Folding Tandem Questions
 

Hi-

First time poster! Potential tandem rider!

My S.O. and I have been discussing getting a tandem bicycle. He is an avid cyclist and I am a casual joy-rider. When I started reserching tandems I had no idea there was such a thing as a folding tandem, but to me it seems like the ideal solution to our space-contraints.

My questions are as follows:

Can anyone reccomend a budget-friendly folding tandem? I drooled over the bike friday, but that is not realistic. Something in the $600-800 range would be right-on.

What size does a folding tandem fold down to? Would we be able to fit it in the trunk? Do they need to be disassembled, or do they simply fold?

Has anyone seen the Worksman folding tandem in person?
http://www.worksman.com/Pricesheets/SpecialtyBikesR.htm
At first glance, this fits into our budget, but there are no user reviews anywhere on the web. There isn't even a picture of it folded.

Thanks!

Natalie

Natalie:

Worksman puts out a folding tandem but it's VERY heavy.
Suggest you be on the lookout for a used Bike Friday (TwosDay) folder or a Montague folder (no longer being made but some used ones available). The Montague (yes, did a hundred+ miles test ride) has 26 inch wheels, comes in one size only (21x19 to our recollection), has upright bars and folds/unfolds in about 15 minutes and will fit in the trunk of a car. They referred to the Montague as a Tri-Frame, which means it folded down to 1/3rd the size of the full length. Also came with an extra $$ hardshell travel case.
However, with a little doing, most non-folders can be transported in a trunk. Take off both wheels and you may have to remove seatposts (with saddles and stoker bars still in place). Even if part of tandem sticks out of the trunk, use some padding, pull trunk lid down and secure with bungee cord. So a folder may not be necessary and no more work to do that than 'fold and stow'.
If you have a hatchback, pick-up, mini-van or station wagon, it's even easier than 'trunking'!
Have hauled our non-folding tandems in everything from a VW squareback, van, pick-up, Honda hatchback and a station wagon!
Hope this info helps!

Pedalon TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatande