Inexpensive - not cheap - tandem
#1
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Thread Starter
Inexpensive - not cheap - tandem
Good morning friends!
I have a Motive Duet tandem that I purchased for $40 about three years ago (it was a mess, after a little work it rides just fine). I wanted to see if my girls and I would enjoy the tandem experience...and we do. So much so that for quite awhile I pulled two Trek Mountain Trains behind me. I don't mind doing my own maintenance, but I think that the amount of components that probably ought to be replaced exceed what I could likely just buy another cleaner bike for. My riding consists entirely of paths, but having the low gearing is especially helpful as I'm often towing at least one trailer behind me (a pedal trailer or cargo trailer for groceries). I've had no issue with the ride of my current tandem, but she's definitely not a beauty queen. Would you all mind giving me your thoughts on a few bikes I've found locally-ish?
This one strikes me as being very similar to my current tandem, and I've had good times with standard Univegas in the past...
https://offerup.com/item/detail/6070...16242585544062
I saw this one on the market a year ago, and it's still around. I keep hearing how good the Santana brand is, and there's new components and such. While I doubt I could convince my wife to let me pay that much, I feel like there must be something off putting about this if it's been on the market this long. Price? bad model?
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...828484017.html
Here's another one I was toying with:
https://offerup.co/uNxvtXYBAV
In this moment I'm not too concerned with size, I'd rather learn about the pros/cons of what I'm looking at as I'm trying to understand the differences in quality; I'm 6'5" and 2 of my 3 stokers are just along for the ride
Thanks so much for your time!
Chuck
I have a Motive Duet tandem that I purchased for $40 about three years ago (it was a mess, after a little work it rides just fine). I wanted to see if my girls and I would enjoy the tandem experience...and we do. So much so that for quite awhile I pulled two Trek Mountain Trains behind me. I don't mind doing my own maintenance, but I think that the amount of components that probably ought to be replaced exceed what I could likely just buy another cleaner bike for. My riding consists entirely of paths, but having the low gearing is especially helpful as I'm often towing at least one trailer behind me (a pedal trailer or cargo trailer for groceries). I've had no issue with the ride of my current tandem, but she's definitely not a beauty queen. Would you all mind giving me your thoughts on a few bikes I've found locally-ish?
This one strikes me as being very similar to my current tandem, and I've had good times with standard Univegas in the past...
https://offerup.com/item/detail/6070...16242585544062
I saw this one on the market a year ago, and it's still around. I keep hearing how good the Santana brand is, and there's new components and such. While I doubt I could convince my wife to let me pay that much, I feel like there must be something off putting about this if it's been on the market this long. Price? bad model?
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...828484017.html
Here's another one I was toying with:
https://offerup.co/uNxvtXYBAV
In this moment I'm not too concerned with size, I'd rather learn about the pros/cons of what I'm looking at as I'm trying to understand the differences in quality; I'm 6'5" and 2 of my 3 stokers are just along for the ride
Thanks so much for your time!
Chuck
#2
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the yellow Santana looks good if the fit is right for both of you. It probably needs some TLC but that's ok :-)
#3
Junior Member
For somebody 6'5" I would expect the Santana to fit you the best. However the stoker sizing is also huge. How tall is your stoker?
The KHS is the newest of the three bikes. It would also allow more stoker options. And would be an upgrade over both your Motiv and the Univega.
Not clear on how it would fit your 6'5" body though.
If you are already towing people behind your tandem, maybe look into this instead?
https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/b...832076377.html
The KHS is the newest of the three bikes. It would also allow more stoker options. And would be an upgrade over both your Motiv and the Univega.
Not clear on how it would fit your 6'5" body though.
If you are already towing people behind your tandem, maybe look into this instead?
https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/b...832076377.html
#4
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Thread Starter
For somebody 6'5" I would expect the Santana to fit you the best. However the stoker sizing is also huge. How tall is your stoker?
The KHS is the newest of the three bikes. It would also allow more stoker options. And would be an upgrade over both your Motiv and the Univega.
Not clear on how it would fit your 6'5" body though.
If you are already towing people behind your tandem, maybe look into this instead?
https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/b...832076377.html
The KHS is the newest of the three bikes. It would also allow more stoker options. And would be an upgrade over both your Motiv and the Univega.
Not clear on how it would fit your 6'5" body though.
If you are already towing people behind your tandem, maybe look into this instead?
https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/b...832076377.html
I thought seriously about buying a triplet a couple years ago...
Would you guess that the Santana is a slow mover due to it's size? I'm struggling to understand why it would be on the market so long (the price has progressively dropped). There's something about the Univega that gives me hesitation, maybe I'll go look at it and put my concerns to rest. I do like the KHS, I guess I wasn't sure that there was the extra $100 (or $250) worth of value ($100 for the univega, $200 for the KHS, $350 for the Santana, etc) given the easy riding I do.
Thanks again!
#5
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That Santana is a well made and maintained bike but it is BIG and ancient. It has orphan Suntour components including downtube shifters and cantilever brakes. Lots of the things "classic and vintage" aficionados prefer are especially tedious on a tandem.
The Univega is maybe a little newer but just not as premium.
The KHS is ~ten years newer, from the V-brake and trigger shifter era (c.Y2K) and it's the one I'd go for out of the three. It can be serviced with parts available at retail today. It also looks smallest in the back.
Fitting little kids can be hard. Before you put your money down you need to see if your stoker can reach the pedals with the seat slammed. Take off the bag and reflector and consider a less poofy seat. Crank shorteners help but they are astonishingly expensive for two little pieces of aluminum.
The Univega is maybe a little newer but just not as premium.
The KHS is ~ten years newer, from the V-brake and trigger shifter era (c.Y2K) and it's the one I'd go for out of the three. It can be serviced with parts available at retail today. It also looks smallest in the back.
Fitting little kids can be hard. Before you put your money down you need to see if your stoker can reach the pedals with the seat slammed. Take off the bag and reflector and consider a less poofy seat. Crank shorteners help but they are astonishingly expensive for two little pieces of aluminum.
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#6
Junior Member
If you don't need a tandem to fit your daughters, and you don't care about upgrading, then this might be a great bike. However I suggest carefully test-riding the bike before buying. If the stoker doesn't like the bike, then there is no point in buying it.
Do you want a 26" bike? Or a 700c bike? Your Duet is 26'' and likely more cushy. The Santana is 700c and will be more harsh but likely faster/more efficient. A suspension seatpost could always be added to keep the stoker happy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamondback...UAAOSwFzNcnmKh
#7
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Thread Starter
That Santana is a well made and maintained bike but it is BIG and ancient. It has orphan Suntour components including downtube shifters and cantilever brakes. Lots of the things "classic and vintage" aficionados prefer are especially tedious on a tandem.
The Univega is maybe a little newer but just not as premium.
The KHS is ~ten years newer, from the V-brake and trigger shifter era (c.Y2K) and it's the one I'd go for out of the three. It can be serviced with parts available at retail today. It also looks smallest in the back.
The Univega is maybe a little newer but just not as premium.
The KHS is ~ten years newer, from the V-brake and trigger shifter era (c.Y2K) and it's the one I'd go for out of the three. It can be serviced with parts available at retail today. It also looks smallest in the back.
#8
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Thanks for the feedback! I suspect in about 2-3 years my tandem will see less use as the girls feel the freedom of their own bikes (the tallest is around 48" tall, and is on her own bike most of the time now); If I buy a tandem with them in mind my wife will never join me - but like I said, they seem to enjoy just sitting back there and enjoying the ride. That being said, my wife is 5'-11"
I thought seriously about buying a triplet a couple years ago...
Would you guess that the Santana is a slow mover due to it's size? I'm struggling to understand why it would be on the market so long (the price has progressively dropped). There's something about the Univega that gives me hesitation, maybe I'll go look at it and put my concerns to rest. I do like the KHS, I guess I wasn't sure that there was the extra $100 (or $250) worth of value ($100 for the univega, $200 for the KHS, $350 for the Santana, etc) given the easy riding I do.
Thanks again!
I thought seriously about buying a triplet a couple years ago...
Would you guess that the Santana is a slow mover due to it's size? I'm struggling to understand why it would be on the market so long (the price has progressively dropped). There's something about the Univega that gives me hesitation, maybe I'll go look at it and put my concerns to rest. I do like the KHS, I guess I wasn't sure that there was the extra $100 (or $250) worth of value ($100 for the univega, $200 for the KHS, $350 for the Santana, etc) given the easy riding I do.
Thanks again!
At 6'5" you have to know you are on the outside of 'off the shelf' bike sizing. Back in the day any old Peugot or Schwinn could be bought at the local shop with a 27" frame but those days are long gone. So even single bikes must be hard to find in your size. Personally I would say forget trying to find, or even thinking about the prospect of (another) tandem for you and the young ones. That ship has sailed, well, lets say its under way. By your own admission. The best thing you could do for them is get them excellent singles in their size and go out as a gaggle on weekends. If you and the Mrs. want to get that Santana sorted out you would be getting one at a steal of a price. It sounds perfect for the both of you. You could always continue pulling the Mountain Trains with it for as long as that continues to be fun. That must be quite a sight. I doubt you'd be much faster on a tandem with the Mrs. pulling two kidbacks than with the two of you on a tandem and the kids on their own singles. But once every now and then (or more often than that) you two should try to get in rides with just the two of you. FWIW.
#9
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If you don't mind driving a bit, here might be an even better bike for less: https://visalia.craigslist.org/bik/d...856808565.html
#10
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Thread Starter
It's hard for you to understand just how little wide appeal tandems have out in the world but I'm not surprised that so many of them languish on Craigslist or in co-op windows. The Univega looks 'rode hard and put away wet'. Put away for a long time at that. You've been down that road already. Is there a good reason to wanting to do it again?
At 6'5" you have to know you are on the outside of 'off the shelf' bike sizing. Back in the day any old Peugot or Schwinn could be bought at the local shop with a 27" frame but those days are long gone. So even single bikes must be hard to find in your size. Personally I would say forget trying to find, or even thinking about the prospect of (another) tandem for you and the young ones. That ship has sailed, well, lets say its under way. By your own admission. The best thing you could do for them is get them excellent singles in their size and go out as a gaggle on weekends. If you and the Mrs. want to get that Santana sorted out you would be getting one at a steal of a price. It sounds perfect for the both of you. You could always continue pulling the Mountain Trains with it for as long as that continues to be fun. That must be quite a sight. I doubt you'd be much faster on a tandem with the Mrs. pulling two kidbacks than with the two of you on a tandem and the kids on their own singles. But once every now and then (or more often than that) you two should try to get in rides with just the two of you. FWIW.
At 6'5" you have to know you are on the outside of 'off the shelf' bike sizing. Back in the day any old Peugot or Schwinn could be bought at the local shop with a 27" frame but those days are long gone. So even single bikes must be hard to find in your size. Personally I would say forget trying to find, or even thinking about the prospect of (another) tandem for you and the young ones. That ship has sailed, well, lets say its under way. By your own admission. The best thing you could do for them is get them excellent singles in their size and go out as a gaggle on weekends. If you and the Mrs. want to get that Santana sorted out you would be getting one at a steal of a price. It sounds perfect for the both of you. You could always continue pulling the Mountain Trains with it for as long as that continues to be fun. That must be quite a sight. I doubt you'd be much faster on a tandem with the Mrs. pulling two kidbacks than with the two of you on a tandem and the kids on their own singles. But once every now and then (or more often than that) you two should try to get in rides with just the two of you. FWIW.
If you don't mind driving a bit, here might be an even better bike for less: https://visalia.craigslist.org/bik/d...856808565.html
Unikid, thank you! I always appreciate it when folks take the time and effort to find a deal! Unfortunately it is 4 hours away, I don't foresee my wife approving of me driving 8 hours round trip for a bike! It does look awesome though.
#11
Junior Member
If you don't mind driving a bit, here might be an even better bike for less: https://visalia.craigslist.org/bik/d...856808565.html
#12
Junior Member
I know - right? That bike has to be the deal of the year. That drag brake in back is likely worth some decent money on its own.
With that drag brake in back and wind fairing in front I can imagine the current owner zooming down some steep mountain passes on that thing.
With that drag brake in back and wind fairing in front I can imagine the current owner zooming down some steep mountain passes on that thing.
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Setting aside condition for now, that Univega would be a step up from your Motiv. It is the same bike as the Raleigh Companion but different branding and color. I have one and I like it.
However, you can’t just set aside condition and it’s pretty weathered. Answering on my phone, I can’t see your original post, but I think you said you are a reasonable bike mechanic? Then you should be able to see what is salvageable with cleaning and service and what would require replacement, putting you in the same situation as you’re in now.
If your budget is $250 or so, you might just keep looking. I see Univega and Raleigh tandems for sale pretty regularly (3-4 per year maybe?) just a short drive south of you. They are typically available in the $200-$350 range. There might be a third brand that uses the same bike, too. Keep an eye out for the lateral/mixte frame layout. It’s lretty distinctive once you know to look for it.
There’s another Santana for sale now in your neck of the woods that has the desirable Arai drum brake but has been partially disassembled for painting. It’s asking price is more than the yellow Santana you listed, but a bike needing work may have greater room for negotiation.
However, you can’t just set aside condition and it’s pretty weathered. Answering on my phone, I can’t see your original post, but I think you said you are a reasonable bike mechanic? Then you should be able to see what is salvageable with cleaning and service and what would require replacement, putting you in the same situation as you’re in now.
If your budget is $250 or so, you might just keep looking. I see Univega and Raleigh tandems for sale pretty regularly (3-4 per year maybe?) just a short drive south of you. They are typically available in the $200-$350 range. There might be a third brand that uses the same bike, too. Keep an eye out for the lateral/mixte frame layout. It’s lretty distinctive once you know to look for it.
There’s another Santana for sale now in your neck of the woods that has the desirable Arai drum brake but has been partially disassembled for painting. It’s asking price is more than the yellow Santana you listed, but a bike needing work may have greater room for negotiation.
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Does she need to know? I took a vacation day from work to drive and get my triplet. Buyer might be willing to meet you half way as well. You could get lots of pics in advance to mitigate committing to buying sight unseen.
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Didnt see this when I replied. This is an awesome deal.
Does she need to know? I took a vacation day from work to drive and get my triplet. Buyer might be willing to meet you half way as well. You could get lots of pics in advance to mitigate committing to buying sight unseen.
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Didnt see this when I replied. This is an awesome deal.
Does she need to know? I took a vacation day from work to drive and get my triplet. Buyer might be willing to meet you half way as well. You could get lots of pics in advance to mitigate committing to buying sight unseen.
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So combine high bug potential and fast mountain pass descents, a fairing/windshield might be worthwhile! Probably pulled it off an old motorcycle. I remember back in the day a company that marketed a bicycle fairing... but the memory banks don't recall the brand or name. This was when "tire savers" were popular.
#19
Junior Member
Thanks for your feedback! Perhaps I'll try to nurse the Motiv for a bit longer and see if something better comes along. I really don't want to spend the $350 for the light riding we do, that being said, I'd say we're using it at least 3-4 times per week over the summer (last summer we used it almost daily going to the park, store, etc... but circumstances have changed a bit). For the record, it is a sight...I can't tell you how many looks we get as our train 'o' bikes goes down the road, the kid's love it.
Unikid, thank you! I always appreciate it when folks take the time and effort to find a deal! Unfortunately it is 4 hours away, I don't foresee my wife approving of me driving 8 hours round trip for a bike! It does look awesome though.
Unikid, thank you! I always appreciate it when folks take the time and effort to find a deal! Unfortunately it is 4 hours away, I don't foresee my wife approving of me driving 8 hours round trip for a bike! It does look awesome though.
Okay so here's something a bit closer drive. For less than the price to fill your gas tank you can have a proper tandem. Might as well offer them $50 and see what they say before even heading down there:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...897701829.html
They clearly have no idea what they own as they have all the details wrong about the bike. Just so you know what this thing is, you can reference here:
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/...spx?item=90952
You might also want to ask if they have the original Stoker handlebars, Seat and Seatpost as well while you are at it. If you are lucky they might still have those bouncing around somewhere.
If you are really lucky all you might need is new tires and you'll be good to go.
David
PS (note the timing chain setup between captain and stoker is out of phase by a few teeth. You might want to fix that before heading out on your first long ride)
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#20
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Thread Starter
Thank you again for sharing! I had seen it previously and I did contact the fellow but as I received no reply I suspect it's long gone. Oh well. It looked pretty sweet.
CR
CR
Okay so here's something a bit closer drive. For less than the price to fill your gas tank you can have a proper tandem. Might as well offer them $50 and see what they say before even heading down there:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...897701829.html
They clearly have no idea what they own as they have all the details wrong about the bike. Just so you know what this thing is, you can reference here:
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/...spx?item=90952
You might also want to ask if they have the original Stoker handlebars, Seat and Seatpost as well while you are at it. If you are lucky they might still have those bouncing around somewhere.
If you are really lucky all you might need is new tires and you'll be good to go.
David
PS (note the timing chain setup between captain and stoker is out of phase by a few teeth. You might want to fix that before heading out on your first long ride)
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...897701829.html
They clearly have no idea what they own as they have all the details wrong about the bike. Just so you know what this thing is, you can reference here:
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/...spx?item=90952
You might also want to ask if they have the original Stoker handlebars, Seat and Seatpost as well while you are at it. If you are lucky they might still have those bouncing around somewhere.
If you are really lucky all you might need is new tires and you'll be good to go.
David
PS (note the timing chain setup between captain and stoker is out of phase by a few teeth. You might want to fix that before heading out on your first long ride)