Wife and I looking at some tandem bicycles.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

The wife and I are looking to get some exercise and get back in shape.
We figure riding TWOgether is the way to go. Although we've never riden tandem.
To be honest, we never really ride bikes at all anymore. Last I rode was in college (transportation).
I think it could help up strengthen our relationship and teamwork skills.
We did try one out at the store today. We'll need some work as it was a bit wobbly.
I don't think she trusted me totally and it felt I had a gyrating brick sitting behind me - lol.

Anyways, we aren't looking at spending alot in case tandem just doesn't work out for us.
There are a few Walmart-caliber brands around $300 we are lookint at:
Kent Dualdrive, Kent 700c, Pacific Cycle Dualie, 2WB Beach Cruiser, and Mongoose Wanderer...
All are steel frame with Shimano shifters. Nothing fancy.

Any suggestions?

[wtmusic]

1. A number of problems with tandems.

* Must be ridden together, unless you're really a masochist
* A good one costs more than two good single seaters.
* Hard to store and take in the car
* Fit can be a problem, unless you're very close to the same height (seat adjustment should allow your legs to be almost straight when pedals are at their lowest).

As you might imagine, the Walmart/boxstore ones are heavy as hell, and usually have cheap v-brakes which are hard to adjust.

I know couples that do very well on more expensive ones like Santanas, but even those spend a lot of time hanging in the garage.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

2. tell me more about "V brakes"

I must admit, we are not biking enthusiats and know very little.
My 4 years in college I only rode cheap "throwaway" $80 MTN bikes rather than destroy a nice bike in the Cleveland salt/snow.

V brakes... are those the rubber ones that squeeze the sides of the tire rim?
I know there are rubber brakes, rear wheel pedal brakes, and disk brakes.
I must admit, the disk brakes look and feel kickass. Tried some out at the store today.

[wtmusic]

3. V-brakes are a particular kind of rim brake

And they work ok, but they're difficult to center. You can adjust them by turning the little setscrew you see on the lower right, but it's not long before they're rubbing on the rim again:



Disc brakes are great. and can't be beat if you really think you'll be out riding in the snow.

The kind most better road bikes have are called dual-pivot, but they're surprisingly hard to find on most hybrid multi-purpose-type bikes:



Like anything else, the experience is improved considerably with a better bike. You won't regret spending a little more for quality and lighter weight.

[Kolesar]

5. Disk brakes have the kind of stopping power you need on a lead sled

...on a downhill grade.

The V-brakes have that transverse pull mechanism as in wtmusic's photos. I have never used them.

[alfredo]

8. Disc brakes don't overheat the rims.

[happyslug]

4. Discussed on an earlier thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x2072

[david13]

6. Dude. And wife. Don't look at them. Just buy one. And ride it.

Regularly.
dc

[Kolesar]

7. "Independent coasting" tandem at Teamspirit.net

http://www.teamspirit.net
The extra driveshaft runs at "double speed", which allows great front-shifter-gearing options.

[alfredo]

9. If you have any communication problems or "control" issues, a

Tandem may not be for you. The stoker needs to be trusting and not easily startled. If the stoker has PTSD, a tandem is not for you.

[alfredo]

10. Bicycle built for two, second verse

David David here is my answer true
I'm not crazy all for the likes of you
If you cannot afford a carriage
Call off the blooming marriage
For I'll be damned if I'll be jammed
On a bicycle built for two

[Obamanaut]

11. If you have considered tandem, have you also considered recumbent

tandem?

You can get an idea from the online catalog of www.hostelshoppe.com and for scads of info the forum www.bentrideronline.com can't be beat.

[Kennah]

12. I talked to my wife about getting a Tandem, but they don't make what she wants.

Not one single bike maker has one with the pedals positioned so she can put her foot up my ass on a moment's notice.