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From: marcum@rhino.UUCP (Alan M. Marcum)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Tandems...
Message-ID: <301@rhino.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 14-May-85 18:53:18 EDT
Article-I.D.: rhino.301
Posted: Tue May 14 18:53:18 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 18-May-85 01:18:38 EDT
References: <ucbvax.6939>
Reply-To: marcum@rhino.UUCP (Alan M. Marcum)
Organization: Fortune Systems
Lines: 57

In article <ucbvax.6939> pelegri@ucbvax.UUCP (Eduardo pelegri Llopart) writes:
>                                                     In particular
>what brands have tandem models? Are they as expensive as they seem
>to be? 
>thanks,		eduardo
>	(ucbvax!pelegri)
>	(pelegri@ucbvax)

I purchased a tandem a few years ago.  Like Eduardo, I'm single
(was then, still am); I got it so I could teach my then-SO
("Significant Other") to ride a reasonable bicycle.

I bought a Motobecane, which listed for around $800-$1000, if I
recall.  I've upgraded the components considerably, including:

	- TA triple with Suntour New Winner gears, half-step+granny
	- Changed Atom hub brake to an Arai external drum brake
	- Upgraded brake pads
	- Ideale saddles
	- Eclipse racks, front and rear
	- Phil Wood sealed bearing 48-spoke hubs
	- Wheels with alloy rims, 48-spoke, cross-5
	- Specialized Tandem tires

With an astounding bit of good timing, I just happened on the
bicycle on sale, and ended up with the whole thing for a pretty
good price (don't remember exact details).

Regarding brands in general, you might want to check out the 1985
Buyers' Annual from _Bicycle_Guide_.  There's a section
specifically on tandems (page 72), and an article on the Santana
Elan ("Tandeming on a Budget," page 94).  The tandem section
shows prices from $1275 (Santan Elan) through $3200 (Moots Tandem);
it doesn't show the Motobecane, nor the Gitane, nor the Richard
Jackson, nor ......., but it might be a starting point.

Another good starting point would be a local bike shop.  Call
around to find one that understands tandems (for example,
Wheelsmith in Palo Alto -- that's in California, for all you
folks who don't recognize), and then go visit.

Yes, indeed, tandems are expensive.  If you're at all serious
about it, around $1000 is probably a bare minimum, if you're
looking at multispeed, derailleur equipped, reasonably rideable
tandems.  I recall Schwinn at least used to make a single speed
tandem, that was akin to their $100 single.

Tandeming is lots and lots of fun.  I've always felt a trmendous
sense of teamwork when riding one, especially up tough hills or
around tight corners.  You can talk easily, needn't worry about
separation at traffic lights, and are always riding together (so
no one worries about "holding someone back").  It's always fun to
get those stares and "Oh, look, Mommy, a two-bike!" remarks from
kids!
-- 
Alan M. Marcum		Fortune Systems, Redwood City, California
...!ihnp4!fortune!rhino!marcum