Tandems for dummies

[JhnBssll]

Hi all Wondered if there's a technical resource I can read regarding tandems, sizing, what makes a good touring bike etc that someone can point me towards.

I'd like to build one up, for mostly road/touring use but i could foresee some light gravel too. Disc brakes and clearance ~40mm tyres, decent luggage carrying capability etc.

In an ideal world I'd buy a used frame and make a project of it but I'm imagining they're not so common?

Any advice greatfully received!

 

[Mike Ayling]

Hi all Wondered if there's a technical resource I can read regarding tandems, sizing, what makes a good touring bike etc that someone can point me towards.

I'd like to build one up, for mostly road/touring use but i could foresee some light gravel too. Disc brakes and clearance ~40mm tyres, decent luggage carrying capability etc.

In an ideal world I'd buy a used frame and make a project of it but I'm imagining they're not so common?

Any advice greatfully received!

Thorn will tell you why their touring tandems are so good, their site is worth a read.

 

[Boopop]

I like my Hase Pino but they're very expensive!

 

[biggs682]

Go on you owe it to yourself, they are great fun .

Try and find someone local that has one and go for a ride with them on it and see how you get on.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Hi all Wondered if there's a technical resource I can read regarding tandems, sizing, what makes a good touring bike etc that someone can point me towards.

I'd like to build one up, for mostly road/touring use but i could foresee some light gravel too. Disc brakes and clearance ~40mm tyres, decent luggage carrying capability etc.

In an ideal world I'd buy a used frame and make a project of it but I'm imagining they're not so common?

Any advice greatfully received!

No idea about technical resource. 2nd hand tandems are generally very cheap, as the market is so small.

Decent wheels etc however are very expensive new.

You'd probably be much better off buying a full 2nd hand one. That might preclude discs, but if you get one with a drag brake, that, whilst different, is IME at least as good - we've had both.

Tandem club is a good source, and they also have a discussion board I've found helpful.

Thorn, Swallow, JD will have 2nd hand available too, but likely at premium price.

 

[biggs682]

My first tandem ride was a CTC club ride with a fellow member who needed some young legs to sit on the rear and enjoy the scenery over 110 miles.
It was great fun and we did quite a few day rides together after that but never toured with him .
Current tandem does about 20 miles a year but all very much enjoyed.

 

[classic33]

There's two tandems currently available through easylive. And they seem to be appearing a bit of late.
Just search for tandem.

 

[Ian H]

The Tandem Club is the best resource both for advice and sourcing an appropriate machine. Google for their website.