Originally Posted by
blamp28
If you are a casual rider and just want to check it out, these can be an inexpensive way to accomplish that as long as your expectations are realistic.
Correct! Who is really implying that the OP has unrealistic expectations here?
Some riders expect that these bikes are essentially the same as a Cannondale, Burley, Trek, Santana etc other than a few lower cost components.
Most people who ride bicycles already know about the cost vs. componetry curve.
Those who would expect the same componentry or build quality as Cannondale, Burley, Trek, Santana or Calfee would be the same kind of people who would expect a Chevy Aveo to be the same as a Lexus or Mercedes Benz: few or deluded.
The tandem segment who have defined a budgetary constraint have to work with their available resources and with the type of riding that they will use a tandem for. They still need helpful assistance.
In this case, to help out the OP's query in his circumstances it is appropriate to make him aware of all possibilities to resolve his problem but "helpful" reminders of the cost vs componentry are largely irrelevant.
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