Looking for a used Calfee
 

Hi all, new to the forum.
Me and the Mrs. have been riding a Fuji 4.2 for ever, I upgraded the wheelset early on, but think its time to move on.
I have searched on and off for the last couple of years with little success for a used calfee M/S frame or complete.
Other than google and ebay searches, can anyone provide any potential sellers or other sites I should be watching?
Thanks

Another place to watch and or place a wanted ad. Tandem Club of America | Browse Ads

Thanks for the link velonmad

Cal Mel at Tandems East in NJ . . . he may have a lead.

If they are in short supply second hand they will probably go for a premium price so it may not be that much more for a new one. You will also be able to build it up how you want.

Thanks Zona
I have started down that rabbit hole too Dean, just weighing options.

That is gonna be real difficult.
Consider buying a new one, you get the size and color and components you want.
Think of it as a lifetime investment and not unlike buying a car or other expensive item except you will enjoy it much much more.

Curious what area you live in and if you've searched for dealers around there?

I agree with Dean that the market is likely to be very limited. Most teams that buy a Calfee have pretty much sorted out what they want by that point and are likely to hang onto it.

Until there's something else out there as the new best thing, you're pretty much waiting for existing Calfee owners to head to the nursing home.

So if you find one, great, but I think finding a used Calfee that fits, has the equipment you want, at a good price is a long shot.

And then you're buying a used CF that you don't know how it's been treated.

Hey twocicle, we are down in Tampa.
On a side note, thanks for the PM, I tried to reply but need 50 posts before I am legit:0)

I figured finding a nice used Calfee would be a matter of timing, so really just throwing it out there and hoping for the best.
I have talked with Calfee, so really trying to explore all possibilities and options at this point.
Thanks for the feedback thus far.
Scott

Posting a Want-to-Buy ad on TandemClassifieds.com is free.

However, as others have said, it may be hard to find the right used Calfee.

Be aware, that site has been a target of scammers.
I would be very careful.

Great idea, Thanks.

I know you're looking for a Calfee yet yesterday there was a posting of a Santana Beyond (appears to be a medium/small) on the tandem@hobbes list. I thought I'd mention it because premium tandems don't pop up on the used market often (as merlinextralight has said). We looked for a coupled Santana Team Scandium, Team Ti, or Beyond for 1 ½ years before pulling the trigger and ordering one.

Tailwinds,
Charlie

Thanks for the reply Charlie, I have looked at some of the other offerings out there and deceided all tho a step up, imo it was not a big enough step to justify the purchase over our current ride.
A new frame build will probably end up being our best bet, so I can spec it out how I desire.
Scott

I run the TandemClassifieds.com website, so I want to respond to this.

1. Several months ago (mid-2015) I noticed a couple of ads that were suspicious, and one person told me about another suspicious ad. I deleted the ads promptly and added a warning to the top of the website home page.
2. Since then I have done some checking into each new ad request. When I started doing that I found a couple of suspicious ads. Since then I have not found any, but I continue to check.
3. I agree with the words "I would be very careful.", just as I would agree to be careful about any long-distance purchase. Consider using PayPal. Consider getting a reference from a local dealer. There are other good suggestions elsewhere in this forum and online.
4. I feel that the words "...that site has been a target of scammers." overstate the problem, since the problems occured several months ago, and I have addressed them.

I frequently get complimentary emails from people who have successfully sold or bought a bike that was advertised on the website. The website is certainly not perfect, but it is a service that I provide for the tandem community simply because I enjoy tandems.

Better to try to find a used lamborgini. You don't want it if it does not fit you perfectly. My personal opinion about Santana and Bill is he is liar and can not be trusted. If you want details I will provide them. I have leveled this accusation against him several times in the last 30 years, with no response. I can only think that he accepts the accusations. What's up Bill ? Support your yourself if you can!!

There has been a beauty on there off and on (Calfee) but I'm pretty sure it's a scam. When I enquired about it, he sent me instructions on where to send money but when I told him that I wanted to visit him and see it in person, he quit answering my emails.

I have visited your site more times than I remember, thanks for providing it.

Good friends in our local riding group got a spectacular deal on a used Calfee via eBay. Don't give up; don't listen to the sourpusses. But then again, don't expect instant gratification. What I'm thinking is that such a tandem comes on the market rarely and you must bide your time.

me thinks he's hoping I'll upgrade again soon ;)

Super! Thank you for the valuable contribution to the tandem community!

Meanwhile while I bide my tme, I could'nt help but notice what looked to be at least one calfee in that group of tandems at withlacoochie park.
I woud love the opportunity to join your next ride and hear your owner feedback.
Scott

Two points of reference. 1) I sold my Calfee on the classifieds and I think the buyer is very happy with the purchase. 2) I know a guy locally that just bought a used Calfee that was listed on ebay. I think he got a good deal, but I also know that he compromised on some of the things that he would have wanted if he had bought new.

I post this because I believe that you may be able to find a used bike that is close to your need maybe even perfect, buy you will need to be patient. When you finally do find a bike that fits most of your needs, you may not check all the boxes, but for the discounted price it may be worth it to you.

Good luck and happy hunting.