We have a Trek 1000 which we love. My husband is 6' and I am 5' - it seems to fit very well & is nice & stiff. I would try to find a second hand one.. I've been told that a tandem 'speeds your relationship in the direction it was already going . . .'

It is up to the captain to never scare the stoker. There are a couple of things which mean couples cannot ride a tandem:

1. Irreconcilable cadence differences. Usually the guy is more experienced and has a higher cadence - if he can't/won't slow down and his partner can't/won't speed up then it won't work

2. Thoughtless/boorish captain: frightening stoker, not warning of bumps, direction change etc. will mean the stoker will eventually get off & refuse to get back on

3. Stoker unable to give up control/trust the captain

Apart from that a tandem is a wonderful addition to your cycling stable - it's an amazing feeling of teamwork, you stay together, you can talk, everyone is pleased to see you. Navigation is easier - I could go on. We love our tandem - we took it to NZ for our honeymoon!