Tandem Cycling - Burley vs. KHS

I am looking at a used Zydeco by Burley which is a little less $$$ than a KHS Tandemania Sport new but close to it. ($600 vs. $750)
But the frames are built differently. No diagonal bar on the Burley and appears quite lite. A shop mentioned that it makes it more flexible comparing it to the KHS Sport. I am not into racing and would never try to use either for that purpose. Just recreational cruising on sunny days....... isn't that how everyone starts?
Any comments or suggestions are appreciated
Andy Messina

Hard to choose between the 2 at that price. Both pretty good brands known for their value.

Get the red one!:D

tested the Burley last night at LBS and going to test ride the Sport tonight. The Burley is more maneuvrable than the Crestline I used two weeks ago......but neither is red!!!! LOL
Thanks for the input. I will post my decision soon.

Ultimately, the frame is the most important part of any bicycle the biggest issue in comparing the two is going with the one that fits you and your stoker the best. Next consideration would be how each one "feels" when you ride it. This is where these two bikes should be quite different.

The original Zydeco was a "one size fits all" entry level tandem with an open frame design. The open frame was phased out because, as you would expect, it was very flexible and handled poorly under all but very svelt teams. A mixte frame design was used on newer Zydeco tandems which stiffened up the frame and accommodated shorter stokers at the same time. The components are "best value" grade and good enough for light recreational use.

The KHS Sport, on the other hand, uses a time-proven frame design incorporating a head tube to rear seat tube internal tube that is well made and will give you predictable handling and control. However, it's a tank compared to the Zydeco. The components are not quite "best value" level but adequate for "comfort bike" riding, e.g., river trails and fun rides.

It all comes down to how you intend to use the tandem. Frankly, if you could swing a deal on a KHS Comp for about $1k you'd have a really great starter tandem that's superior to both of these models. The Comp is truly a great value given the quality of the frame, the better components, etc...

Bottom Line: The frame is the key. Make sure any tandem you're considering fits properly (getting a tandem that's too tall or too small isn't a bargain at any price) and gives both the captain and stoker a comfortable feeling ride.

Check out: http://www.tandemmag.com/classified before you make your final decision. There are often times some great used tandems at very attractive prices for sale that can be found on this Web site.

Thank you Mark!!! You comments are certainly correct. The Zydeco felt very light and kind of like a sports car compared to a luxury sedan. The choice has been made since it is a birthday present to my wife. There is now a KHS Sport (2000 model from Jax in HB, CA with full factory warranty for $640 plus the usual dues to Uncle Sam) in my garage and ..... she loves it!!! We have already cruised the neighborhood several times and she still loves it. The adjustable stoker stem and stoker shock post did the trick. Compared to the Zydeco, the Sport is like riding an armchair down the street and that is what the mrs. really likes (the gel seat too). So now that spring is here and taxes are done..... watch out... we won't be home very much. we are still trying to figure out why tandeming is more fun than 2 half bikes. Also I promptly installed a 9 function computer (Aireon by Supergo $15) so now we can keep track of mileage and other data that only techies would appreciate. By the way, you are right, the rigidity of the Sport frame is noticeable especially going around corners. The bottom tube with its oval shape sure makes a difference while cornering.
Thank you for your response.
This moment deserves a celebration!!!!
I wanted a tandem for years and I finally have one
:beer:
P.S. The kids like it too!!!!

You're most welcome. Enjoy the ride.

Mark

So now that you got the thing when are you gonna paint that baby RED??? Or will you just settle for less performance?

Mark

I don't really know MB1!!!!! I'll wait until I get bored with the blue that it came in, then I will have to turn to some Italian artistic relative to come up with something really special. I will keep you posted