I know nothing about tandems, is this a good deal?
12-17-07, 12:38 PM
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veggieburglar
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I know nothing about tandems, is this a good deal?
Hey everyone, I'm really looking into buying a tandem but I don't have much money. I know absolutely nothing about how much tandems are worth. I found this one for $200. What do you guys think?
He says its a 1960s Columbia with a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub. It looks like it has front and rear drum brakes.
He says its a 1960s Columbia with a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub. It looks like it has front and rear drum brakes.
12-17-07, 12:47 PM
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If what you want is a beach cruiser to stroll around the neighborhood... If the bike fits you and your stoker.... If everything works OK.... then it sounds like a good deal. The experience of riding this type of bike should help you decide if tandeming is for you and your stoker.
If it was me, I would spend that money renting a high quality/modern tandem.
If it was me, I would spend that money renting a high quality/modern tandem.
12-17-07, 12:56 PM
#3
veggieburglar
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If what you want is a beach cruiser to stroll around the neighborhood... If the bike fits you and your stoker.... If everything works OK.... then it sounds like a good deal. The experience of riding this type of bike should help you decide if tandeming is for you and your stoker.
If it was me, I would spend that money renting a high quality/modern tandem.
If it was me, I would spend that money renting a high quality/modern tandem.
12-17-07, 05:29 PM
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To give yourself and your stoker a fair chance to evaluate the fun of any tandem you would be best served to rent one first. Santa Barbara should be a good place to rent. At least you know it will be mechanically sound somewhat fitted to you for your first tandem experience. In the process you will learn a little to help in evaluating whatever you may consider buying.
Regarding this specific bike for $200, it is kind of hard to evaluate without seeing and riding it. However, if it is mechanically sound and you and your stoker are comfortable on it, then I don't see how you can go wrong for the money. Good luck and enjoy the fun.
Bill J.
Regarding this specific bike for $200, it is kind of hard to evaluate without seeing and riding it. However, if it is mechanically sound and you and your stoker are comfortable on it, then I don't see how you can go wrong for the money. Good luck and enjoy the fun.
Bill J.
12-17-07, 07:22 PM
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If this is just a lark, offer $100. Just about anything with two good wheels and a solid frame from before the 1980's is worth $100 if you live somewhere warm with bike paths along the beach.
Put this bike in a basement in Wisconsin and it's a $50 garage sale special.
Put this bike in a basement in Wisconsin and it's a $50 garage sale special.
12-22-07, 12:44 AM
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I went and looked at that - it's a smaller kids bike, +70s not 60s, with replaced crap chinese knock-off wheels/hubs including the internal 3 speed hub, and is a total piece of crap.
The guy listing it is nice, though.
The guy listing it is nice, though.
Last edited by sciencemonster; 12-22-07 at 01:22 AM.
