Tandem Cycling - We are finally getting our first tandem

Hi all,

Well, we put our first tandem on lay-away at Walmart last night. (Kent cheapo)
(Please, keep your Walmart bashing to yourself!)

We know the bike is not top quality. DUH!

We figured we would be able to tell if tandeming is for us on this cheapo bike. If we don't like riding tandem, the no big loss. If it turns out we enjoy the tandem, then we will look into upgrading this frame, or a better quality bike.

We'll be picking it up in mid-April. My wife is really excited about this.

Good on you, hope you guys enjoy it! I just hope it a solid enough bike to give a nice enough ride as to where you can draw a conclusion of tandeming. I agree with you that you dont need a >2,000.00 rig to do that.

Stealing a phrase from the motorcyclist in me, "It's not WHAT you ride that's important, it's THAT you ride that matters the most."

There are a lot of really nice tandems sitting in garages and basements collecting dust. None of them are worth a hoot if they don't get used. Therefore, if you define the value of your tandem in terms of the enjoyment you derive from it and the value of the time spent with a loved one you may find your tandem is priceless.

Just remember to start out with short, fun rides and build up saddle time gradually... a lot of those dust covered tandems belonged to folks who tried too hard too soon, and where's the fun in that.

Tandems are meant to be fun, first and foremost. Once you can enjoy yourselves on a tandem, you can then shift your attention to going further and faster.

Stealing a phrase from the motorcyclist in me, "It's not WHAT you ride that's important, it's THAT you ride that matters the most."

There are a lot of really nice tandems sitting in garages and basements collecting dust. None of them are worth a hoot if they don't get used. Therefore, if you define the value of your tandem in terms of the enjoyment you derive from it and the value of the time spent with a loved one you may find your tandem is priceless.

Just remember to start out with short, fun rides and build up saddle time gradually... a lot of those dust covered tandems belonged to folks who tried too hard too soon, and where's the fun in that.

Tandems are meant to be fun, first and foremost. Once you can enjoy yourselves on a tandem, you can then shift your attention to going further and faster.

Yeah, exactly what he says! We love ours, and will be back on it as soon as the sun starts to warm things up around these parts.

Congrats on ordering a tandem! Just don't try and do TOSRV on it this year . . . save that for next year!
The first tandem is always a learning experience and we can go on from there.
If you are not happy with the Kent, hit Wallmart up for a refund!
Be safe, have fun and ride TWOgether!
Rudy & Kay, Tucson, AZ

From a member of T.W.I.T.S. (The Walmart International Tandeming Society), we welcome you. We bought one of the Kents (ours is blue -- I'm guessing they all are) last summer because we were dumbfounded that we could buy a new tandem for under $250. We can't find used Schwinn Twinns for under $300.

We bought it for our kids. They absolutely love it. The little ones enjoy being able to go on longer rides (and keep up) and being the object of so much attention is always a big sell. They love the waves. When I was a kid my dad won a Daisy (Kent? Huffy?) at work. It was a wobbly piece of junk, but boy did we have a blast on that thing! Rode it all over town and had a blast. I'm sure that planted the tandeming bug in me.

I think as long as you understand the thing's limits, you'll do just fine. The frame seems well built, but I'd take it easy on the components (shift gently, don't take it off-road, etc.). Ruth and I can ride it, but together we push 350lbs, and while it's solid, I'm not sure how long it could handle us (my wife and I have our own tandem -- a Trek T200).

The only thing I would say is, don't confuse the Kent's limitations with tandeming's limitations. Our tandem is a blast around town, but that tractor seat, balloon tires, and less-than-optimal rider position would probably be a real drag on a long road trip. But to be together, to talk while you exercise, to enjoy the extended range, build your marriage, build your family, etc., these are perks I'd hate for you to miss because you blamed the "shortcomings" of a Kent on tandems in general.

Anyway, have a ball on it. We certainly enjoy ours.

Paul

From a member of T.W.I.T.S. (The Walmart International Tandeming Society), we welcome you. We bought one of the Kents (ours is blue -- I'm guessing they all are) last summer because we were dumbfounded that we could buy a new tandem for under $250. We can't find used Schwinn Twinns for under $300.

We bought it for our kids. They absolutely love it. The little ones enjoy being able to go on longer rides (and keep up) and being the object of so much attention is always a big sell. They love the waves. When I was a kid my dad won a Daisy (Kent? Huffy?) at work. It was a wobbly piece of junk, but boy did we have a blast on that thing! Rode it all over town and had a blast. I'm sure that planted the tandeming bug in me.

I think as long as you understand the thing's limits, you'll do just fine. The frame seems well built, but I'd take it easy on the components (shift gently, don't take it off-road, etc.). Ruth and I can ride it, but together we push 350lbs, and while it's solid, I'm not sure how long it could handle us (my wife and I have our own tandem -- a Trek T200).

The only thing I would say is, don't confuse the Kent's limitations with tandeming's limitations. Our tandem is a blast around town, but that tractor seat, balloon tires, and less-than-optimal rider position would probably be a real drag on a long road trip. But to be together, to talk while you exercise, to enjoy the extended range, build your marriage, build your family, etc., these are perks I'd hate for you to miss because you blamed the "shortcomings" of a Kent on tandems in general.

Anyway, have a ball on it. We certainly enjoy ours.

Paul


Hi Paul,
Thanks for the encouragement. We are very exited to try it. We have a very open mind toward the experience. We are well aware of the limitations of the department store bike. We will take it easy. I plan to have our LBS do a tune up on it prior to any "real" outings. Our bike is silver and white. Quite a catching color combination. They even put wide white walls on for tires.:rolleyes:

The bike will mainly be for doing the local bike trail with the kids for now. If we really get into it, we'll look into a better quality one. We'd also have to decide the type we want. I really like the thought of self supported touring. We have not had such conversations as yet, but will when the time is right.

We'll be sure to post on forums our impressions and experience with it.

Regards,
Bob & Coleen

You don't need a fancy tandem to get hooked!

The first tandem my girlfriend and I every rode was an extremely wobbly no-brand brand tandem on Mackinac Island, MI.

It was probably the most fun we've ever had! (Not that we don't enjoy our Koga Miyata TwinTraveller)

I live in ohio also looked at wallmart online couple days ago didn't see any tandems. I also am looking for a $200 tandem to see if we like. I am 250# and she is $200# we recently bought a treadmill and are now wanting a bike. Just don't want an expensive coat rack yet. What Wallmart stores have you seen these in?

Thanks Chuck

Consider yourselves very lucky!
I have been searching for the walmart tandem for some time now and they are all out. when i ask them if and when theyll get more they say "i dunno" (and i guess the blank look on their face was an added bonus).
I live in connecticut and cant get one, so dont knock it, some people are envious of what you have.
Enjoy and let me know how it is so i know to keep searching or not.

Well we got out tandem tonight from Walmart. It is in box not assembled. $258.00 Kent I believe 21 speed. After I got it home I noticed on bottom of box it said both riders sould have minimim 32 1/2 legs. What dose that mean. I am 5' 11" and she is 5' 5". Hate to put it together and find out its too big. Do these kents come in different sizes.

Thanks Chuck

Heavens, I hope not! We're both pretty tall (6'2 and 5'10) with inseams of 33 and 34 (yes, her legs are longer. why do you think I married her?). But we crank the seats all the way up and it's still a bit small -- especially on the back. My 5ft kids captain and stoke so I'm sure you'll be fine. I suppose there is an outside chance that Wal-mart has started selling them in different sizes, but I highly doubt it. Wal-mart is not an LBS. Oh, and our top tube is a "girls" (step through) so you'll be just fine.

Ours came assembled.

Welcome to TWITS.

Hey, chuck, do you suppose it's centimeters?

rhetoric
no its inchs and ours is not a girls (Step through)

Put the bike together today looks nice seems sturdy. Had to readjust wheel bearings and fork bearings. I think the crank bearings need adjusted but I don't have a tool for it looks likea special tool. Was gonna ride today was 67 degrees and nice but started raining afte I got it put together.

Chuck

Ok here it is my walmart tandem (elcheapo) $258

Chuck

it must have meant 32 1/2 legs because in the piolots seat mens crossbar when I stan flat footed on ground bar is in crotch with a little pressure.

Chuck



Heavens, I hope not! We're both pretty tall (6'2 and 5'10) with inseams of 33 and 34 (yes, her legs are longer. why do you think I married her?). But we crank the seats all the way up and it's still a bit small -- especially on the back. My 5ft kids captain and stoke so I'm sure you'll be fine. I suppose there is an outside chance that Wal-mart has started selling them in different sizes, but I highly doubt it. Wal-mart is not an LBS. Oh, and our top tube is a "girls" (step through) so you'll be just fine.

Ours came assembled.

Welcome to TWITS.

it must have meant 32 1/2 legs because in the piolots seat mens crossbar when I stan flat footed on ground bar is in crotch with a little pressure.

Chuck

Nope -- that's the same bike we have except ours is flaming neon blue. I guess I wasn't remembering the higher front bar -- the step through is for the stoker. One reminder -- the kickstand will tear up the paint on your rear wheel stays. I'd either remove it, or cut some rubber gaskets (old inner tube or some such) to place between the kickstand and the bare metal. Everytime you kick the stand you'll scratch the paint. Have fun!

Took it out for first ride today. I took it the 1st 3/4 mile by myself, it was a breeze, didn't seem like 21 speeds was enough, 21st gear was peddeling easy and not going that fast really. Then put her on it went maybe 1 1/2 miles it about killed me even with 2 stops to adjust seat heights it was like i was peddeling for both of us my 250# and her 200#. She claims she was peddeling. I will keep you posted.

Chuck

Took it out for first ride today. I took it the 1st 3/4 mile by myself, it was a breeze, didn't seem like 21 speeds was enough, 21st gear was peddeling easy and not going that fast really. Then put her on it went maybe 1 1/2 miles it about killed me even with 2 stops to adjust seat heights it was like i was peddeling for both of us my 250# and her 200#. She claims she was peddeling. I will keep you posted.

Chuck

Hey Chuck, thanks for the report! I am very interested in your results. I do have a couple of questions.

1. When you both were on the bike, what gear were you in that was so hard?
2. How were you communicating with each other? Did you say, "left, right, left" to get in sync with each others efforts? I realize the 2 positions are linked together, but perhaps some communication could have helped make the effort more effecient. (just thinking out loud here.)
3. What was your tire pressure at?


Thanks for being our guinea pig. :)

Bob & Coleen

2nd ride was much better I think she actually pedddeled this time. No not much comunication excepet when i would tell her i was going to coast. about 45 psi. tires real hard max is 50psi just dosent seem to go very fast though when in 21 st and peddeling pretty fast.

Thanks Chuck

2nd ride was much better I think she actually pedddeled this time. No not much comunication excepet when i would tell her i was going to coast. about 45 psi. tires real hard max is 50psi just dosent seem to go very fast though when in 21 st and peddeling pretty fast.

Thanks Chuck

Have you installed a cycling computer/speedometer? Of course I guess speed isn't everything on a tandem. The gear ratio may be maximized for moving weight easily instead of speed.?.? I wonder if any of the more experienced folks here can address that?

Howdy from Tucson!
Thanx for posting the photo of the Wally tandem! Had never seen or ridden one, and we've ridden over 30+ brands/models of tandems in our 29+ years of riding as a duo!
Rather nifty retro design especially the modified tri-lateral set up on the rear triangle (the three pair of tubes that join from rear seat tube to rear wheel dropout).
Suggest you learn the following communication skills when riding: Pilot informs stoker, out loud and in advance, what he is going to do. Example: shifting, braking, coasting, stopping, pedaling; that way stoker knows what's coming up and there are no whoops or surprises. Also, pilot MUST call out all the bumps, as stoker cannot see them coming up; that way with a second or so of advance warning she can put less weight on the saddle and more on hands/feet to avoid butt/back impact.
Also tell stoker, out loud, when you intend to turn left, right, stop or slow down; she gives the appropriate hand signal for that, therefore leaving the captains hands on the bars. She is more visible from the rear to car drivers than pilot is.
When starting the tandem the usual procedure is as follow:
Pilot mounts the bike, holds both brakes and stands flat-footed on the ground with feet spread a bit apart and butt NOT on the saddle but sorta resting on the top tube. Then stoker gets on the tandem, sits down and puts feet on the pedals. If pilot desires left or right pedal up, she will slowly pedal backwards 'til that pedal is in the correct push-off position for the pilot (don't get 'whacked' by the pedal when she pedals backward to position your correct pedal up; that's why you stand flat-footed with feet spread far enough apart!)
Count down from three to one . . . and push off! Wheeee!
On stopping the tandem: again pilot puts both feet flat on the ground and holds the brakes. Stoker dismounts, WALKS away from the tandem and says: "off". Then pilot can dismount; if you dismount throwing your leg over your seat (watchout for her handlebar!) you'll avoid giving her a karate kick if she stands near the tandem. Some pilot dismount throwing leg over the front handlebar, depending on your agility level.Simple?
When stopping at a traffic light, pilot can put one, or both feet down, while holding the brakes. Stoker can remain seated.
Wear bright clothes, make eye contact with drivers who are stopped or turning, wave and smile and DO NOT give one-finger saltues, even if you are mad . . . them cars and pick 'em ups are bigger than you!
Hope this helps; always glad to see someone else getting in on a healthy exercise as a duo! Enjoy!
Rudy & Kay, Zona tandem

Lots of good advice from Zonatandem!

Now that you have the bike and have ridden it, may I suggest the most cost effective method of making the bike ride faster and with less effort? If you are so inclined, look for some higher pressure tires - preferrably road type slick or semi-slick that have a recommended max pressure of 85 to 100 psi. I see that Performance (www.performancebike.com) has their own brand "Slick City" (85 psi) on sale for $9.99 ea or upgrade to the Ritchey "Tom Slick" (100 psi) on sale for $16.99 ea. Pump them up to the max pressure on the tire. You will be amazed at the difference in performance from the stock tires.

Well, we picked up our tandem today! YAHOO! The youngest boy (10) and I took it for a quick spin. Was kind of like driving a stretch lemo. :)

We brought it into the house to make our adjustments. You can tell a real moron had assembled it right off the bat as the refelectors for front and rear were reversed. :rolleyes: So, we wanted to give it the "critical eye" prior to any real ride. So now we have the preleminary inspection and adjustments complete. Tomorrow evening we'll try the maden voyage with the Mrs. (if the rain holds off)

Coleen and I are very excited to give it a whirl. We have both been reading this forum over and have learned tons! We are so greatful for such a giving group of people.

Well, we picked up our tandem today! YAHOO! The youngest boy (10) and I took it for a quick spin. Was kind of like driving a stretch lemo. :)

We brought it into the house to make our adjustments. You can tell a real moron had assembled it right off the bat as the refelectors for front and rear were reversed. :rolleyes: So, we wanted to give it the "critical eye" prior to any real ride. So now we have the preleminary inspection and adjustments complete. Tomorrow evening we'll try the maden voyage with the Mrs. (if the rain holds off)

Coleen and I are very excited to give it a whirl. We have both been reading this forum over and have learned tons! We are so greatful for such a giving group of people.


How is it that YOU LIVE IN MONTANA and you're riding bikes while I'm wearing thermal underwear and shoveling my driveway?! Oh, wait a minute -- I figured it out! I live in Rochester NY! Everytime it rains hard enough to wash the salt off of the roads it gets cold and snows again and they put more salt on the roads. So we wait, but will enjoy our tandem vicariously through you. We actually did get out the Kent the other day so the kids could take our Japanese exchange student for a buzz around the block. Have a ball and don't forget to send me your $250 annual T.W.I.T.S membership fees! :-)

What color was yours and what leg length did yours say mine said 31 1/2. Hope to get ours out soon again if weater would be more permittting. Are you as happy with yours as I am I know it is a lot cheaper than most but for the most part it seems to be made real good and solid.

Chuck

What color was yours and what leg length did yours say mine said 31 1/2. Hope to get ours out soon again if weater would be more permittting. Are you as happy with yours as I am I know it is a lot cheaper than most but for the most part it seems to be made real good and solid.

Chuck

Kindof a flame, neon blue (all over). Ours was already put together, so we didn't get info about size, but from the photo earlier in the thread ours looks just like that. Again, as a kick around town bike (keep it on roads and bike paths) I think it should be a relatively dependable bike. We would never push the bike the way we push our TrekT200, but again, I don't think that's what it's made for (like the "mountain bikes" at Wal-Mart that say, "Not intended for off-road use!"). The frame, I'm guessing will last forever -- the components will need to be babied.

How is it that YOU LIVE IN MONTANA and you're riding bikes while I'm wearing thermal underwear and shoveling my driveway?! <snip>

They don't call this state, "The LAST BEST PLACE" for nothing! :p

Chuck, our tandem is EXACTLY the same as yours.

Ok here it is my walmart tandem (elcheapo) $258

Hmmm. That looks very familiar.... less the front shock fork, a less expensive timing chain arrangement, and a few other upgrades.
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=123&va=0

From what I can see in looking at the photo of the Wally-World model, you got a really great deal. DIAMONDBACK sells it's jazzed-up version of this frame for about $650. Given the grade of components, it's not a bad deal either; all depends on your budget and intended use. http://bbbicycles.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=3105&Catalog=39&sort=Price%20desc

The components are all a step up on the DIAMONDBACK bike, but they won't make the bike ride or handle all that differently from your model. Good on ya' for snagging a fun bike. I've ridden a Diamondback and they make great "cruisers" for leisurely rides on bike trails, at the beach, around town, etc... I'd swear I've even seen one of the DB versions on a charity road ride. Heck, even Recumbent & Tandem Rider mag. did a review of one. Thus, any of the frame comments would most likely apply.

NOTE: My Bad. I had a brainfart when I original posted this and got my wires crossed with Pacific/Schwinn/GT. Diamondback is part of Raleigh America, located in Kent, Washington, which up and to a few years ago was called "Derby Cycle Corporation" and included the Univega brand.

Wow. I did not realize Diamondback was one of the Pacific brands.

We are planning on upgrading components as they need it. The frame has a lifetime warranty. (for what its worth). They do look a lot alike. I don't know if Kent is a Pacific brand or not. Searching the internet for Kent Bikes does not yeild much.

I'm not crazy about the "cruizer" style or fit, but I will live with it since my stoker LOVES it!

Wow. I did not realize Diamondback was one of the Pacific brands.

We are planning on upgrading components as they need it. The frame has a lifetime warranty. (for what its worth). They do look a lot alike. I don't know if Kent is a Pacific brand or not. Searching the internet for Kent Bikes does not yeild much.

I'm not crazy about the "cruizer" style or fit, but I will live with it since my stoker LOVES it!



I'm not crazy about the "cruizer" style or fit what do you mean cruizer style or fit, by the way did yours come with the front wheel clips the little things that fir in the frame and wheel fits in mine did not.

Chuck

Wow. I did not realize Diamondback was one of the Pacific brands.

My Bad; it's not. I got my wires crossed as I was posting. What with all the brand consolidations, it's not hard to do.

Diamondback was consumed by Derby Cycles as was Raleigh and became part of the Raleigh/Diamondback/Univega line of bikes sold by Derby. A few years back Derby dropped the Univega line of bikes and officially changed its name to Raleigh USA. Oh yeah, Derby's and now Raleigh USA's headquarters is in Kent, Washington. Branding and marketing of bicycles is hard to keep up with.

Pacific, on the other hand, is reknown for acquiring Schwinn/GT and Mongoose bicycles. Here's a link to their Web site that lists the other brands they have acquired: http://www.pacific-cycle.com/brands/other.php

What's not widely talked about is Pacific's acquisition BY Dorel Industries in January of this year. http://www.industrypages.com/artman/publish/Industry_News_3788.stm

Sorry for any confusion.

My Bad; it's not. I got my wires crossed as I was posting. What with all the brand consolidations, it's not hard to do.

Diamondback was consumed by Raleigh years ago who was subsequently consumed by Derby Cycles and became part of the Raleigh/Diamondback/Univega line of bikes sold by Derby. A few years back Derby dropped the Univega line of bikes and officially changed its name to Raleigh USA. Oh yeah, Raleigh USA's headquarters is in Kent, Washington. Branding and marketing of bicycles is hard to keep up with.

Pacific, on the other hand, is reknown for acquiring Schwinn/GT and Mongoose bicycles. Here's a link to their Web site that lists the other brands they have acquired: http://www.pacific-cycle.com/brands/other.php

What's not widely talked about is Pacific's acquisition BY Dorel Industries in January of this year. http://www.industrypages.com/artman/publish/Industry_News_3788.stm

Sorry for any confusion.


Hey Mark,
No problem about the confussion! I had not heard that Diamondback was aquired by Pacific. Now, mind you, I am no up on all the bike industry either. :) Thats why I had to ask. Now, the fact that this "Kent" tandem is not a Pacific does make me warm and fuzzy.. :D

Our youngest and I took the tandem out for a 4 mile cruize when I got home from work. I can tell when he moves etc. He is learning with me. I am going to have him read up on this forum. We plan to do a 25 mile ride tomorrow, weather permitting.




I'm not crazy about the "cruizer" style or fit what do you mean cruizer style or fit, by the way did yours come with the front wheel clips the little things that fir in the frame and wheel fits in mine did not.

Chuck

Hey Chuck,

I was referring to the frame styling, and moreso the VERY UPRIGHT riding position. I am used to my either my commuter bikes, roadies, or XC MTB. All of which have a more aggressive riding position. Now having said that, I will get used to this position. Afterall, its not supposed to be an aggressive ride. The position will remind me of that. I also have to figure out the right tire measurement for the bike computer. Today's ride yeilded a 30 mph average. :eek:

So, I think this is gonna be fun. At least for me the the kids.. ;)

Hey, I've been looking into fenders for the Kent. I'm not having a lot of luck with finders that are wide enough for the 2.125" tires. Has anyone else found any full fenders that will cover those meats?

Hey, I've been looking into fenders for the Kent. I'm not having a lot of luck with finders that are wide enough for the 2.125" tires. Has anyone else found any full fenders that will cover those meats?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/fenders.html

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Coleen and I took our tandem out for the first time together tonight. We just stayed close to home working on mounting, starting, stopping, slow speed cornering, communications, and basic handling skills. We had such a blast!

We are planning to go for a longer ride this weekend.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and well wishes! :)

Bob & Coleen

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Coleen and I took our tandem out for the first time together tonight. We just stayed close to home working on mounting, starting, stopping, slow speed cornering, communications, and basic handling skills. We had such a blast!

We are planning to go for a longer ride this weekend.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and well wishes! :)

Bob & Coleen


Did yours come with front wheel retainers. They are little silver things taht fit in the fork and the axel of front wheel go through. Mine did not directions siad they did but fork is made where the axel nut and washer fit in rounded out area so directions may bea a misprint. I am Just wondering if I am missing them.

Chuck

P. S. what is your name by the way.

Any on you ever hear of a Huffy 26" Boys 2K3 Tempas Bike

toysrus has these for $45

here is link http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005BW8N/qid=1081519210/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/102-0873192-7026569?v=glance&s=toys

you suppose these are any good remember we are not avid bike riders just starting for the exercise.

Chuck

Hey, I've been looking into fenders for the Kent. I'm not having a lot of luck with finders that are wide enough for the 2.125" tires. Has anyone else found any full fenders that will cover those meats?
Late to the party, I know, but: http://www.planetbike.com/faq/fender.html . Planet Bike makes (well, sells) some nice fenders. And they donate a percentage of profits to bike groups.

Did yours come with front wheel retainers. They are little silver things taht fit in the fork and the axel of front wheel go through. Mine did not directions siad they did but fork is made where the axel nut and washer fit in rounded out area so directions may bea a misprint. I am Just wondering if I am missing them.

Chuck

P. S. what is your name by the way.

Hi Chuck,
No, our tandem did not have the front wheel retainer things either. Ours is just as you discribed yours. We purchased ours preassembled.
My name is Bob. My bride is Coleen (AG7KinMT)



Late to the party, I know, but: http://www.planetbike.com/faq/fender.html . Planet Bike makes (well, sells) some nice fenders. And they donate a percentage of profits to bike groups.

Thanks for the link. We both have Planet Bike fenders on our commuter bikes. I didn't think they made full fenders for tire width greater then 2". I'll check it out!

Any on you ever hear of a Huffy 26" Boys 2K3 Tempas Bike

toysrus has these for $45

here is link http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005BW8N/qid=1081519210/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/102-0873192-7026569?v=glance&s=toys

you suppose these are any good remember we are not avid bike riders just starting for the exercise.

Chuck

I think they would do just fine for you, Chuck. I would, however, caution you that they may not fit well. A poor fitting bike really sucks. You may also be cautious of the riding position. If your more used to the UPRIGHT position of your tandem, this bike may not feel comfy to you. It should get you started.

I think they would do just fine for you, Chuck. I would, however, caution you that they may not fit well. A poor fitting bike really sucks. You may also be cautious of the riding position. If your more used to the UPRIGHT position of your tandem, this bike may not feel comfy to you. It should get you started.


Ibought the huffy's for y wife and granddaughter.

I bought the mongoose manuver full supension for myself. But after getting ti home I decided the frame was to small knee was to bent in the full downward position and did not like how low the handel bars were. My 22 year ood son decided he wanted it even though he is my height.

I just bought the mongoose optimal aluminum frame for my self I hope the frame is bigger could not try it out was on self at sams club. It measures bigger than the manuver.

The aluminum bike will not be a problem for me weighing 240# will it

by the way here is picture of bike from sams club website

It should be ok, Chuck. AL is strong.

Front bottom bracket is loose and we have to drop the bike off to the shop for repair..:(

Both Coleen and ***** have become quite good stokers. Not sure how I am doing as a captian..

I live in ohio also looked at wallmart online couple days ago didn't see any tandems. I also am looking for a $200 tandem to see if we like. I am 250# and she is $200# we recently bought a treadmill and are now wanting a bike. Just don't want an expensive coat rack yet. What Wallmart stores have you seen these in?

Thanks Chuck
Try for a KHS Tandemania, at the end of the season you can get one for under 700.00 we've had ours for 4 seasons and love it. My husband and I started out at about 200&220 and had looked for a tandem for a long time finally we were at Summitt City Bicycles in Ft. Wayne, IN. and they suggested we try the tandemania for stability, we bought it , by way of lay-a-way that afternoon after going back and test riding several other tandems. We felt stable on this bike and at 230 and 260 or less we still feel stable and pull our granddaughter in a trailer(we bought it from Sears for our dog but since we found out we were going to be grandparents before they rode in it use it for her, it would still be excellent for the springer) behind us. We are working on getting the weight down and will reward ourselves with a road tandem. good luck.

Took it out for first ride today. I took it the 1st 3/4 mile by myself, it was a breeze, didn't seem like 21 speeds was enough, 21st gear was peddeling easy and not going that fast really. Then put her on it went maybe 1 1/2 miles it about killed me even with 2 stops to adjust seat heights it was like i was peddeling for both of us my 250# and her 200#. She claims she was peddeling. I will keep you posted.

Chuck

Part of the fun is the captain not thinking the stoker is pedaling, and part of the fun of being a stoker is taking your feet off the pedals just for fun. Over 99 percent of the time I am pedaling and sometimes my husband thinks I'm not.