pashlit

Hello folks,
I keep on looking for a decent tandem and came across Cannondale Street Tandem. I believe it is 2010 model. The guy is asking $1000 firm for it and it is about 60 miles from my home. Searching the web I came across so called Bikes Blue book. Never heard before that it even existed ). Anyway this "book" says that the value of such a bike is about $800 in pristine condition. So I was just wondering how true it is. I am quite new to tandeming and do not really know price trends. All I know that they are quite pricey. I dont mind driving 60 miles, but could you share some opinion on that bike, if it is worth it and is the price fair.
Thanks a lot,
Paul

mwandaw

I don't know enough about this bike to give you an opinion. However, I do suggest that you check BikePedia.com for more information.

Good luck!

ahultin

That is a decent price for a good bike. For reference, tandems east still has some of these in stock and they are selling for $2150. I believe the frame is the same as our 2011 Road tandem 2 just built up with a different component set.
https://tandemseast.com/frames/cannondale.html

tandem rider

The Cannondale has a good solid frame. If the drivetrain (3 chains, cog set, and chain rings) have few miles and look good it is an okay deal. If the drivetrain shows wear then it is on the high side. Replacing the drivetrain could be $200 plus. The location would save shipping which is expensive.

pashlit

Road Tandem comes with 700cc wheels, this guy has 26". I was also told that the rule of thumb is: take the MSRP (that was $1950), divide by two and deduct 10% for every year. So it comes up to be about $700-$800 I guess. Used bike is used bike. Tandem East has great bikes but their prices are a bit on high side.

Paul J

WE had a Cannondale as our first serious tandem and it was a great bike. We over paid on ours as we had to replace the chains, chain rings and cog set plus rebuild the rear wheel. Ours was a much older bike then this one. If the components are not showing wear as tandem rider states it is an ok deal, I've found the "Bluebook" to be a little low on the bikes I've looked-up. One other thing if you want to switch to road bars and bifters (shifters) that would add to the cost too.

merlinextraligh

Problem with trying to price tandems by a formula is that it's an illiquid market, because there are relatively few for sale, and relatively few buyers.

If the bike is the right size, and fits your needs, it comes down more what its worth to you, and the cost of other available options.

So if $1000 is the bottom line, there aren't other used tandems readily available, and its in good shape, it wouldn't be unreasonable to pay the $1000.

That said, I'd use the Blue book info to argue for $700-800, and see what you can get him to.

pashlit

Another problem is if I buy this bike I would start upgrading it (like most of us I just am not able to resist). I would want drop bars and (may be) disk brakes like the road version has.

bruin11

If that's the case then just spring for the road version. LOL

ahultin

Deleted
the street tandems used the v brake bosses and 26" wheels, the road tandem used the disc brake bosses and 700c wheels. the cheapest iI have found a used street tandem (2009+) is $1200 firm. I paid $2500 for our 2011 road tandem 2. Given the cost of a new rt2(now made in china) And the difficulty of finding a reasonable price RT2 buying this one and upgrading it i think you would still be ahead of the game

dfcas

The street tandem is a different frame than the road tandem. Biseides a different head angle and rim brake mount locations, the bottom bracket drop is different. Using disc brakes and 700c wheels will result in a pretty high bottom bracket. If you want a drop bar road bike, I would buy the road frame.

pashlit

Thanks folks. I might wait till I get some cash to buy a road version since I dont really like flat bars.

gsms

The price is ok if it's in great condition; i.e. drive train. It's a good solid frame to build on.
Why do you feel the need for disc brakes? I've been riding a 1997 mt900 that I set up for road use from the brand new and have had all the stopping power I've ever needed, even pulling a BOB trailer. Discs look pretty trick and if you're into banzi pro-style descents down really cool twisties probably have an advantage but I don't think there is enough benefit over rim brakes to justify the expense.

pashlit

No, I dont really need disk brakes, although I liked having them on my MTB I used to have. That'w why I said "may be" I will upgrade them. I wouldnt stress it too much. I am pretty light, so is my wife. Not more than 280 pounds total, so I can live with any brakes.

LuckySailor

I'd give a grand for it. I gave a grand for a Cannondale quite a bit older, but with XTR (mountain) components. I haven't looked up what is on this one though. If you want a road tandem, you'll have some mods to do-then you might as well buy what you want. I got mine off Craigslist. Fall/winter is a good time to buy as the prices are down, so if people are selling chances are they will negotiate. Wait till spring and the prices could go up a few hundred. I lucked out, as I bought mine sight unseen (in person). Just a few pics online. Took it to my LBS when it arrived and it needed nothing and ran fabulously-and still does after 2 years. Happy hunting. As previously mentioned, not alot out there used, usually alot of money wanted for them. It toook me 5 years of off and on looking. Buying new just wasn't an option for me. Wife had never riden a tandem before and didn't know if she'd like it. She loves it, and loves the bike I bought. Just lucky I guess. Because there are so few out there, you end up just seeing the same ones over and over-even on eBay and CL.