Meow!
Hello all.
I am thinking about getting a cheep tandem so she and me (sorry grammer sucks) can ride together on some more busy roads that she is scared to ride on. She is 9 and I am 22 of course we are both tall so I will be having to look for the biggest tandem avalable. I am liking the trek T900 due to price (799 at my local LBS) but of course it is not a road bike tandem but a mountian bike tandem. The main problem is I can not spend 2000 or 3200 on a T2000 etc now.
I am a very good road ride and I think that tandem is possible on some of the slower group rides (the 10 - 12 MPH ones) with here, not that I could not go much faster than that. Since it is a mountian bike style model I would have to swap the tires for the 1.25 inch slicks that I like for this app. I would also probably want to go for a little higher gearing in the front.
The question is how easy is it to upgrade tandem components and how feasable is it to have a strong rider with a beginner on a tamdem? What do they mean by not trying to pull the other rider? Can the T900 later on be upgraded to road bike tandem components?
Thanks Again...
I am thinking about getting a cheep tandem so she and me (sorry grammer sucks) can ride together on some more busy roads that she is scared to ride on. She is 9 and I am 22 of course we are both tall so I will be having to look for the biggest tandem avalable. I am liking the trek T900 due to price (799 at my local LBS) but of course it is not a road bike tandem but a mountian bike tandem. The main problem is I can not spend 2000 or 3200 on a T2000 etc now.
I am a very good road ride and I think that tandem is possible on some of the slower group rides (the 10 - 12 MPH ones) with here, not that I could not go much faster than that. Since it is a mountian bike style model I would have to swap the tires for the 1.25 inch slicks that I like for this app. I would also probably want to go for a little higher gearing in the front.
The question is how easy is it to upgrade tandem components and how feasable is it to have a strong rider with a beginner on a tamdem? What do they mean by not trying to pull the other rider? Can the T900 later on be upgraded to road bike tandem components?
Thanks Again...
Most tandems in the price range you mention will be 'comfort/fat-tired' bikes. And the majority of those do not come in a selection of frame sizes.
The Raleigh Coupe tandem, about $1400 comes in 2 sizes and 700c wheels (not fat tires), upright bars and disc brakes; plus the frame is aluminum (lighter/stiffer).
Burley for '05 has the aluminum Zydeco tandem for $999 but is a comfort, fat-tired one-size-only tandem. Good quality at a very nice price (if it fits your team). If you want to pay a bit more (just under $1,800) Burley builds 2 nice road tandems, with STI shifting: the steel Rumba, available in 4 sizes, including XS, S, M, and Large. Also the Tamburello, aluminum, same price, but in 3 sizes, including Large.
Upgrading a tandem in the under $1,000 range is not advisable. Spend the $$ on a better bike and forget upgrading; when stuff wears out, then replace it.
Tandem riding is teamwork. The person up front (pilot) has to tell, out loud, the person in the back (stoker) what he is doing: shifting, coasting, braking, slowing, stopping, bump, turning, etc. Also start off for the first few weeks at a compromise pace: suitable to the slower rider; then gradually as you get better at riding tandem, increase the pace a bit. Remember: Teamwork!
Good Luck!
The Raleigh Coupe tandem, about $1400 comes in 2 sizes and 700c wheels (not fat tires), upright bars and disc brakes; plus the frame is aluminum (lighter/stiffer).
Burley for '05 has the aluminum Zydeco tandem for $999 but is a comfort, fat-tired one-size-only tandem. Good quality at a very nice price (if it fits your team). If you want to pay a bit more (just under $1,800) Burley builds 2 nice road tandems, with STI shifting: the steel Rumba, available in 4 sizes, including XS, S, M, and Large. Also the Tamburello, aluminum, same price, but in 3 sizes, including Large.
Upgrading a tandem in the under $1,000 range is not advisable. Spend the $$ on a better bike and forget upgrading; when stuff wears out, then replace it.
Tandem riding is teamwork. The person up front (pilot) has to tell, out loud, the person in the back (stoker) what he is doing: shifting, coasting, braking, slowing, stopping, bump, turning, etc. Also start off for the first few weeks at a compromise pace: suitable to the slower rider; then gradually as you get better at riding tandem, increase the pace a bit. Remember: Teamwork!
Good Luck!
Meow!
Thank You for the advice.
I am thinking a little about waiting and seeing about getting a road version of the tandem. We will see what I think about the T900 when I ride it in a few days. I would like something that will last for a few years yet let us eventually ride with the faster groups. I really can not afford the T2000 but the T1000 may be with in my range eventually...
(Have to pay off my road bike first...)
Of course finding a tandem in a road bikew that will fit me may present a small challenge (63 cm is my normal road bike size...). I am hesident to spend a whole lot of money at first because I do not know how my sister will take to the whole road riding thing after all...
I am thinking a little about waiting and seeing about getting a road version of the tandem. We will see what I think about the T900 when I ride it in a few days. I would like something that will last for a few years yet let us eventually ride with the faster groups. I really can not afford the T2000 but the T1000 may be with in my range eventually...
(Have to pay off my road bike first...)
Of course finding a tandem in a road bikew that will fit me may present a small challenge (63 cm is my normal road bike size...). I am hesident to spend a whole lot of money at first because I do not know how my sister will take to the whole road riding thing after all...
A Mountain Tandem will work on the road, although not as effectively as the Road ones. Change the tyres, if you are permanently on the road, and a higher front sprocket may give you an increase in top speed. Believe me, you will still need those lower gears though.
One of the problems that a new tandem pairing will have is that where one rider is a lot stronger than the other, as it probably will be in your case, the stronger rider will try to carry the weaker one. One of two things can happen. The weaker rider will not be able to keep up with the higher cadence so the stoker will alaways be uncomfortable. Or, the stronger rider will put so much effort in, that the first sign of a hill, and the pilot will be worn out.
Initially, start at a cadence that is comfortable for the weaker rider, and get the rider to just put in a little effort over turming the pedals. Try to keep to flatter routes, and get used to riding together. TRhen as you feel that you are starting to work together, increase speed and length of rides.
One of the problems that a new tandem pairing will have is that where one rider is a lot stronger than the other, as it probably will be in your case, the stronger rider will try to carry the weaker one. One of two things can happen. The weaker rider will not be able to keep up with the higher cadence so the stoker will alaways be uncomfortable. Or, the stronger rider will put so much effort in, that the first sign of a hill, and the pilot will be worn out.
Initially, start at a cadence that is comfortable for the weaker rider, and get the rider to just put in a little effort over turming the pedals. Try to keep to flatter routes, and get used to riding together. TRhen as you feel that you are starting to work together, increase speed and length of rides.
Meow!
Thanks for the advice... should work nicely...
I think I am going to hae to wait a while before getting one... like I said I am extrememly straped for cash right now and will have to see how it goes...
I think I am going to hae to wait a while before getting one... like I said I am extrememly straped for cash right now and will have to see how it goes...
Banned.
my58vw,
Late this summer, after test-riding several tandems, I purchased a KHS Milano road tandem new for under $1000. It has a steel frame, road wheels and tires, 8 x 3 gearing, drop bars front and back and weighs about 42 lbs. It comes in 2 sizes and I purchased the large size as I am 6'4" tall. There is plenty of room. I have ridden with stokers ranging form 5'2" to 5'9" tall and could accommodate taller or shorter stokers. This is one of the best buys out there for an entry level tandem. The only changes I have made are to replace the saddles, ditch the stock tires for some Conti 700 x 28 high-pressure tires and replace the left Shimano 105 STI lever with a Campy Ergo lever.
This bike is fast and stable and has a very smooth ride. It is not in the same class as the $3000 bikes, but I have never had a complaint from a stoker and I am sure it is much faster than a ‘comfort’ style tandem.
Late this summer, after test-riding several tandems, I purchased a KHS Milano road tandem new for under $1000. It has a steel frame, road wheels and tires, 8 x 3 gearing, drop bars front and back and weighs about 42 lbs. It comes in 2 sizes and I purchased the large size as I am 6'4" tall. There is plenty of room. I have ridden with stokers ranging form 5'2" to 5'9" tall and could accommodate taller or shorter stokers. This is one of the best buys out there for an entry level tandem. The only changes I have made are to replace the saddles, ditch the stock tires for some Conti 700 x 28 high-pressure tires and replace the left Shimano 105 STI lever with a Campy Ergo lever.
This bike is fast and stable and has a very smooth ride. It is not in the same class as the $3000 bikes, but I have never had a complaint from a stoker and I am sure it is much faster than a ‘comfort’ style tandem.
I am about in the same situation as the OP (I'm 45 and my stoker is 8), and we got a Co-Motion Primera 23"/18". She fits the 18" with crank shorteners, and I fit the 23" end with the seatpost and handlebar high up there...
Comparing the T900 with the T1000 (from memory and web specs, not "live"), I think a lot depends on what you want and how much your bike shop is willing to help you. If I were to get a T900, I would ask them to swap tires for slicks and replace the front handlebar with a road handlebar. The change wouldn't be too costly if you go with bar-end shifters, and I suppose the bill could be a relatively modest one.
Comparing the T900 with the T1000 (from memory and web specs, not "live"), I think a lot depends on what you want and how much your bike shop is willing to help you. If I were to get a T900, I would ask them to swap tires for slicks and replace the front handlebar with a road handlebar. The change wouldn't be too costly if you go with bar-end shifters, and I suppose the bill could be a relatively modest one.
Member
I just recently purchased a use mountain tandem from the LBS. Was in good condition, a 1995 myiata with steel frame owned personally by the LBS owner. As I mentioned it is a MTB tandam with slicks. I was in the same boat as you, but the stoker is my wife who was not into cycling. Make sure you get a shock seatpost for the stoker it keeps them happy especially at the beginning. My wife now loves riding because it is time she spends with me. It's great for me because it is time I spend on the bike and train.
A few suggestions. Spend a little extra cash upfront to get what you want, if not by the time you upgrade it will cost you more money.
I do recommend disk brakes, because tandams are hard to stop since they are so heavy and safty is first especially if you have a child on the bike.
Shock seatpost is a must for the stoker
If you are set on a MTB tandam, which is great because you can put slicks on and keep up on the slow road rides especilly on the flats where you can get the tandam rolling. You will of course bog down on the hills. I recommend a cannondale MTB tandam. You can find last years models brand new if you call around to different LBS. They are around 1400-1600$, but no Disk brakes.
Check out the use market intially to see if you will like riding a tandam and it gets used. You can find good deals on used ones.
I am now going to upgrade because my wife loves riding and we are thinking santana road with disk breakes, maybe even get it foldable so we can travel.... Who knows anything could happen...
good luck and tandam riding is fun
A few suggestions. Spend a little extra cash upfront to get what you want, if not by the time you upgrade it will cost you more money.
I do recommend disk brakes, because tandams are hard to stop since they are so heavy and safty is first especially if you have a child on the bike.
Shock seatpost is a must for the stoker
If you are set on a MTB tandam, which is great because you can put slicks on and keep up on the slow road rides especilly on the flats where you can get the tandam rolling. You will of course bog down on the hills. I recommend a cannondale MTB tandam. You can find last years models brand new if you call around to different LBS. They are around 1400-1600$, but no Disk brakes.
Check out the use market intially to see if you will like riding a tandam and it gets used. You can find good deals on used ones.
I am now going to upgrade because my wife loves riding and we are thinking santana road with disk breakes, maybe even get it foldable so we can travel.... Who knows anything could happen...
good luck and tandam riding is fun
Banned.
Took off half a day of work yesterday for a tandem date with the fast stoker (#3). The weather was beautiful! Close to 60 degrees, sunny, little wind. At first we were going to drive out of town, but then decided to ride local. We left her house at 12:30 and returned at 4:20 after riding from Towson to the PA line and back - about 75 miles. We were flying! Lots of climbing out of the saddle in perfect (almost) harmony! The chain never touched the granny ring....