How to buy a Tandem ..continuedTaking out a demo, or a rental tandem for the weekend may be another option. In any case, try to get a good long test ride on each of the models in which you are interested. Depending on where you live, you may have to visit more than one shop to ride all the models of interest. Please remember, bike shops are locally owned businesses with very tight margins. If you need to visit more than one shop, don't expect to instigate a price war. The best deal is undoubtedly found at the shop with the best service. Don't settle for a less than perfect fit Remember there are two of you, and you both need to be comfortable if you expect to enjoy the time together. Nothing can kill the pleasure of tandeming quicker than an ill-fitting tandem. If you are currently active cyclists, you already have a feel for what you like. Shoppers often straddle the bike, checking stand-over clearance to assess the fit. Don't stop there. Each manufacturer has its theory on fit. Take a look at top-tube lengths, both front and rear. The captains reach can be corrected within reason by swapping the stem, but if the stoker's compartment is too cramped, you'll need to look at a different bike. Once you're in range, an adjustable stoker's stem helps to fine-tune the fit. Component swaps to accommodate proper fit should be no trouble for an experienced shop. But if you're upgrading to a higher quality, more expensive component, expect to pay for the difference. Two other points of consideration are the saddles. Tandems are often spec'ed with middle-of-the-road padded saddles. You may want to either trade up or down on the pad-scale depending on your riding experience. Another perk is a suspended stoker seatpost. If the tandem you've decided on does not come with one, adding one to the bike can have better results than a dozen roses. |
