Double check about putting a disc brake on that 98’ C’dale tandem. I remember the local C’dale dealer telling me in the late 90’s that the C’dale factory shipped tandems with disc brakes, and then decided to remove them. As I remember it, the stress on the frame was more than they thought it would be, and the frame would be redesigned in a year or two to handle disc brakes.

We bought an 07’ C’dale with front and rear disc brakes a year ago. We can’t imagine riding a tandem without and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to you. Fit is everything, and hard to get when shopping used. Also, factor in all the big changes in design and components that have happened since 98’.

On the used side, it really is hard to know for sure that you or your partner won’t change their mind after you’ve spent the cash. We found a local shop to rent a tandem from for the weekend, and were surprised by how we could not assume anything we did on a bike from habit. (“I have to start with my left foot or I WILL lose my balance!”) We laughed at each other all the way around the block the first time. (“Wait! I can’t see! I can’t steer! I can’t brake! I’m having TRUST issues back here!”)

Keep your sense of humor, be prepared to change ANY habit, and you’ll be fine. In our photo, HemiGirl’s smile is as wide as her arms. Ride safe and we hope to see you on the road sometime!