Does Tha Ride Tandem?

[Jamiedyer]

We run an older Flying Scot tandem that we have had for a few years now. I bought it to ride with my son who is about to turn 15 next month. I think he was about 9 or so when we got it. It has gone through Kiddie cranks right through to where he is taller than me now. We don't use it as often as we would like but we still get out for day tours on it. He is into his own older bikes so he is well versed with riding retro bikes so is fine with the tandem. While he started young on an old tandem he didn't know any different and so just enjoyed riding it, I had some experience riding older tandems.
I do think both captain and stoker just starting out on an older Barra will be a steep and maybe off putting experience, but if the pull to it, is the fact that it is a vintage tandem then go for it. It's horses for courses and riding within the older bikes limits. Ours has canti brakes with no hub brake but have one we can refit, but this Flying Scot tandem in it's previous life has done between 10 000 and 20000 klms with several trips up and hence down Mont Ventoux as well as a few alp trips so riding to the limitations is always wise on the older machines.
Steel is also a lot more forgiving than 80 odd year old Aluminium so racing it hard wouldn't be on my ambitions.
There are many specialist tandem hires, I think Charlottes tandems is one who specialise in hiring for a very minimal fee tandems for helping a family member with a disability get out cycling. That may be something to try if you are unsure. It's definitely worth pursuing as it will open up a new world for you both and is such a great thing that you want to do this for your nephew. I am sure you will have a ball learning, I know we did.
I don't think we have ever finished a ride not in a great mood.

Jamie

11 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_5352 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_4657 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_4103 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_4126 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

Untitled by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_6237 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

 

[bagpuss]

https://flic.kr/p/d745j5

 

[bagpuss]

https://flic.kr/p/d745j5

Our Cannondale , now parted out .

 

[non-fixie]

Agree above - but for some, the thrill of the open road is inadequate trade-off given other inconveniences. My spouse was not really a cyclist, but she did specify the Softride beam and chose the color. Even less of a cyclist 25+ years later.
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I recall seeing a picture of you riding that machine on your own. Looked pretty good nonetheless.

 

[Coalfield]

[ I recall seeing a picture of you riding that machine on your own. Looked pretty good nonetheless. ]

The Co-Motion has seen duty as a single, double and triple. It may not have the mileage I had hoped for, but it created memories for at least 2 other people. Every time I try to sell it, there are two younger people smiling when I fail. It is still known as the Seuss-mobile.

Trying hard to be more than a Dirt Disciple