Koga M Twin Traveller Folding (TTF) or Twinty Six

[pel]

Trying to decide which of these to go for on a six month tour through Europe with full camping gear. Favouring the Twinty Six at the moment because not sure that we need full suspension. Saddle stem suspension for Stoker should do? However the Arai drum brake on the TTF sounds useful for long descents? Is the folding facility that useful? Boils down to is it worth/necessary getting the auxilliary brake, full suspension and folding facility on the TTF? Would appreciate any views.

[halfbiked]

You may be able to add a 3rd brake to the twinty six. Our cannondale came with a hub ready for a drum brake.

Personally, I wouldn't be very interested in a folding bike unless I expected to be travelling with it extensively on airplanes.

[pel]

Agreed. Thanks halfbiked.

[zonatandem]

We refer to the TwinTraveller as the "Swiss Army knife" of the tandem world: it comes with everything. Their 2005 model folds in half and weighs about 28 kg.
The Twinty-Six does not have suspension or the Y-frame design, but does have a set of double twin laterals but no full suspension, nor does it fold. It is pounds lighter.
Euro trekking-type tandems are built on the hefty side and most US riders don't feel a need for that.
However, to each their choice! Enjoy your 6 month sojourn!

[pel]

G'day Zonatandem
We are now leaning toward the Cannondale Mountain Tandem (LS) largely for exchange rate and import duty reasons. We intend importing into Perth Australia and then tranporting to and from Europe. Have a gut feel that the Cannondale frame is stronger and more rigid than the Koga Miyata 26 and Twin Traveller. and perhaps we do not need all the bells and whistles on the Kogas. Thanks for your comments.