I am considering purchasing this tandem as a first tandem. My wife is blind so tandem is the obvious choice; we rented a Trek cruiser one day last summer and had a blast, though the bike was disappointing (chain fell off the first one, the second one would skip a gear or two).

Burley Duet Tandem
3 sprockets in front, 6 sprockets in rear
Dia Comp drum brake in rear
Touring rims 48 spoke
Wheels 17 x 1 1/4
Shock absorption seat in rear
Includes car carrier
Carrier fits into a 1 1/2" car hitch



It's listed at $600 for bike and hitch carrier (which I can't use since my car has no hitch). I know Burley is a good brand (even though they don't make tandems any more). My concern is that if something breaks, I will have a hard time getting it fixed (I have no personal experience with bike repair but am willing to tinker a little bit) due to its age. I have no idea how old it is.

Can anyone comment on what I should be on the lookout for if I am considering this bike?

Thanks!