Travel Tandem
04-01-15, 04:08 PM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Travel Tandem
My husband and I started tandeming in October on a new Cannondale and we love the bike. Now we want to travel with a tandem and would appreciate any advice and/or suggestions about tandems with couplers. Our Cannondale cost $3000 (after REI rebate) - we'd like to get something in this price range, if possible. Thanks.
04-01-15, 06:34 PM
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Upstate South Carolina
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Bikes: 1980's Spectrum 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, 1990 Eddy Merckx 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, Bushnell Tandem, Co-Motion Speedster Tandem
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Though they are on the east coast, Tandem East's house brand called Hokitika is available with S&S couplers and might be one of the cheapest new tandem options though it more then your target. Comotion's Primera is there lowest price point. Both are about $5,300. Used might be your best bet.
04-01-15, 06:55 PM
#3
Full Member
What kind of travel do you have in mind? Depending on your answer, you may not need a new tandem.
04-01-15, 10:44 PM
#4
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04-02-15, 12:01 AM
#5
Tandem Vincitur
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Bikes: BMC Pro Machine SLC01, Specialized Globe, Burley Rock 'N Roll tandem, Calfee Dragonfly tandem.
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How come not an option? I just purchased a used BikePro Tandem case, because I can't figure out why its not an option for us.
04-02-15, 07:31 AM
#6
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For many reasons, not the least is that my husband cannot help with that huge case and I can't schlep that coffin on my own on and off trains in europe (another risky adventure in itself, even with 2 able-bodied people). We could probably manage with 2 standard sized pieces of luggage.
04-02-15, 07:33 AM
#7
Senior Member
While not using S&S couplers, you might want to look at Bike Friday "Tandem Tuesday." Bike Friday specializes in travel bikes, and they can trick out the bike with whatever components you want. Our Bike Friday tandem easily packs into two "normal" suitcases.
04-02-15, 10:23 AM
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
Great idea and I'll look into this. I had a Tern fold up for a while and really have fun on that.
04-02-15, 04:51 PM
#9
Clipless in Coeur d'Alene
Get back to us after you travel around Europe a few times. Unless you prefer to drive everywhere, money says you will understand why couplers.
04-02-15, 10:26 PM
#10
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Location: Tualatin, Oregon
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Bikes: 2012 Trek DS 8.4, "Francis" a 1979 Santana Tandem
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I would look for a used Santana with couplers, or a Bike Friday.
Here's some travel tandems available up here:
Bike Friday Family Tandem "La Famille Duette"
Co-Motion Softride Tandem with S&S Couplings
Good luck!
Here's some travel tandems available up here:
Bike Friday Family Tandem "La Famille Duette"
Co-Motion Softride Tandem with S&S Couplings
Good luck!
04-04-15, 08:58 AM
#11
Senior Member
Consider a used coupled tandem that has the same size wheels and drop out spacing as your Cannondale. That way the wheels can be interchanged and use the same size tires. A Bike Friday tandem is easier than a coupled tandem to pack but would not be as stiff and with the small wheels not as fast as a coupled tandem.
