We have designed/owned 4 custom tandems for ourselves.
Stoker Kay is height impaired (4' 10 3/4") and no standard stoker compartment on a tandem really fits her.
Yes, we started out with a production tandem way back in 1975 (brand-new Follis) which showed what we did not like (lousy fit, too heavy, too many problems).
Our first custom 2-seater was built/delivered in 1977 by Matt Asssenmacher in Michigan.
He built precisely what we designed. A Reynolds 531 racing tubing, very short wheelbased (60 and 1/4 inches) and light (34 lbs) machine . . . that's when standard tandems still hit the scales at +/- 50lbs. Put 64,000 miles on that agile tandem.
Next was another 531 tandem, this time with mixed tandem/racing tubes built by Colin Laing with the wheelbase stretched to 63 1/2 inches. Beautiful hand made lugwork and chromed fork/stays. Put 56,000 on that fantastic tandem.
Next came a custom Co-Motion, this time built with Tange Prestige tubing and fillet brazed by Dwan Shepherd. Again chromed fork/triangle and a different rear triangle design for its day. Custom paint with airbrushed desert scene on the boob tube. Put 57,000 miles on that twicer.
Current tandem is custom built by Bob Davis from Peoria, AZ. It's a full carbon fiber Zona with some unique firsts: c/f stoker stem, c/f stoker handrests and a c/f rear rack along with custom cutout c/f lugs. Currently 33,000+ miles on that 26 1/2 lb machine.
We have always spoken/discussed design with the builders face-to-face and presented drawings and component spec list.
Was so impressed with out c/f Zona tandem that I also had Bob build a custom lugged racing single single.
While a custom bike may cost a bit more, we feel that the quality and workmanship is well worth it.
We are nit-pickers on designs and componentry and a good custom builder will also
give his input on both design and components.
Quality and proper fit are a must for us.
Custom may not be for everyone, however it is in our case.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Photos: custom c/f lugs with window cutouts
1977 Assenmacher
Airbrushed desert scene on Co-Motion tandem boob tube
Riding our Zona tandem in Utah