http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Tandem insanity en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:52:49 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73164 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:29:22 +0000 crowriver 73164@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Tandems are the gateway to a whole world of 'non-standard' bicycles. Beware!</em></p> <p>Yes, we've had a few nervous giggles and guffaws already. Neighbours were quite curious and asked the 'solo' question: I was happy to demonstrate that, yes, I could ride it on my own and reassure that an adult could fit on the back too. One young couple thought it was a "really cool bike" so maybe they're thinking of getting one for themselves?</p> <p><em>At least the Raleigh machine is cheaper than a car. Where did you get it... can I ask?</em></p> <p>Price was certainly a factor. You probably won't like this but I got it from an internet box shifter mail order retailer rather than an LBS. Risky in terms of after sales service, but the alternative was a second hand machine with who knows what kind of hidden issues.</p> <p><em>Of course I'd love to have had you as a Circe Helios owner </em></p> <p>I did consider that, given my penchant for small wheeled bikes, and also some higher end conventional tandems such as the Dawes models and Thorn Voyager. Ultimately went for the Raleigh because we're new to tandeming and so the 'entry level' point of this machine seemed appropriate. My partner seems intrigued by the possibilities of the tandem so it might be that after some years we could upgrade to a more 'serious' or better machine, or even buy a second tandem. </p> <p>We'll have to see how it goes: the boy seems converted anyway! Don't know whether I'll ever manage to get him back on his own bike at this rate mind you. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73158 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:21:10 +0000 SRD 73158@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sometimes things become 'common' and 'popular' because they are good! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73156 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:13:26 +0000 LaidBack 73156@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Tandems are the gateway to a whole world of 'non-standard' bicycles. Beware!<br /> </em><br /> People will say things like<br /> • can you pedal it by yourself?<br /> • I haven't seen one of these for years<br /> • my pre-war honeymoon was on a tandem</p> <p>At least the Raleigh machine is cheaper than a car. Where did you get it... can I ask?<br /> Of course I'd love to have had you as a Circe Helios owner but they are becoming too common now so I'm told;-) </p> <p>Hope you get good use of it -crank shorteners are good idea. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73143 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:41:41 +0000 crowriver 73143@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Sorry, don't believe you!</em></p> <p>I gave myself a get out clause in the 'replacement/upgrade' department. I have pledged to myself though that I'll have to get rid of one in order to obtain anything new (already started this with the folding bikes). There are some bicycles it would be really nice to have, but I can't justify owning. I'll get on with enjoying, tweaking and fixing the ones I have for the time being...</p> <p><em>Is there a prize for the first person to "spot" you? ;-)</em></p> <p>A copy of the Spokes newsletter delivered to your door; otherwise a back issue of 'Camping and Caravanning' magazine? :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73141 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:17:35 +0000 cb 73141@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Okay, that is the bicycle collection complete now"</p> <p>Sorry, don't believe you!</p> <p>Nice tandem though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73140 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:13:33 +0000 SRD 73140@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>cool! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73139 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:12:11 +0000 Min 73139@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nifty. Is there a prize for the first person to "spot" you? ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6934#post-73137 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:04:43 +0000 crowriver 73137@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Okay, that is the bicycle collection complete now. Last week took delivery of a tandem, which thankfully fits my lad and will also fit my partner too. Can fit a rear seat for the wee girl if required.</p> <p> I was looking at second hand Thorn childback tandems but the prices were silly for machines over a decade old. They are quality cycles but old components, drivetrains etc. would have required sorting out/replacing sooner or later. Cheap and cheerful, but new was the path I took instead. So far I'm pleasantly surprised both with the ride quality and the specs of the Adventurer: a lot of bike for the price. Fitted a disc rack and some guards so it's ready for general purpose use. I've also picked up some barely used crank shorteners as the stock rear cranks may cause discomfort for my son longer term - though amazingly they do fit him (he has very long legs for his age).</p> <p>No.1 son and I have already had a couple of test runs, one in the rain last week and another yesterday evening. The balloon tyres (60mm) make for a comfy ride and the brakes stop very well. The bike is light enough unloaded to lift single handed with relative ease, and manouvrable enough to get round twiddly bits like the access to the Easter Road/Seafield path. So far, so good.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/7334971194/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7334971194_61b938b680_n.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/7334971194/">Raleigh Adventurer Tandem</a> </p> <p>That really is it, though. The garage is full, and two unfinished projects still to come, so no more bikes for me except for replacement/upgrade purposes. </p>