Recumbent - "Performer" brand "Tandem Family"

CycleBiker is 100% correct in observing the leverage power of the 50 cm tall handlebars. I routinely pull a Bob trailer (single wheel) that, on occasion, exceeds 70 kilos (not recommended). I learned it is mandatory to isolate peddling from steering, otherwise the trailer weight would tear out my rear spokes when rocking from side to side. On the Performer, my stoker was initially less than comfortable our first trip (40k, btw, on a snaking, hilly, bike trail). A light touch on the handlebars, from my years with the Bob trailer, probably conveyed to her a sense of confidence in the bike. I concur with CycleBiker that the clamps, on their own, will not prevent leveraging the handlebars out of position. I expect any attempt to pin them would eventually lead to a catastrophic break from abrupt or long term metal fatigue. There is too much leverage potential and too little material to work with. Better, probably, to learn the "Bob" lesson, its a valid technique and probably warranted for this style of bike. (Also, with CycleBiker's advice in mind, I angled my handlebars so that, if I gripped the top curve, most force of exertion would extend directly into the headset. This way, flexing is mostly in-and-out, dissipating much of the twisting force on the clamps. When I need to "pump," I grab the curves... Did that come out right?)


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My bike was opened by customs, probably not a problem, but the two bolts to connect my steering bar, my jar of "touch up paint," and my half kilo of... oh, never mind... did not arrive. I will inform Performer. There were some bent parts. Probably to be expected. Without crating the bike, it might be unreasonable for a 200cm long cardboard box to survive a 3rd party shipper. From my perspective, the ability to obtain a bike of this design and quality, from the manufacturer, far outweighs the drawback of realigning a few parts. That said, if you are not mechanically inclined, you might find the project better suited for your local bike shop.


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There was one interesting flaw. My bike, unlike the photo on their website, arrived with front AND rear disk brakes (I'm new to disk brakes, but it's love at first stop). While the front wheel spun freely (if you are new to disk brakes, go to the manufacturer's site and download their manual for installation instructions), the rear did not. It was frustrating because I could not observe a reasonable cause, except perhaps the disk being slightly out of round. I removed it, and with the help of a rubber mallet, a piece of float glass, and 45 minutes, brought the offending part into 2D harmony. That solved about 2% of the problem. The next morning, unwilling to escalate the issue to someone higher in the food chain, I decided to dismantle the brake. I immediately recognized my problem(s). First, hidden by the brake's body, I found a mounting screw extended into the side of the disk, accounting for the click, click sound. Second, the mounting bracket was not welded to the frame parallel to the brake's disk. This canter pressed the brake mount into the side of the rotor. Duh! The offending distance was about 1.7 mm, so I milled that off the brake mount (localized around the matching screw hole, to reduce any fatigue), and was good to go. I will pass the defect, with accompanying photos, on to Performer.

My overall impression? Sweet! The bike is probably more about companionship than performance. That said, on my first (40k) ride, I went faster, for longer, and got more of a workout than with that same person on separate bikes. (Honestly, riding with her, I generally load my Bob trailer with bags of sand to insure a workout. Now she's the bag of sand (don't tell her), and I get conversation to boot!). It's fun to ride, fun to look at, fun to share, and carries a load. Drawbacks include large turning radius, squirrelly without weight in the front, and parking. If I had to keep only one of my 6 bikes, I would have to say, this would probably be the one.

To all who have traveled this road before me, and taken the trouble to post their experience, I don't expect I would have committed to this purchase without the knowledge and experience I found in your posts. Thank you all!

Excellent! Thanks for the report and good job on getting the bike and getting the bike together in good function. Most of us would be intimidated by what is seen in the 'before' pictures.

When you get a chance, take a picture of your tandem with similar angle as mine, I'd like to see some differences between the two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/cat0002/Hase%20Pino/SUC50229.jpg

For comparison, here's the 1984 Opus II.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2859635360_b3f9f83c8b_b.jpg

Any updates? taken any rides on the new tandem?

How small will the conventional tandem get, once stripped down to its skivvies?

At 1/4 the price of a Screamer TR, I would think SOMEONE else must have tried the conventional recumbent tandem. Anyone?

Another semi-recumbent, two-wheel-drive model. (http://www.twbents.com.tw/HTM/2010new.htm)

http://www.twbents.com.tw/20100315/2010bt2.jpg

I am new to these forums and tandems. I cannot afford a Hase bike, so I was thinking of buying a Performer Family. Would it be suitable for a 5 year old (115cm) stoker?

I contacted Performer and confirmed that the smallest rider must be at least 155cm tall. I am now thinking of using a Hase children's crank with the Performer family. Could someone tell me the diameter of the boom is it about 2 inches? Thanks.

I'm assuming that Performer doesn't make a special boom just for this bike and uses an off-the-shelf part. In that case, yes the boom diameter will be 2".

*I have a Performer Toscana

Thanks very much. By the way, Are you happy with your Performer?

I have verifyed this post and have some updates on pricing.

I contacted performer through their website http://www.performer.com.tw/2010/user/product_2.php?wp=05&sno=00076

I specifically addressed Christine Chang in my email and she responded the very next morning - If you want to send her an email directly her e-mail address is christine@performer.com.tw

The pricing on the Family Tandem is now 1750$ (I believe that includes shipping not sure though)

Below is her e-mail to me:

Hello Chris ,

Thanks for interested our Performer Recumbents - Tandem Family .
Please see attached the file for your reference .
You can pay money by Paypal .
When I got the payment , we will arrange to paint it .
Delivery time : 10days .
You can choose your favorite color .

If you have any question please feel free to contact me .

Thank you and have a nice day .
Christine Cheng
Performer Co., Ltd.

Owing to stoker health problems I haven't ridden our Performer Tandem Family much but this year is starting to look better and with the arrival of spring I am in the middle of making a stiffer handlebar and clamp. The handle bar is knurled already and I will put striations in the clamp and may use steel inserts for the screws.

I think anybody contemplating one of these should ask the factory about the possibility of a stiffer handle bar and better gripping handlebar clamp.

Does anyone know the rear spacing of the Performer Family Tandem? Is it 145mm like a "normal" tandem or something different?

This bike looks interesting since it would solve a couple problems my GF has with riding our Trek T200 tandem. She doesn't like sitting in back (I block her view) and she has saddle issues - both problems that might be solved by her riding recumbent up front.

Ideally, I'd like to buy just a frameset and the Performer-specific parts and move over as much (rear wheel, cranks, derailleurs, etc.) from the Trek as possible. The Trek has 145mm rear spacing.