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.