Before we bought our tandem we rented one from a bike shop. We didn't like that particular bike, but the experience was enough to tell us that we'd enjoy tandeming. Therefore we went to a local bike shop (the one we'd go to for repairs, not the one we rented from that was farther away) and skipped the entry-level bike & bought the upgrade - a Trek T2000. We knew from the rental that if we bought a cheaper bike to start with, we'd end up selling it & buying the upgrade, which in the long run would cost us more than just buying the more expensive bike in the 1st place. If you're sure you'll use it enough, and can afford to, buy the bike you want.