Tandem Cycling - Our First Tandem: anyone know this model?

We just got our first tandem - a Gary Fisher Gemini, circa 1990 - arrived UPS from Minnesota yesterday.
I think it's a very handsom rig, and it seems to be in excellent mechanical condition. New brake pads, chains, tires, lubrication recently so all looks ready to go this weekend.

I haven't been able to find out much about this bike and I'm hoping that forum members may be able to shed some light on this particular model. Here's some info:

stamp on bottom bracket shell is "FL19".
Seat Tube lengths: 19.5" Captain / 18" Stoker
Standover height: 31" Captain / 28.5" Stoker
Front & Rear Derailleurs: Shimano Deore XT
Shimano Deore XT rear cassete 12-28T
Shimano Biopace Cranks: FC-M730 170mm cranks w/ 50-38-28T
Shimano Deore XT thumb shifters
Wheels: 26", 36 spoke w/ anodized aluminum rims.
Rims w/ decals: "RM-20", "Super Hard Anodized" + one unreadable
Tires: Continental Country 50-559
Saddles: Avocet
Brakes: Rear - dual Shimano Deore XT "Shark Tooth"
Front - Shimano Deore XT cantilever
Magura levers, w/ dual cables for rear

I've attached a few pictures of the bike. Anyone know anything about this model? Or where I might find more information?

Tom

Dunno but it looks absolutely sweet! :thumb:


.

I wouldn't think that bike is that old. I have a early 90's Fisher Gemini and it has DX components. The paint scheme doesn't realy match the early 90's bikes. Beautiful bike. Wish mine was in that good of shape.

Not too many Fisher tandems around. Have seen exactly one.
This one looks g-r-e-a-t!

dual rear brakes! cool.

I wouldn't think that bike is that old. I have a early 90's Fisher Gemini and it has DX components.

I agree. Here are photos or our Gary Fisher Gemini tandem:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562731769TFgBnv

I don't remember when Biopace chainrings were popular, but ours doesn't have them. Ours has all Shimamo Deore DX 7-speed components except for the brakes which are Suntour Self-Energizing cantilevers.

With Biopace rings and dual "U" brakes, the poster must be close on it's vintage. My 1991(?) Rockhopper had the Biopace stuff, but not "U"brakes.

Yes it is a good looking machine and will hopefully provide miles of enjoyment.

PK

Call Trek, give them the S/N perhaps they can help you out with more info.

Biopace came out in the early 80's. I was in high school when a friends Bianchi had them. I'm guessing 83-84. I think Shimano quit manufacturing them early 90's. I'm guessing the bike is about 25 years old. Which doesn't matter, as long as you enjoy it. Have fun!

On edit--

A little googling and I came up with this : http://mombat.org/Fisher_Specs.htm Looks like it might be a 85-88 range. Even had that color combo in 85 http://mombat.org/1985_Fisher_Comp.htm Look at the selection of components and what was used when on his bikes for a better guess. No SIS shifting with BioPace with that paint scheme....I'm sticking with 1985.

I haven't been able to find out much about this bike and I'm hoping that forum members may be able to shed some light on this particular model.


Nothing to add on the particular model, but congratulations on what looks like a very good find. It appears to be well equipped for it's vintage and in very good condition.:thumb:

After looking thru the lists of componets on the MTB Timeline, I'm thinking the bike is a 1988. The Biopace cranks were only offered in 85-88, so that narrows the search. None of the other components were of much help in refining the year - Shimano Deore XT stuff was wide-spread. But The rims - with the stickers "Super Hard Anodized" and "RM-20" were a help. The Araya RM-20 rims were offered 85-88, but the "Super Hard Anodized" were just for 1988. Plus the color scheme - red/yellow/black fade - was only listed for 87 & 88. So even tho the Fisher Specs web page doesn't list any tandems, I'm thinking that the Biopace cranks, fade paint job and the Araya RM-20 rims make it most likely a 1988 model. Anyone else have info to add?

Tom

Well the rims point to 88. Is the rd SIS?

Have you taken the Mrs. out to see how she likes it yet?

Well the rims point to 88. Is the rd SIS?

Have you taken the Mrs. out to see how she likes it yet?
The rain/snow we've had since I recieved the bike Monday has finally stopped, and I got the tandem out to take a test ride around the neighborhood. After a few adjustments, all is well - smooooooth! :love: It rides and feels like a new bike! Will try to get My Stoker out on it this weekend.

Oh, the rear D is a Shimano Deore X.

Tom

Finally got a chance to try out our "new" Gary Fisher tandem this past weekend! Rain stopped for a few hours and we gave the bike a test ride. We love it!