Does Tha Ride Tandem?

[Canuk]

Have spoken a few times to the owner of this lovely latte 1940s Barra aluminium brazed tandem and we've come to an agreement on a reasonable price. A few questions for tandem owners though:

1. Do you use it often, or is it only a 'special occasion' bike?

2. Would it go in the back of a Volvo 7 series type estate with the wheels off?

3. What's your experience going downhill and braking at speed?

4. What's the main drawbacks of owning a tandem?

5. Do you have buyers regret!?

 

[bagpuss]

1 Stopped riding ours about 4 years ago. Missus and I did have a number of memorberal rides and tours.

2 Ours fitted in our Volvo d70. Front wheel out.

3 a drag brake is a must on the rear wheel .applied by the stoker .
Beware of over heating rims on long descents.
I fitted magura rim hydraulic after a vert hairy
Ride in the peak district.
Is the gearing suitable..
Is the sizing correct.
Wheel size . .screw on free wheel . Would the frame take modern wheels .700 c
4 take up a fair bit storage space.
Can you fit panniers.

5 No interest in none disc braked tandems generally in used market.

We owned ours for 25 years .

Memories.....priceless .

How fast are we going....... I will tell at the bottom dear. Oh we clocked 50 mph .

 

[Canuk]

Yes I've seen a tandem pair rev it up on the flat, even on a level surface they were soon ticking along at 40mph.. I can imagine on a long descent braking would produce a LOT of heat, the rear wheel if this tandem is fitted with a very effective (so it's said) Maxicar drum brake hub. I'll probably fit a disc brake to the front for safety.

Thanks for for wise words

 

[Canuk]

1 Stopped riding ours about 4 years ago. Missus and I did have a number of memorberal rides and tours.

2 Ours fitted in our Volvo d70. Front wheel out.

3 a drag brake is a must on the rear wheel .applied by the stoker .
Beware of over heating rims on long descents.
I fitted magura rim hydraulic after a vert hairy
Ride in the peak district.
Is the gearing suitable..
Is the sizing correct.
Wheel size . .screw on free wheel . Would the frame take modern wheels .700 c
4 take up a fair bit storage space.
Can you fit panniers.

5 No interest in none disc braked tandems generally in used market.

We owned ours for 25 years .

Memories.....priceless .

How fast are we going....... I will tell at the bottom dear. Oh we clocked 50 mph .

Just out of interest. What's the stopping distance of your tandem with two people onboard from 50mph?