Steel tandems

[KnottedYet]

Got Co-motion on the brain, but am wondering if there are other steel tandems out there? (cheaper?)

Looking for steel frame, disc brakes, prefer 26 inch wheels.

[OakLeaf]

Santana Fusion? Disc brakes are optional on all their models.

I know squat about tandems, but that was the brand that popped into my head immediately. A couple I ride with have a carbon Santana with disc brakes.

Don't know how the price compares, though.

[KnottedYet]

We looked into Santanas a bit. They are also made in USA like Co-Motion, but the comparable models to Co-Motion models run about $1,000 more.

Which is a bummer.

I'm willing to buy a non-USA made tandem if it was cheap... because I'm cheap.

[KnottedYet]

Now, this is just weird?

I've seen a couple recommendations on tandem forums for the Mongoose (aluminum) or Pacific (same thing, but steel) tandems for newbie tandem teams.

$250-$350.

So cheap, it's scary. Everyone suggests having a bike shop put the tandem together and check it over carefully, but everyone who has had one says it was the right way to go for a first tandem.

26 inch wheels. RIM brakes. (we'd stay on the flats and go easy, because rim brakes on a tandem carrying nearly 400 lbs of humanity just freaks me right out)

Do ya put a couple Brooks on a Pacific Dualie? The dang saddles would cost as much as the entire bike!

I'm not kidding; right now I'm seriously considering the merits of a $250 high-ten steel tandem. And some day (if we survive the "relationship acceleration" of a tandem) getting a Co-Motion Mocha. Cheaper to buy than to rent, eh?

[zoom-zoom]

Our Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo has paid for itself...it's allowed our family of 3 to ride together, since DS is only 10 and likes to ride, but could never keep up on a road bike...he's still a bit small for one and doesn't have the strength/endurance to ride long on his own power.

We didn't really look at any other tandem options, since we needed that periscope rear seat for the rugrat. The only other tandems I'm at all familiar with are aluminum Cannondales, but we know quite a few folks who have them and love them. Not sure how they ride, but our Co-Motion is SO smooth...but it's a beast. It's a real workout for my hubby and kid to get up hills with that thing. They FLY downhill, though.

(personally, I'm not a fan of the tandem. My hubby is nearly a foot taller than me and very broad-shouldered, so I see NOTHING in front of us. It also forces me to sit too upright, since the stoker cockpit is relatively short...and makes my neck hurt, so I haven't been on it at all this year).

[ultraviolet]

If you're considering going cheap and not having the disc brakes, there's a Pacific Dualie on Seattle Craigslist right now for $100.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/bik/2556151550.html

And more expensive, but still pretty inexpensive as far as bikes go, there's also a Univega tandem...
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2547730599.html

[Kiwi Stoker]

Please, please, please don't buy a $250 tandem. It's not worth it! People who have brought these tandems have found a huge range of issues- spokes not tensioned, brakes that don't work, crummy components etc) and the weight will be terrible.

If you are really serious about buying a tandem and cannot afford new, look for a second hand one from Trek, Burley, Cannondale, Satana, Co-motion etc. The ride quality and the enjoyment you will get out a decent tandem is worth it.

All the advice I know about seen about first tandems is to go the second hand route. They tend to hold their value well for when you on sell it.

If you really want to see what a $250 tandem is like go and rent one at the local bike path/beach. $250 tandem are not worth the hassle and will put you off tandeming.

From a person who brought a second hand Trek tandem.