what I'd guess is about $400 for the standard carbon fork vs. the steel forks that come standard on the Torpedo & Speedster.

All three of these tandems -- the Periscope Torpedo, the Periscope Hammerhead, and the Speedster -- are spec'd with essentially the same components with the exception of the Hammerhead's carbon fork.