Tandems Who makes them any used ones out there?

[mucknort]

If you love your stoker, you owe it her to carefully examine and test ride recumbent tandems and trike tandems.

If you wish to consider a used recumbent tandem, this site has 'em:
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds.cgi?view=tandems

[rvklassen]

As great as Mel may be (I've never been out to Tandems East), given your location, you might want something closer.

Mark Livingood's site (http://www.thetandemlink.com/tandems.html#anchor1145193) has a map showing tandem builders and stores specializing in tandems.   

As far as loving stokers and trying recumbents - because I love my stoker we didn't even try a recumbent.  Perhaps some day we'll come across one that she is willing to try.  I've never been on one but she's been on two (singles) and they may not have been adjusted right, but the seat-back angle was too shallow for her, which meant her neck was bent too far.    Anyhow her concern was enough to narrow the field to upright tandems.

Then again, I'm not sure I'd want to learn to ride a recumbent tandem as the first recumbent or tandem I rode.  Learn recumbent, then tandem, or learn tandem and then recumbent.  My friend who is one year into recumbent riding has had some FDGBs (slow motion fall down go boom), which apparently comes with the territory.  Not so far to fall, but I'd rather get past that stage or at least be good at riding tandem, before trying to do both together.

[windrath]

A friend of mine has a very good, completely refurbished tandem for sale in Minneapolis, MN.  He is hoping to sell it for $750.  He used to own a bike shop, does outstanding repair and upgrade work.  If the bike fits, you would not be unhappy.

If this interests you, let me know and I can put you in touch with him.

paul Windrath

[bogiesan]

As far as loving stokers and trying recumbents - because I love my stoker we didn't even try a recumbent.  Perhaps some day we'll come across one that she is willing to try.  I've never been on one but she's been on two (singles) and they may not have been adjusted right, but the seat-back angle was too shallow for her, which meant her neck was bent too far.    Anyhow her concern was enough to narrow the field to upright tandems.
Then again, I'm not sure I'd want to learn to ride a recumbent tandem as the first recumbent or tandem I rode.  Learn recumbent, then tandem, or learn tandem and then recumbent.  My friend who is one year into recumbent riding has had some FDGBs (slow motion fall down go boom), which apparently comes with the territory.  Not so far to fall, but I'd rather get past that stage or at least be good at riding tandem, before trying to do both together.

Recumbent enthusiasts are accustomed to such inexplicable prejudices and weirdly unfortunate first experiences. Seat angle and pedal reach are adjustable. Your tandem will not fit out of the box, either. Switching from a 'bent to a road or mtn bike is as uncomplicated as switching from a mtn bike to a roadie; they're just bikes. You don't want to risk falling over? Try a tandem trike.

My favorite image of a recumbent tandem comes from Cycle Oregon where I drafted behind a couple from Japan. She captained because she liked to be in front. He stoked because he provided power while just leaning back and enjoying the scenery. He had a video camera but had learned to crochet on the bike to pass the time.

This really isn't the place to be asking this question. You need to be talking to tandem riders and tandem enthusiasts—which are not the same things. They're the only people who can help you make an investment you will not regret. Choosing between frame configurations, brands, and components before a several thousand mile journey should be done carefully.

david boise ID