icepick_trotsky 

Thinking of trying out the tandem waters. Could be complete or frameset, modernish or C&V.

Not sure this is going to take, so lower investment is better. I ride a 54-55 and Mrs. Trotsky is a 52. Anything out there?

nesteel 

I know of a very C/V late '70's Santana tandem locally, for sale. Pretty sure it's damn close to the size you mentioned, and I can check it whenever. If your interested, I can grab some pics.

Standalone 

We have three tandems. They're all pretty large, since I like to ride 61-66cm

They're out there, though! I found a newer Gitane (well, new enough to have no French threading) that needed basic overhaul work for $100.
https://columbiamo.craigslist.org/bik/6084347069.html This one might be a little big. And pricy if there are french threaded bits...

icepick_trotsky 

Very interested, thanks.

Darth Lefty 

I ran you my Craigslist search link modified from Sacramento to St Louis and... wow. Here I get 66 hits, including seven Santanas. There I get two tag-alongs.

Searchy linky

icepick_trotsky 

I really don't see many of them here, though one of the better LBS is a Co-Motion dealer.

Darth Lefty 

This is hardly cheap, though much discounted; and not the slightest bit C&V. But it made me look twice. Da Vincis allow independent pedaling by both cranks feeding freewheels on a third BB, rather than using a timing chain.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/6083245838.html

Standalone 

There are decent ones out my way -- here's one that's $900, which is the going rate for a good one, but good ones can pop up at $350 or less.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/6057347633.html

I've asked -- he has sold that rack!

Then there are deals like this small $900 Jack Taylor!!! https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/bik/6085261655.html

Or go cheap: $100... https://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/6084273622.html

Anyway, if you look long enough, this is what you will find.

Happy riding.

obrentharris 

The Cannondale 26" wheeled tandems with v-brakes and upright bars pop up pretty regularly for $400 to $600. Outfitted with smooth tires they make a nice road or road/gravel bike.

It's a buyer's market with tandems. I would caution against buying a bare frame and fork. Some of the components will be harder to find at a budget price than the complete tandem.

My wife and I have been riding a tandem for about 25 years now and would both highly recommend it, but they are definitely not everyone's cup of tea so you are wise to start out with something that is easy on the budget to see how you like it.

One of the cardinal rules of tandem riding is "The stoker is always right." (Well, almost always.) Helping your stoker to be comfortable on a bike over which she/he has very little control is the captain's most important job.

Brent

SJX426 

+1 on @obrentharris statements. I think I have the perfect one for us. It is a 1994ish Burley. I have to paint it yet so it is ridden in its raw state.

One piece of advice on size. You will want the captains end a bit smaller than your single bike. The reason is in the mounting of the stoker. The captain needs to be able to spread their legs enough so the pedals/cranks don't hit their legs while supporting the bike while the stoker mounts. It is the stoker that sets the pedal for the captain.

Standalone 

Gary Fisher Gemini tandem - Buy and Sell Mountain Bikes and Accessories Here's one in Atlanta. Looks like the Burleys of the same era.

also: https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-bik...andemania.html

due ruote 

Agree with all the comments from obrentharris. Especially keep the stoker happy. The back end of a tandem will feel bumpy so lots of people use suspension seat posts. We have two tandems. The one we ride all the time is an old Ibis with 26" Big Apple tires. It's pretty plush and a blast to ride. I say go for it but try to buy locally, and don't expect your rides to feel like hammer time on your single bikes.

Insidious C. 

On the modern end of the spectrum, this nice Co-Motion just popped up in eastern Oregon. https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/bik/6086534004.html .

icepick_trotsky 

Wow, nice price. I bet shipping a tandem is a bear.

due ruote 

Yeah, your best option is one-way tickets and ride it home!

Darth Lefty 

Does that calculation include a ticket for the stoker?

Santana has a whole crapload of stuff on their website about shipping tandems because they sell tandem lifestyle and vacations and so on, not just bikes.
For example this https://santanatandem.com/Events/BillsTips.html

SloButWide 

Tandems seem to be even more prone to the "buy it and ride it once" syndrome than most bikes. There's always a few here in Oh.

Yep, Columbus has 10, Cincy has 7, and Indy has 6.

If I could talk my SO into pedaling, I'd be all over this $1200 Cannondale and Hitch Carrier, especially if the JandD luggage was included.

Standalone 

This is one reason to get a cheap $100-300 bike and take it around a bit. As long as it's not a single speed, it should ride well enough to give an idea of whether a nicer one is in order.

We bought a 7 speed beach cruiser one when the kids were tiny, and were the heroes of the boardwalk with them in a trailer. Very cute. This inspired the search for a nicer tandem, and also provided the benefit of having one around so that we could be patient and jump on the really excellent deal (because as you say, there is generally a good supply out there) rather than buy a nice tandem at the going used rate.

CV-6 

If you want to try a tandem, you are welcome to try my Lejeune tandem. It's right about your sizes.

due ruote 

That wasn't a calculation so much as a lighthearted suggestion, given that the OP is in St. Louis and isn't sure the tandem thing is going to work. Or maybe you meant a ticket home from Idaho.

Here's an intriguing one in Milwaukee. I think too big though. Interesting bike though with some good bits. The stated 30# weight seems optimistic.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/6078050100.html
Mel Pinto Tandem - $500 (Riverwest, milwaukee)

rjhammett

Tandems can be found for a good price. I have purchased two tandems in the last two years for super cheap. One was a Timberlin and the other a Burley Samba. Both were in excellent condition. Total cost for both: $200. Not in high demand in my area.

RobE30

Yup. My buddy has a Havnoonian tandem in your size. Purple and green. Pretty cool bike. I can get more info if you want

jimmuller 

Good advice here. A different perspective could be useful too so here's my 2 cents.

I confess I've ridden only ours but we've put many miles on it. I suspect an inexpensive tandem could be like a cheap guitar. You'll never come to love it and will never play enough to become good.

I'd modify obh's rules to say:
Rule 1 is to keep the bike safe.
Rule 2 is to keep the stoker happy.
Rule 3 - see Rule 2.

Some things to remember:
A very useful word is "bump". Stokers can't see the road ahead. Stokers startle easily.
The Captain is absolute boss. But the Rear Admiral must be kept happy.

Riding Stoker means giving up all control over the bike and putting absolute complete trust in the Captain. Some people have a hard time with that.

Vintage or incomplete tandems aren't impossible to bring to life. Sometimes you have to be creative. Good gearing is essential; ours is 3x5 with Simplex derailleurs and they work nicely. Good brakes are essential; it will never stop as fast or be as agile as a solo bike so you have "think ahead" more.

Never go anywhere without a picnic!

icepick_trotsky 

I remember that bike. It's awesome.

I currently have a very generous offer from a local forum member to allow me to borrow one of his to try it out. Stay tuned.

rjhammett

A Santana for a good price.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...088169670.html