Pick up our new (and first) tandem tonight.....
09-28-11, 07:43 AM
#1
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Pick up our new (and first) tandem tonight.....
been looking for a tandem for awhile now but could not find anything in my budget. Last week I was speaking with a co-worker who was retiring and she mentioned that she had a tandem that her and her husband had used for years, and enjoyed, but would not be making the trip with them to their new retirement location so she was planning to put it up for sale.
We settled on a price and I stopped by to check it out. It is a late 90's Burley Duet. Everything appeared to be in pretty good condition (except the tires (dry rotted and would not hold air) and the chain (rusted)). even though I had not even sat on it, I purchased it (the price was that good and the original owners were about the size of my wife and I).
I picked it up last Friday and drove it straight to the LBS to have them do a full service on it. They ended up replacing the tires and tubes (now 700x28 armadillos), lubed and adjusted everything, trued the wheels and rebuilt the rear hub (it was bent). Total cost of the repairs ended up at about $300 for parts and labor. Seemed like a lot for what was done, but they have great service and since I have never been on a tandem before, I wanted to make sure everything was good to go before I put my wife or daughter on the back and head out on the open road.
I just got the call that it is ready to pick up. The owner of the bike shop said that since I had a complete service done there and had not ridden a tandem before, he would take me out for a training run (for about an hour) ride out with me as stoker and back with me as captain so I could get a feel for things. (My LBS does not have the best prices, but they do have some of the best service I have seen)
Anyway - I head out for my maiden voyage this evening. I hope to ride with my wife and/or daughter. (my daughter at 11 is about 1" taller than my wife) It should be a lot of fun. My wife is not quite on board with the tandem idea yet, but my daughter is really looking forward to it.
As a quick question.
Right now the tandem has clipless pedals in both the captain and stokers position. (SPD's) I have SPD shoes, so no issues there, but would it be a problem to put standard pedals in the rear position? Neither my daughter nor wife have ever used clipless pedals and both prefer standard platform pedals on their road bikes. I really want to keep the costs under control until we determine if they actually like riding the tandem or not. I was thinking for the short term to just switch the rear pedals out for a set from our mountain bikes, but was not sure if that was a good idea or not.
Anyway - I hope to be out this weekend with the family riding. I will report back when we finally get out and get our first family ride in.
Michael
We settled on a price and I stopped by to check it out. It is a late 90's Burley Duet. Everything appeared to be in pretty good condition (except the tires (dry rotted and would not hold air) and the chain (rusted)). even though I had not even sat on it, I purchased it (the price was that good and the original owners were about the size of my wife and I).
I picked it up last Friday and drove it straight to the LBS to have them do a full service on it. They ended up replacing the tires and tubes (now 700x28 armadillos), lubed and adjusted everything, trued the wheels and rebuilt the rear hub (it was bent). Total cost of the repairs ended up at about $300 for parts and labor. Seemed like a lot for what was done, but they have great service and since I have never been on a tandem before, I wanted to make sure everything was good to go before I put my wife or daughter on the back and head out on the open road.
I just got the call that it is ready to pick up. The owner of the bike shop said that since I had a complete service done there and had not ridden a tandem before, he would take me out for a training run (for about an hour) ride out with me as stoker and back with me as captain so I could get a feel for things. (My LBS does not have the best prices, but they do have some of the best service I have seen)
Anyway - I head out for my maiden voyage this evening. I hope to ride with my wife and/or daughter. (my daughter at 11 is about 1" taller than my wife) It should be a lot of fun. My wife is not quite on board with the tandem idea yet, but my daughter is really looking forward to it.
As a quick question.
Right now the tandem has clipless pedals in both the captain and stokers position. (SPD's) I have SPD shoes, so no issues there, but would it be a problem to put standard pedals in the rear position? Neither my daughter nor wife have ever used clipless pedals and both prefer standard platform pedals on their road bikes. I really want to keep the costs under control until we determine if they actually like riding the tandem or not. I was thinking for the short term to just switch the rear pedals out for a set from our mountain bikes, but was not sure if that was a good idea or not.
Anyway - I hope to be out this weekend with the family riding. I will report back when we finally get out and get our first family ride in.
Michael
09-28-11, 08:28 AM
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We are also picking up our first tandem sometime this week. Because both of us have always used platform pedals, our LBS suggested that my wife (stoker) start with clip-ins while I stay with platforms. Starting with standard pedals for your daughter and wife seems reasonable.
09-28-11, 08:38 AM
#3
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Well hey congrat's on taking the step and finding a nice bike.
Based on what you said I'd certainly encourage your thought about replacing the stoker SPD pedals with regular platform pedals. It'd be high on my own priority to do everything I could towards making the early experience with this bike familiar, easy, non-threatening. Using existing pedals from another bike is certainly the cheapest way. You could also get a real cheap pair from places like Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc. The new pair could go on the tandem, or replace the pair you took off the other bike.
We (wife+ I) have ridden 1000's of miles on our nice road tandem, which has SPD pedals in front for me, and toeclips in back for her. When we're riding shorter and/or around town, I sometimes remove my SPD pedals, and replace them with a pair that has SPD on 1 side, and the other side is just a plain platform. These are more convenient for around town where there's more stops+starts.
Also, this summer I dug out an old 1960's Schwinn Twinn that we rode before we got the nice road tandem, and fixed that up - I put a 7 speed derailleur on the back + double chainrings up the front, using parts from a bike rescued from somebody's trash on the curb. We both have just regular pedals on that one and it's really very much easier around town. We call this one our "Doo-Dah" tandem ... more for fun little rides for ice cream, to church, path along a reservoir, etc. We seldom go more than 10-20 miles on it, and mostly less than 5-10. But it has made the point to us that regular platform pedals are quite a bit easier for the around-the-town, on+off+back-on kind of riding, and they just make it lots more relaxed and enjoyable.
Lucky you! HAVE FUN WITH IT!
Based on what you said I'd certainly encourage your thought about replacing the stoker SPD pedals with regular platform pedals. It'd be high on my own priority to do everything I could towards making the early experience with this bike familiar, easy, non-threatening. Using existing pedals from another bike is certainly the cheapest way. You could also get a real cheap pair from places like Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc. The new pair could go on the tandem, or replace the pair you took off the other bike.
We (wife+ I) have ridden 1000's of miles on our nice road tandem, which has SPD pedals in front for me, and toeclips in back for her. When we're riding shorter and/or around town, I sometimes remove my SPD pedals, and replace them with a pair that has SPD on 1 side, and the other side is just a plain platform. These are more convenient for around town where there's more stops+starts.
Also, this summer I dug out an old 1960's Schwinn Twinn that we rode before we got the nice road tandem, and fixed that up - I put a 7 speed derailleur on the back + double chainrings up the front, using parts from a bike rescued from somebody's trash on the curb. We both have just regular pedals on that one and it's really very much easier around town. We call this one our "Doo-Dah" tandem ... more for fun little rides for ice cream, to church, path along a reservoir, etc. We seldom go more than 10-20 miles on it, and mostly less than 5-10. But it has made the point to us that regular platform pedals are quite a bit easier for the around-the-town, on+off+back-on kind of riding, and they just make it lots more relaxed and enjoyable.
Lucky you! HAVE FUN WITH IT!
Last edited by chris ss; 09-28-11 at 08:41 AM. Reason: clarify
09-28-11, 08:44 AM
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Welcome to tandeming. Regarding the pedals: you might try some cheap platform pedals for the stoker to begin with just to give the stoker a level of comfort. However if they enjoy being a stoker, they might quickly find that if they don't match your cadence, their feet will fly off the pedals and the pedal could come around and hit them in the ankle or calf. Clipless pedals (e.g. SPDs) will help avoid this.
Always remember the 1st rule of tandeming: The stoker makes no mistakes.
As captain, try to be smooth, predictable and communicate about what you are going to do. Call out bumps. Listen to your stoker and do what they ask.
Have fun.
Always remember the 1st rule of tandeming: The stoker makes no mistakes.
As captain, try to be smooth, predictable and communicate about what you are going to do. Call out bumps. Listen to your stoker and do what they ask.
Have fun.
09-28-11, 08:58 AM
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Congratulations to both on your new tandems. May you get as much enjoyment as we do.
On the pedal question:
There's no harm in putting platform pedals on the back, and it will save some money in the short term. Perhaps it will be helpful as your stoker(s) get used to relaxing and holding still on the back. You can always upgrade (shoes for both gals) later.
My bride/stoker had never used clipless pedals until we put them on our tandem. She adapted very quickly and has learned to love them and the security of knowing that her feet won't slip. She admits that she'd NEVER get used to clipping & unclipping on a single bike. She didn't even like toeclips & straps! But once she became confident that I had control of the bike and she wouldn't fall, she's LOVED the security and efficiency of clipless pedals.
On the pedal question:
There's no harm in putting platform pedals on the back, and it will save some money in the short term. Perhaps it will be helpful as your stoker(s) get used to relaxing and holding still on the back. You can always upgrade (shoes for both gals) later.
My bride/stoker had never used clipless pedals until we put them on our tandem. She adapted very quickly and has learned to love them and the security of knowing that her feet won't slip. She admits that she'd NEVER get used to clipping & unclipping on a single bike. She didn't even like toeclips & straps! But once she became confident that I had control of the bike and she wouldn't fall, she's LOVED the security and efficiency of clipless pedals.
09-28-11, 06:30 PM
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Picked up the tandem tonight as planned. I took the ride with the bike shop owner and he took me out as a stoker and back as a captain. I found out it is not as easy as it appears to be a stoker. (I kept wanting to turn, anticipate stopping, etc.) captaining was better, but even then, there was a lot of action from the back of the bike. (maybe the shop owner is as bad as I am in the stoking position)
The bike looked really good though and rode pretty well. I was very happy with the purchase and updates.
I got the bike home and swapped the rear pedals for the ones from my wifes old mountain bike. (I only found 1 toe clip, so I did not put those on - but I will search for the other one)
I took my daughter out for a ride and she did well staying neutral on the bike (complained about the seat and I can't blame her for that one - but did a good job) Pedaling did not go as well though. She had a hard time keeping her feet on the pedals. Toe clips would help with this one - but for the short ride around the block we had a good time and will for sure be doing it again....
When we got back, I took my wife out on it. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was completely neutral on the bike, I could feel the power she added to pedaling and it was much more intuitive for stopping and starting pedaling. I do spin much faster than she does, but we were able to hit a happy compromise and had a really good ride.
I can't wait to go out on it again. I don't know if my wife had as much fun as I did - but I certainly look forward to our next ride together.
Michael
The bike looked really good though and rode pretty well. I was very happy with the purchase and updates.
I got the bike home and swapped the rear pedals for the ones from my wifes old mountain bike. (I only found 1 toe clip, so I did not put those on - but I will search for the other one)
I took my daughter out for a ride and she did well staying neutral on the bike (complained about the seat and I can't blame her for that one - but did a good job) Pedaling did not go as well though. She had a hard time keeping her feet on the pedals. Toe clips would help with this one - but for the short ride around the block we had a good time and will for sure be doing it again....
When we got back, I took my wife out on it. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was completely neutral on the bike, I could feel the power she added to pedaling and it was much more intuitive for stopping and starting pedaling. I do spin much faster than she does, but we were able to hit a happy compromise and had a really good ride.
I can't wait to go out on it again. I don't know if my wife had as much fun as I did - but I certainly look forward to our next ride together.
Michael
09-28-11, 07:00 PM
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The fun has begun! We did use platforms w toe clips for the stoker for a season but did have a little of the "foot flying off" thing, but after she was comfortable, SPDs for her too. Enjoy your new ride
R&J
R&J
09-28-11, 07:57 PM
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Welcome to the tandem world!
The Duet is a great starter tandem and will serve your family well for years to come.
Hats off to the bikeshop owner for taking you for an out 'n back ride as stoker/pilot.
There is a bit of learning curve but in a few days you'll be quite comfortable.
Communication is key to being a happy tandem duo.
Captain must inform stoker of all changes: shifting, braking, slowing, turns, coasting, resume pedaling, etc.
Also inform here of all bumps as she cannot see what you see and is not a mindreader.
Inform her of turns/slowing/stopping and she does the actual signaling.
She can stay seated and feet on pedals at stop signs/traffic lights while pilots puts either one or both feet on the ground.
Starting/stopping will become natural after a few rides.
When dismounting, stoker gets off first and says "off" and walks away from the bike so she avoids getting an unexpected karate kick from captain.
You'll come up with a compromise pace and key words to enhance your ride.
Platorm pedals would be fine; add half toeclips or full toeclips/straps to keep feet on the pedals properly. Later clipless can be added, if desired.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
The Duet is a great starter tandem and will serve your family well for years to come.
Hats off to the bikeshop owner for taking you for an out 'n back ride as stoker/pilot.
There is a bit of learning curve but in a few days you'll be quite comfortable.
Communication is key to being a happy tandem duo.
Captain must inform stoker of all changes: shifting, braking, slowing, turns, coasting, resume pedaling, etc.
Also inform here of all bumps as she cannot see what you see and is not a mindreader.
Inform her of turns/slowing/stopping and she does the actual signaling.
She can stay seated and feet on pedals at stop signs/traffic lights while pilots puts either one or both feet on the ground.
Starting/stopping will become natural after a few rides.
When dismounting, stoker gets off first and says "off" and walks away from the bike so she avoids getting an unexpected karate kick from captain.
You'll come up with a compromise pace and key words to enhance your ride.
Platorm pedals would be fine; add half toeclips or full toeclips/straps to keep feet on the pedals properly. Later clipless can be added, if desired.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
09-28-11, 08:50 PM
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We are also picking up our first tandem sometime this week. Because both of us have always used platform pedals, our LBS suggested that my wife (stoker) start with clip-ins while I stay with platforms. Starting with standard pedals for your daughter and wife seems reasonable.
09-28-11, 11:26 PM
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. . . or you could have picked it up in Eugene and saved the freight $$?
Co-Mo builds great tandems.
Put 56,000 miles on our Co-Mo custom that we bought back in the 90s.
Hey, it will be there soon!
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rujdy and Kay/zonatandem
Co-Mo builds great tandems.
Put 56,000 miles on our Co-Mo custom that we bought back in the 90s.
Hey, it will be there soon!
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rujdy and Kay/zonatandem
09-29-11, 02:08 AM
#11
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In retrospect, I wish I had. The LBS checked with Co-Motion then the Freight company, and it will be in sometime tomorrow --- 6-1/2 weeks after ordering.
09-29-11, 05:20 AM
#12
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Actually, 6-1/2 weeks for a made to order bike is not too bad. Co-Motion does not build frames before they are ordered because tubing selections are based on rider size and weight.
My aunt and uncle lived in Sequim before they passed away. In '06, we visited them with our coupled tandem. We put the tandem together and rode to Port Angles on the trail. A beautiful ride!
My aunt and uncle lived in Sequim before they passed away. In '06, we visited them with our coupled tandem. We put the tandem together and rode to Port Angles on the trail. A beautiful ride!
09-29-11, 05:22 PM
#13
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6 1/2 weeks after ordering . . . ?
That is fast! Some builders have a year+ waiting list!
Have toured the Co-Mo facility in Eugene and it is an extremely efficient plant.
Heck, back in the early 90s it was 3 guys working out of a garage!
That is fast! Some builders have a year+ waiting list!
Have toured the Co-Mo facility in Eugene and it is an extremely efficient plant.
Heck, back in the early 90s it was 3 guys working out of a garage!
09-29-11, 06:08 PM
#14
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Actually, 6-1/2 weeks for a made to order bike is not too bad. Co-Motion does not build frames before they are ordered because tubing selections are based on rider size and weight.
My aunt and uncle lived in Sequim before they passed away. In '06, we visited them with our coupled tandem. We put the tandem together and rode to Port Angles on the trail. A beautiful ride!
My aunt and uncle lived in Sequim before they passed away. In '06, we visited them with our coupled tandem. We put the tandem together and rode to Port Angles on the trail. A beautiful ride!
The Olympic Discovery trail is a wonderful ride. They continue to work on it and when completed, will go from Port Townsend to Forks. We've lived in Sequim for over 30 years and never tire of the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. I wonder if I knew your aunt and uncle?
