I'm new to the tandem thing. My wife and I are very interested in giving it a shot; and we are very used to biking in general. I just need some advice on a specific bike that I have found used. I'm ordering it online, assuming that the description of the frame and components as being in excellent condition is accurate, I'm wondering what a reasonable price is for a Trek T100 Double Cross is. Part of the description is as follows:
"Trek makes a nice medium grade tandem that is perfect for the first-time tandem buyer who wants quality at an affordable price. Trek compares with Burley, but it somewhat less than Cannondale, Santana, or Co-Motion. A similar tandem today would sell for over $2000."
"This is a road bike with 21 speeds. Includes a Zefal tire pump (not pictured), bell, a rear rack, and 4 bottle cages. Shimano Deore DX components and a Scott Captain's handlebar. Captain has Look pedals. The cages on the stoker's pedals are cracked, so I will replace them before shipping. Matrix 700 x 350 road tires."
I can't find a T100 on the Trek website; I can find a T1000 that seems pretty nice. I am fairly broke, so I just want a bike that is nice enough to give us an accurate picture of what tandem biking is like, that I can also actually afford.
Any input is helpful.
Thanks alot.
Ben
PS: I understand that making sure the sizes are correct and everything are probably as important as anything. I just want to know that I'm not going to pay $600-$1000 on a bike that will be falling apart after a couple rides or whatever normally goes wrong with tandems. I don't even know.
Thanks
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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Ben, In 1992, my wife and I bought a new Trek T100 for $1999, or there abouts, Canadian dollars. Fourteen years later, with up grades that would equal what you described in your post, I got $1000 CDN for the bike when we traded up to a Rans Screamer recumbent. The trek was a good bike and I kept it in pristine condition. The dealer I traded to had sold the bike within 10 days of listing it for more than $1000. You will not be disappointed in a T100 in good condition as an entry level tandem. BUT, make sure it fits! I would agree, a similar tandem today would sell for much more than $2000.
Mike
pjgonwa
My wife and I have a T100 and ride it quite a bit. Our rides are 1-2.5 hour in length with an average elevation change around 2500' per ride. Both the captain and stoker have the upright or touring handlebars so we are not very aerodynamic. We actually lead a pack of singles on the group rides as they like the draft.
I got the tandem second hand. The original owner purchased in 1993 and rode for about 10 months. He parked it after that until I purchased from him in December 2005. Issues I have had to address are replace tires and tubes. Bottom bracket (caption's) loose, broke spokes on rear, and finally the rear rim cracked and had to be replaced.
It is a very good tandem, especially a first tandem. I don't think you will be disappointed.
moleman76
Price range is reasonable, particularly toward the lower end.
The "Vintage Trek" site might help you figure out the year a bit closer.
http://www.vintage-trek.com/model_numbers1.htm will help you figure out the year (scroll down to near the bottom) if you know the color of the frame. There are other links on Vintage Trek that will get you to sales brochures for the various years to check out the original components, etc. I think there's a link there that would connect the serial number to the year, too; however, it seems that Trek built the frames in batches, and then applied that year's color, holding some frames over from year to year.
At the time frame you're looking at, the geometry of the T100 was same as T200.
Xanti Andia
We have a Trek T100 Double Track (I don't think a Double Cross exists). It is something like '98 or '99, We have been happy with the bike for what it is. Frame is very good, components except for brakes have stood the test of time, and run well for what they are. Only repleced the original cantilever for V-brakes. However these are dated components, and upgrades such as changing the original flat bars for drops, or indexed shifting will likely not be worth the investment because the value of an older bike like this will not change with component upgrades and you get a cost cascading effect due to incompatibilities when you start mixing old and new which force you to change more than what you actually want to upgrade.
Price? I'd say $ 500-900 depending on the year and condition. Excellent bike in this range, very hard to find a decent tandem for under $1000. If the size is right, you are looking for a sub $ 1000 tandem, and you can live with flat bars and older componets buy it, you will not be disapointed. In a range of 1000-1500 you can find bikes which are more up to date.
veloellen
Ben, We bought a used Trek T200 about 2 years ago for $999 - it also included a Rocky Mount tandem rack. I HATED it - haha! But, we now have it set up with a stoker kit for our now 6 year old and everyone is happy. We haven't upgraded or changed a thing yet of any expense (ie. no new brakes etc.). I've never regretted the purchase - esp since now my son is loving it as is hubby.
Xanti Andia
Ben, We bought a used Trek T200 about 2 years ago for $999 -.
Sounds about right $999 two years ago for a T200, though the same frame the T200 is a road version (T100 is a hybrid with flat bars), slightly better equipped, and 2 years ago. I stick to my 500-900 range, 500 being an excellent buy if the bike is in decent condition, 900 top price if the bike is pristine and you really want it, or you are getting it form a bike shop with services or accesories includded. We paid $1200 with a Rocky Mount rack four years ago, it had maybe 100 miles on it, and even then was too much, yet I don't regret it, the opportunity came up, the bike fit, the seller was very hard headed, and as I needed to fly the bike down to Buenos Aires with me I had a very small time window to buy a tandem. I never looked back, two good rides are worth a $ 300 premium to me.
Xanti Andia
Ben, We bought a used Trek T200 about 2 years ago for $999 -.
Sounds about right $999 two years ago for a T200, though the same frame the T200 is a road version (T100 is a hybrid with flat bars), slightly better equipped, and 2 years ago. I stick to my 500-900 range, 500 being an excellent buy if the bike is in decent condition, 900 top price if the bike is pristine and you really want it, or you are getting it form a bike shop with services or accesories includded. We paid $1200 with a Rocky Mount rack four years ago, it had maybe 100 miles on it, and even then was too much, yet I don't regret it, the opportunity came up, the bike fit, the seller was very hard headed, and as I needed to fly the bike down to Buenos Aires with me I had a very small time window to buy a tandem. I never looked back, two good rides are worth a $ 300 premium to me.
merdi55
Hey, thanks alot for all the fast and informative responses. So, I am looking at buying this online and am trying to get a feel for the best way to size it without being there. I will post a new thread with the info.
Thanks again!
cyclesteve
Ben,
We purchased a preowned 1997 T100 last summer. It has the drop bars and 8 speed bar end shifters. It is our first tandem and we have really enjoyed riding it. We found it on craigslist and paid $ 400.00. The only thing I have changed so far is the stoker's saddle. Good Luck,