Originally Posted by
Old Farmer
It wasn't that I disliked the Santana we test rode specifically. I am just really unconfortable with feel of both the Trek or the Arriva. My wife and I rode the Santana this evening at an easy 20mph pace and at a 90's cadence, but our ride was not very smooth and that is frustrating to me. The back of tandems seem to flex a lot. Being the captain of a tandem is less relaxing than riding a single.
The Trek had bar end shifters instead of the STI shifters on the Santana which made shifting easier for me. The wheelset on the Santana was better. I also hoped the Santana would have better resale if we don't like tandeming. The LBS owner ( he stocks about 10 or twelve tandems) thought I made a great buy on the Santana ( an estate purchase) and felt I could sell it easily for a profit.
It definitely takes a while to smooth out the lumps in your pedaling and it depends some on your experience. I ride rollers quite a lot in the winter, so I kind of set a benchmark for my wife to follow.
I think some of what you think is flex might just be normal "stoker steering". If the stoker's weight is not well balanced, she can steer the bike just as easily as you. Remember, the bike steers by leaning, not really by turning the handlebars. As she relaxes more, this happens a lot less.
Lastly, you will get more relaxed with driving, but it should always be less relaxing than a single. It's kind of like being an airline pilot. You are responsible for the passenger and have to stay more intensely alert. But eventually, it will become more natural and fun.