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I want this bike (cannondale tandem)

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I want this bike (cannondale tandem)

Old 07-08-12, 09:07 AM
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I want this bike (cannondale tandem)

Hey guys. I typically hang out in the 51 and the touring and commuter forums but have always been wanting to get my hands on a tandem and now that I have enough rider friends I could probably pull it off. This bike looks like a damn nice bike, however I don't think the price is all that great, but I am not really familiar with pricing on a tandem ride. Being just shy of 5'9" I could Captain or Stoker this ride. What do you guys think?

https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik/3122605918.html


Thanks for any thoughts.
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Old 07-08-12, 09:47 AM
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I'd be calling much sooner than later for a test ride. Go for it! My gut feeling is that it won't last very long at that price. If really only 300 miles on it, it's brand new.
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Old 07-08-12, 10:16 AM
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Wow, if I didn't already have Cannondale tandem I'd be all over it. Go for it - soon!! Before I start thinking too much LOL . . .
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Old 07-08-12, 10:51 AM
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Size is right, price is also in the ballpark. Offer a little something less and then split the difference just to preserve the art of negotiation.

He's already dinged the asking price a little off of what would normally be top dollar which seems to suggest he's pretty savy and made the "technology adjustment" as there have been some changes since 2005.

Last edited by TandemGeek; 07-08-12 at 11:04 AM.
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Old 07-08-12, 11:13 AM
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The size should fit you. The price is very reasonable. It's not a steal, but it is definitely not overpriced. If I needed one in that size I'd buy it at that price. You're not going to do much better unless you find someone looking to give one away.
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Old 07-08-12, 03:21 PM
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I left them a message, we'll see how it goes. nothing is about what I need. When you have have a dozen bikes and a girlfriend/wife you don't get to use the word need anymore Thank you for all the advice guys! Would love to be on a 2 seater
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Old 07-08-12, 04:15 PM
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Glad to hear that you've made first contact. Don't let it get away!
even if the seller doesn't come down on the asking price, you won't be sorry- even if you end up selling one of your other "half bikes" to make it happen.

Do we sound like we think you'll enjoy the tandem experience?
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Old 07-08-12, 08:07 PM
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Downhill on a tandem can't be beat. Go for it.
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Old 07-08-12, 10:06 PM
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I disagree with those who say the bike is overpriced. I say that because for months I searched all over Craigslist and eBay for a Cannondale tandem of our own. I have learned that a "like new" RT1000 from the very early 2000s will fetch at least $1,500. Add some nice accessories, and the price goes up.

With that in mind, the bike the OP is considering is attractively priced, and it will sell quickly.

OP... if you buy the bike, remember that tandeming is a lot different than riding a solo bike. Teamwork is VITAL if you want to enjoy years of fun on the bike. Search around for "how to ride a tandem" articles and read carefully. Remember, if the stoker ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Done right, tandeming is a blast. There's nothing like pounding on the pedals and screaming down hills together with your best friend. Have fun!
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Old 07-09-12, 05:51 AM
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You do not "want" this bike - you need it.

Tandems are such great fun.
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Old 07-09-12, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by X-LinkedRider
I left them a message, we'll see how it goes. nothing is about what I need. When you have have a dozen bikes and a girlfriend/wife you don't get to use the word need anymore Thank you for all the advice guys! Would love to be on a 2 seater
Is your girlfriend/wife the same person? If not, is the other one OK with the tandem?
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Old 07-09-12, 08:40 AM
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I don't know your market, but around here that is a very nice buy for the money particularly if it really is a 300 mile Tandem. It should fit you well, I would grab it quick before it is gone. Good luck.
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Old 07-09-12, 10:08 AM
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No call back yet. However, as much as I still want it, I realize shelling out close to 2 grand might not be in my best interests right now. I have things that I forgot were scheduled over the next 2 months that will be very costly. But, if for some reason he came down a bit, I might still buy it anyways.

I have totally ridden tandems many times before. It's nothing totally new to me. Just the forums on here, so I ride my roadie 90% of the time. However, like any aspect of the sport, i am sure there will be plenty to learn when I get serious about it. I will say, working together and keeping rhythm seems to come way more natural on a tandem bike than in a tandem kayak or canoe. Sometimes new paddlers just won't let you adjust to them. Being in the slightly wrong gear is way nicer than paddling around in circles or better yet running into shrubs. Then again, in Rock Climbing, if your team isn't spot on, your dead, so I am sure I'll get the hang of it with the right person on the regular.

Oldacura, very good question. Yes, same person, she is my girlfriend and hopefully one day my wife. And both of them would give it a shot and enjoy it but not be motivated to ride like I do.
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Old 07-09-12, 03:25 PM
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He who waits looses!
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Old 07-09-12, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by X-LinkedRider
....... Yes, same person, she is my girlfriend and hopefully one day my wife. And both of them would give it a shot and enjoy it but not be motivated to ride like I do.
You never know. Tandeming can be addictive.
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Old 07-09-12, 07:05 PM
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Did I miss something...how old is the bike? Nice looking bike, and if I didn't already own one.....mine is an MT anyhow. You'll love the Cannondale for sure.
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Old 07-09-12, 07:06 PM
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Here's a similar ride, for $850 more:

https://www.tandemmag.com/classified/

Just saying'...
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Old 07-09-12, 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by bgross
Here's a similar ride, for $850 more
2009 vs. 2005, and pretty much the same bike they offered in 2010, 2011 and 2012 with 10 speed vs. 9, the longer stoker compartment, etc.

That one's priced a bit high but the OBO suggests he may have a lower limit in mind that would put it back in the box.
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Old 07-10-12, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by TandemGeek
2009 vs. 2005, and pretty much the same bike they offered in 2010, 2011 and 2012 with 10 speed vs. 9, the longer stoker compartment, etc.

That one's priced a bit high but the OBO suggests he may have a lower limit in mind that would put it back in the box.
Still haven't heard anything. Also, I am contemplating the funds right now. Like I said, i'll see.
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Old 07-10-12, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by oldacura
Is your girlfriend/wife the same person? If not, is the other one OK with the tandem?
That reminded me of a story the builder of our first (and until this Thursday only) tandem told me. A customer insisted that his tandem be built for a stoker who was taller than his wife. Sure enough, a few months after the tandem was built the customer divorced his wife and his new partner just happened to be the perfect size for the new tandem.
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Old 07-10-12, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by B. Carfree
That reminded me of a story the builder of our first (and until this Thursday only) tandem told me. A customer insisted that his tandem be built for a stoker who was taller than his wife. Sure enough, a few months after the tandem was built the customer divorced his wife and his new partner just happened to be the perfect size for the new tandem.
if I could afford 2 women I'd already have 2 tandems. One for each.
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Old 07-10-12, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by X-LinkedRider
if I could afford 2 women and two tandems I'd already have 2 tandems. One for each.
fify
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Old 07-10-12, 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by bgross
Here's a similar ride, for $850 more:

https://www.tandemmag.com/classified/

Just saying'...
The '09-'12 tandem is very different from the earlier models. We have had an '04 and our current '10. The earlier tandem was very stiff and "racy". Captain's seat was higher than the bars and stoker had a smaller space than the later model. We loved this tandem, but as we aged we found it a bit rough for long rides although we did put three double centuries on it. The current model features shaped tubes with more upright position for the captain and more room for the stoker. Disk brakes are great, but the rim brakes on the older model got the job done. Both are great bikes, but are very different.
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Old 07-11-12, 10:24 AM
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I'll put in my vote that it's not such a good deal that you should blow out your finances for it. Once you have money budgeted for it, spend a year or so casually watching for deals and you'll find one. (That one may need tires... our 2004 we bought in 2009 with only 300 miles and original tires had a blow-out our first ride due to the old tires. There was another $150 or so.)

That said, wife and I used to live in Allentown and rented a tandem from a bike shop in Frenchtown, NJ for a nice ride along the canal path and saw some old locks, ate lunch at a nice place, etc. If you pass on this tandem, you should take your girlfriend/wife out there sometime and rent one. (I took my pedal wrench, clipless pedals and shoes to make it more like my own bike for the afternoon.)
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Old 07-11-12, 06:05 PM
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Thanks for clarifying the differences between the tandem the OP was considering and the one that I referred to.

My comparison was intended to highlight the attractive price on the OP's consideration, since finances seemed to be one of his concerns. No question that the newer model has more amenities, but that didn't seem to be the OP's top priority.

Many of us have started with an older "gently used" tandem from a quality builder, then moved on. And many of us got our 'first tandem' from someone who originally bought it with good intentions -- and found out afterwards that tandeming wasn't for them. They took the hit on the initial price and we got a more affordable 'starter'. Yea!

In our case, we bought our Cannondale (below) new. Then last year added an even older Santana to our stable. Kinda the opposite of what most folks do! The differences between the two are stunning, and neither comes close to current offerings by ANY builder. But they are good enough for a couple of fat, old people.

Of course I say that now, but next week we'll be cycling along the Danube on a late model Santana. Sure hope we don't get spoiled -- might have to sell both old bikes when we get home!

If the OP manages to make contact -- and finds the money -- I hope he and his... stoker have so much fun that his stable undergoes a metamorphosis. But that's just me.

"Life gets kinda precious when there's less of it to waste."
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