Tandem Cycling - Lambo tandem?

I'm looking to get into my first tandem and came across this:

http://lamborghinibicycles.com/bikes_viaggio.html

Opinions? It's a $500 bike.

Ah, it's a Kent in different skin

Depends on your intended use. If you're going to go for 5-10mile spins around the neighborhood, that bike would probably be fine.

If you're going to be longer rides, and will be riding it a lot. You'll likely become quickly frustrated with that bike.

So for a serious tandem, I think you have two options: One, double your budget to the $1000 range. Or look for a solid used bike if you need to keep in the $500 range.

Cool. I found a Raleigh Companion (circa 2005 vintage) for $400. I'm going to hook that up.

Does it have doors like this?

http://www.ssip.net/upload/lamborghini-diablo-sv-doors-open-2_122.jpg

More akin to this:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/504777290_13b99dc54d.jpg

Actually both examples are too "real"...

I was thinking Fiero Lambo kit car ;)

Depends on your intended use. If you're going to go for 5-10mile spins around the neighborhood, that bike would probably be fine.

If you're going to be longer rides, and will be riding it a lot. You'll likely become quickly frustrated with that bike.

So for a serious tandem, I think you have two options: One, double your budget to the $1000 range. Or look for a solid used bike if you need to keep in the $500 range.

As a slight aside, what would be an example of a "solid used" tandem in the $500-range, that would be good for longer rides, i.e. centuries, half-centuries, long cruises with hills, etc.?

I take it my Schwinn Twinn Sport 10sp probably wouldn't qualify. :( Would a 70s or 80s Schwinn Paramount tandem do? Or what other brands/years?

As a slight aside, what would be an example of a "solid used" tandem in the $500-range, that would be good for longer rides, i.e. centuries, half-centuries, long cruises with hills, etc.?

I take it my Schwinn Twinn Sport 10sp probably wouldn't qualify. :( Would a 70s or 80s Schwinn Paramount tandem do? Or what other brands/years?

I was in the EXACT same situation as OP: I wanted to spend $500, and couldn't find a good used one in that range. I then decided to spend $1K and went to a local dealer to buy a new Trek T900. He had sold it. In frustration, I almost pulled the trigger on the Lambo after exchanging some emails with a poster who had one (do a search).

I lucked out and found a local used (barely) T900 for $500. I have made some mods (new tires, new front seat and handlebars), but it's a good solid, basic bike that will be fine for any use short of serious racing, I believe.

I believe that any "name brand" bike that sells for about $1,000 new will be a good, servicable bike for beginners. Like a $500 mountain or hybrid bike: not racy at all, but functionally just fine.

^ I'd agree.

If you could find something like a Burley Duet, that would be great. But to get to the $500 point it would likely be a bit rough.