First Tandem Purchase and Ride Report

[uspspro]

Hi my name is Marco and my girlfriend (stoker) is Ruth.

See in Norcal section -> http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=409947

This is our first tandem.

It's been great thus far.

I would say reply here to avoid filling up the norCal thread :)

I have read a ton of threads here (without posting), but look forward to being a participant in this side of BF.net :D

Later,
Marco

[zonatandem]

Welcome to the world of TWOgetherness Marco an Ruth!
Takes a bit of practice to get into the tandeming mode, but not really any big problems.
Communication is the key to being a happy duo.
The pilot has to tell stoker (out loud) what he's doing as she is no mind reader: shifting, braking, coasting, turning, stopping, etc. Stoker does all the signaling.
Do call out the bumps as stoker can't see them.
In 3 decades of tandem we never have used a suspension seatpost on any of our personal tandems.
Enjoy the experience!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

[specbill]

Congrats on a nice buy and welcome to the cool world of tandems. Great choice for your first one. I like where you are going with your future upgrades. Since you are both obviously good climbers you are going to love how the new gearing options and the wheels are going to make the hills even more fun....oh and BTW..white is fast! Enjoy the ride!
Bill J.

[uspspro]

Thanks, we really like it so far!

[merlinextraligh]

Nice bike. looks like it's in very good shape. Is that timing chain just a tad loose?

[uspspro]

Nice bike. looks like it's in very good shape. Is that timing chain just a tad loose?

I thought it was, but I measured just 1/2" deflection at the top...

[Niobium Rocket]

Hey Marco,
My wife and I will look for you and Ruth when we are out and about on our Santana Team Niobium. Frequently we ride from Cupertino up to San Mateo and do the Pulhemus Loop (sp?).

David

[TandemGeek]

I thought it was, but I measured just 1/2" deflection at the top...

Just to be sure, it's not a 1/2" of sag...

What you're looking for is about a 1/2" of deflection (up and down movement) which works out to something equal to or less than 1/4" of sag.