accordionfolder

Hello all, as you probably already deduced, I have a tandem question. I'm looking to get a tandem for my girlfriend for our 3 year anniversary. Unfortunately I'm limited on funds so my range is very narrow. I have spoken to the LBS on a Raleigh Companion, it's reasonably priced at 650, but the geometry is pretty slack. I'm a roady, she is a commuter. Would swapping the stem, and getting a more aggressive forward stance (and a new saddle of course) help out any?

We both are capable enough to do 40 mile rides at a decent pace, but my decent is about 6mph or more faster than hers so I'm hoping this will help us enjoy the ride more.

So I guess the primary question is, will this bike be sufficient for our needs or is it more tailored for lower mileage/lower speed folks?

Thanks a bunch for helping out!

Andrew

*edit*

https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/14442/

that's the bike if that helps at all.

Stray8

Ideally you should both try it out on a test ride to see if there is any flex and if it is unnerving to you. Depending on the length of your rides (40 miles), you should be able to get a better deal with a well maintained used road tandem from searching on Craigslist, eBay etc...

For $650 new, the Raleigh doesn't look all that materially different or better equipped than the new inexpensive imported steel tandems listed on Amazon for half that amount. I have one of these (Pacific Dualie mountain tandem) and it is well suited to my specific riding needs (i.e. local neighborhood riding with kids).


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specbill

Andrew...Tandems are a great solution for your speed disparity for sure... many of us got introduced for that reason. But give yourself a fair chance at success on the tandem by testing one that fits you both and that is simular in quality and performance to what you are both already accustomed to on singles. If you step down a little it is probably fine but don't go to a quality level on the tandem that you would never do on your singles and try to make any kind of a decision. The tandem does not need to be the latest and greatest, the right used one is more than sufficent. I sure understand budgets, but don't rush to buy one that fits price-wise but not in other ways that are important to you. Test ride as much as you can or borrowor or rent if that is an option. Good luck

Bill J.

Cheetah

Our first tandem was a complete disaster. It was a low quality steel tandem. I added up some parts to upgrade it but we were never satisfied with it. Actually my wife did not want to ride a tandem anymore after that experience. Last year I convinced her to give us a second chance and we bought a Cannondale road tandem. Yes it was more money, but it was just a bit under the quality we have on our single. The experience was totally different. My wife enjoy riding with this tandem as I do. As Specbill mentionned, give yourself a chance to appreciate tandeming. If you go with a cheap solution you may end up to be really disapointed. I think you are better up looking for a good quality used tandem than a cheap new one.

Cheetah

lazlo

Look for a used tandem. There are a lot of good older tandems sitting in people's basements that come up for sale on places like Craig's List. Unless you have a great difference in size, you should be able to find a frame that fits both of you.

oldacura

Also, you might look here:

https://www.tandemmag.com/classified/#fs

accordionfolder

I see, I see.

Well after copious amounts of craigs list browsing I have come to a few choices local, all these are around the same price, further input?

Raleigh Pursuit - $1000

https://images.craigslist.org/3m63o23...34247910dc.jpg

Cannondale RT-1000 - $1250

https://images.craigslist.org/3n93k93...638eea1e82.jpg

Trek T-100 - $800

https://images.craigslist.org/3ma3o13...d2b400162a.jpg

Trek T-200 - $900

https://images.craigslist.org/3n33m43...b8d21f1f72.jpg

Trek T-200 - $775 (far away though...)

https://images.craigslist.org/3na3o83...a58d7515b5.jpg

Santana Arriva -$1000

https://images.craigslist.org/3k03p13...232d1510ba.jpg

Sorry for the pestering, I've researched on all of these on google, but not too much tandem info out there...

WebsterBikeMan

Have you been to the Tandem Link's "So you want to buy a tandem" page?

On the face of it, you've got a number of probably fine choices. First, make sure it fits (possibly allowing for changing a stem, and obviously adjusting saddle height). Then plug in what you know about the bikes into the used tandem pricing estimator, if more than one is a good fit.

Of the list you've found, I'd start with the Treks and the Santana, then the Cannondale. Given your price constraints you should probably check the Treks first, and if they fit (and reasonably priced, or can be negotiated), you're off and rolling.