Ready to Take the Plunge
 

Okay, I think we're ready to take the plunge. I am a recreational (and occasional commuter) bike rider, wife is a nonrider. We rented a tandem last year and loved it. Have decided that the tandem is vthe only thing that will allow us to ride together. We live in an area where there aren't many options. Very few (if any) used tandems. There are only four LBS in town and three of them carry the same brand (Raleigh Companion). The other has a Trek T900. I'm not really sure what the difference between these two bikes are - except $400 (the Trek is more expensive). They say it is the last one they will be carrying (something about Trek not wanting to be associated with Specialized). Any thoughts on which one we should get? What should we be looking for? Wife is 5'3 I am about 5'10.

Thanks for any input.

So, you've given up on Craiglist?

A T900 goes for about $1000, correct? Is that about what you are looking to spend?

If you wanted a bike more capable (and expensive), couldn't one of these LBS's order about any bike you wanted?

Thanks for the response, but I am not understanding the point you are trying to make. Yes, if I wanted a more expensive bike, I guess a LBS could order it for me, but that doesn't answer my question. Are you suggesting that neither of these bikes are good buys (with a $1,000 budget)? If not, why not. What exactly are you recommending?

As far as Craigslist is concerned, I live in Alaska. I can only buy what is offered and there aren't too many tandems offered here. Traveling to a different locale isn't a viable option, considering shipping costs. Thanks again.

You might want to check out this thread from 2007. While the specs may have changed a little between '07 and '09, the two different tandems you're considering are still pretty consistent with what was offered in '07.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=290965

Either bike will work as a first time tandem. Which one fits you better . . . Trek or the Raleigh?
Ride both brands and see what suits your team in fit/comfort and budget.
Being the last of the Treks (they've been in-and-out of tandems a couple times) you should be able to bargain a bit.
As to the Companion, you could play one dealer against the other and see what happens . . .either a bit of a discount or some goodies thrown in with the deal.
Good luck!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rufdy and Kay/zonatandem