Northern California - Tandem Biking and a Special Needs Teen

I am an avid road bike rider and have a special needs son (17) who also likes to ride bikes (albeit at a tempered level). We went for a tandem ride in Sonoma a while back on a cruiser type tandem and now he is really pushing for me to get a tandem bike for us to ride. I participate in several centuries a year and think it might be an interesting idea to buy a tandem and make this a dad/son outing.

Any advice on the notion of owning a tandem and going for something of this magnitude. I would say we are a combined 425 lbs of biking mass...so I need some guidance on brand and type (my personal bike is a Trek Madone).

Thanks.:twitchy:

For alternative designs that may be good for your purposes, look at Greenspeed (a recumbent trike tandem, that while very long, means no balancing and you can go as slow as you want uphill) and Bilenky (custom tandems of all kinds, the most interesting being one where the stoker is actually in front of the captain). Unfortunately, these two are pricey and may be well out of the range you are willing to spend, but worth looking at, if nothing more than for ideas.

There are a few tandem teams on the board that will probably have a lot more mainstream suggestion as well as advice based on experience.

If you're anywhere in the area of Pleasanton, check out Crank2tandems.
In Shingle Springs check out Gold Country Cyclery.

If you're anywhere in the area of Pleasanton, check out Crank2tandems.
In Shingle Springs check out Gold Country Cyclery.



Excellent advice. They can show you many different types of bikes and let you ride them. They can also fit you to your bike. Both shops are tandem specific.

Depending on how tall you and your son are, I have a hybrid tandem that I'm trying to loan out to clear some space in the garage. I'm 6'2" and my stoker was 5'7". It was never quite big enough for me in the front.

Feel free to PM if you want more detail.

Have ridden with several visually (blind) and physically limited riders on tandems. Very do-able.
However work your way up as a team on higher mileage rides and do get something better than a cruiser for longer rides.
Bike Friday also sells tandems as does Co-Motion, daVinci, and a host of other brands.
A good used tandem could be the best/least expensive way to go.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

That sounds like a great idea! What a great way to spend time with your son and share the sport. Check out the tandem section here (bikeforums) and you find many riders who weigh much more than you guys. With some strong wheels and good brakes, you will not have any problems at 425 lbs.

As for shopping, a few good shops have already been mentioned. There is also a good tandem shop on the Peninsula called the Bicycle Outfitter (Los Altos) -- http://www.bicycleoutfitter.com/bikes/tandem.php.

We found ours on Craigslist- if you are patient there may be some that will fit you well. In any case, I recommend getting a good fitting for both of you- it will make your rides more comfortable and fun and reduce the chance of getting injured.

You are used to riding a Madone, so I think you'll need to slightly adjust your speed and endurance expectations to avoid overdoing it with your son. There are lots of threads on this topic in the tandem section. Start with shorter and flatter rides and gradually build up over time. Consider joining some local club rides to increase the social aspect as well.

Good luck and enjoy your time with your son!

Appreciate the feedback everyone. Very helpful. Will post later as we figure this pathway out.

One thing that Crank2 has that others might not is the DaVinci tandems.