Tandem Cycling - Question for Zonatandem (or anyone else)

Rudy,

I moved from southeastern Pennsylvania to Tucson about six months ago. I'm about to get married and have my bride move here with me, and I'd like to get us into tandem cycling.

While in PA I discovered Tandems East (http://www.tandemseast.com/). What a great place, and Mel was really helpful. If I hadn't moved...

My question is: is there a similar shop in southern Arizona? What local shops can you recommend?

There are no per se tandem dealers like Mel in Tucson area.
Fairwheel Bicycles (Ralph, owner) 1110 E. 6th Street near U of A. (Calfee dealer).
Ajo Bikes 1301 E. Ajo Way (sells some tandems).

Local tandem builders:
Andy Gilmour 991-0287 gilmourbicycles.com
Bohemian (owner David Bohm) 529-5013 (David has a website, google bohemian)
Both great builders;
Hope this helps!

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials!

Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

I'm familiar with Fairwheel, and even though I've only been here a few months I've heard of Andy Gilmore.

Alas that my budget doesn't allow for a custom frame, or a Calfee, on a lark, with the hope that my new wife will want to double up most rides.

I might check out Ajo bikes. I might try to find a Cannondale dealer, and I think Trek makes something entry level.

Thanks for the input :thumb:

Ajo Bikes may be the answer for a bit more entry level tandem.
Also look around a bit for used; mid-November is the GABA Bike Swap Meet on 4th Ave. Lots a bikes/stuff and usually a couple tandems. But no guarantees.

Fairwheel Bicycles (Ralph, owner) 1110 E. 6th Street near U of A. (Calfee dealer).

Jason at Fairwheel built up my Calfee, and was instrumental in getting it done right. I am not so sure they are still a Calfee dealer, however, as they were somewhat ambivalent about Calfee, and did my bike as more of a special project. Whether you eventually turn to Fairwheel for a tandem, do go to talk to them, as they have an amazing amount of knowledge.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4010635852_934dae9af5.jpg

Ajo Bikes may be the answer for a bit more entry level tandem.
Also look around a bit for used; mid-November is the GABA Bike Swap Meet on 4th Ave. Lots a bikes/stuff and usually a couple tandems. But no guarantees.

Good advice, thanks! I haven't (yet) been to the GABA swap, but I was going to check it out this year, and Fran will be in Tucson and can accompany me. November 13, the Saturday before El Tour.


Jason at Fairwheel built up my Calfee, and was instrumental in getting it done right. I am not so sure they are still a Calfee dealer, however, as they were somewhat ambivalent about Calfee, and did my bike as more of a special project. Whether you eventually turn to Fairwheel for a tandem, do go to talk to them, as they have an amazing amount of knowledge.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4010635852_934dae9af5.jpg

I haven't spent much time at Fairwheel, but they are friendly and helpful.

Have you considered a used tandem? Craigslist is a good place to start.

There is a used Santana, and a used Cannondale on Tucson CL right now. As well as the used Gilmour that I posted about a few days ago.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1948703210.html

http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1947602034.html

http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1941378550.html

And a Trek even....

http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1941664528.html