Tandem
- Thread starter 47p2
- Start date
Firstly, old tandems are cheap but have significant problems:
1 Frames are flexible and handling is poor.
2 Brakes often unsuitable and weak
3 Drivetrain parts can be a nightmare to source.
Buy a later (post-1990 ish) one and they are a joy. Dawes made excellent machines which go well and are solidly built.
It's said that tandems make or break a relationship. Rent one before you buy.
If you buy, go for an MTB type one first: the handling is a bit less frisky and you can get used to riding it. The steering takes a lot of muscling about compared to a solo.
1 Frames are flexible and handling is poor.
2 Brakes often unsuitable and weak
3 Drivetrain parts can be a nightmare to source.
Buy a later (post-1990 ish) one and they are a joy. Dawes made excellent machines which go well and are solidly built.
It's said that tandems make or break a relationship. Rent one before you buy.
If you buy, go for an MTB type one first: the handling is a bit less frisky and you can get used to riding it. The steering takes a lot of muscling about compared to a solo.
Back up everything already said.
Look for a machine with a stiff frame{ Better power transfer and a firm ride} ie Thorn do some well made ,priced machines.
Test ride any before buying. You both need to be obviously present as the frame sizing it vital.
If second hand remember drive systems and wheels get a lot of hammer. Check rim wear!!
Missus and I tried various before settling on which to buy.As with everything else you get what you pay for.
Great fun down hill ,hence top quality brakes are a must.50 mph is easy.......and when loaded very easy.
Our machine has hydraulic rim brakes and they work well.However watch for over heating on long descents.Alternate braking help avoid this . With discs you need strong front forks...Some makers avoid fitting discs due stress issues.
Look for a machine with a stiff frame{ Better power transfer and a firm ride} ie Thorn do some well made ,priced machines.
Test ride any before buying. You both need to be obviously present as the frame sizing it vital.
If second hand remember drive systems and wheels get a lot of hammer. Check rim wear!!
Missus and I tried various before settling on which to buy.As with everything else you get what you pay for.
Great fun down hill ,hence top quality brakes are a must.50 mph is easy.......and when loaded very easy.
Our machine has hydraulic rim brakes and they work well.However watch for over heating on long descents.Alternate braking help avoid this . With discs you need strong front forks...Some makers avoid fitting discs due stress issues.
A stiff frame stops the thing getting squirmy. A flexy frame has the tendency to head towards the ditch or oncoming traffic whenever the stoker scratches his leg.
Agreed on the brakes - I run Magura HS rim brakes and they work brilliantly - you also need chunky rims to soak up the heat. Discs are not really well suited to tandems - they need to be big and heavy and are just not up to it as standard. A drag brake is a good choice, which is one you switch on at the top of hills to keep speeds controllable - typically it's a rear drum.
Agreed on the brakes - I run Magura HS rim brakes and they work brilliantly - you also need chunky rims to soak up the heat. Discs are not really well suited to tandems - they need to be big and heavy and are just not up to it as standard. A drag brake is a good choice, which is one you switch on at the top of hills to keep speeds controllable - typically it's a rear drum.
