Tandem Cycling - New vs Old - just starting out

I think I'd like to take a shot at riding a tandem with my wife on the local trail next spring and would like to direct some of my limited Christmas funds to a bike for that purpose. Ebay seems to be flooded with cheap tandems from somewhere in Texas and my local craigslist frequently has older Schwinn tandems for $100 or so. Would I be better off sinking my limited funds into one of the older rides or adding another $150 or so and getting one of the ebay models?

My assumption is the ones on ebay are cheaply made and I'll be reattaching the pedals after riding them around the block while the older bike, while not as shinny or "exciting", is probably bullet proof after a tune up and new tubes/tires.

Any opinions would be appreciated!!

Thanks

A total of $250.00 would definitely be best put towards a herculean effort in finding a stellar used Tandem.

Used is the best bang for the $$.

You didn't mention what your budget was. Maybe that will help us help you find a good used one.

You didn't mention what your budget was. Maybe that will help us help you find a good used one.

$250 or less

Another question. What size are you looking for? If you don't know, another way to figure it out is - how tall are you and your stoker and what is your inseam length?
Cheers

I think I'd like to take a shot at riding a tandem with my wife on the local trail next spring[...]

Not knowing where you live, is there a place in your area that rents tandems? Here in Chicago tandems go for $80/weekend, for Cruiser, MTB style and road style tandems. That should give you enough pedal time to determine whether tandeming is for you.
Duppie

whatever you do, don't compromise on a proper fit

Give yourself and you SO a fair chance at success.... rent a proper tandem from a good bike shop that will adjust it to fit you and also coach you on how to get the most out of your first experience. Good luck.

Bill J.

$250 or less

You can search for a good deal on an used tandem bike on Craigslist or at flea markets or for $240 you can buy this Pacific Dualie Tandem Bike (26-Inch Wheels) new and have it delivered to your doorstep by Amazon ("FREE with Super Saver Shipping"). It's imported and heavy steel, but I enjoy it for riding around the neighborhood with the wife and kids. Later if you and your wife decide to get more into tandems, you can always upgrade later to more expensive tandems.


http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Dualie-Tandem-26-Inch-Wheels/dp/B001731O2M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1228626801&sr=8-1


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Ir34hgN%2BL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

There's a huge difference in tandem bicycle quality and most of it is in the frames.

The cheap ones, at least all the ones that I've ever ridden, lack lateral stiffness. If you try riding one immediately after riding a good quality tandem they actually feel a little scary because the back end sways so much.