buying a tandem?
 

either of these a good deal?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/372562891.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/370426805.html

Those frames are really set up differently. Are you sure they would both fit?

You can use this to estimate value:

http://www.thetandemlink.com/usedhome.html

The Santana is not a bad price, but it is pretty old (note the down tube shifters) and you could probably do better. On a bike that old you really need to check the elliptical and the other wearing parts to make sure they are in decent shape, otherwise you are buying a bike and a big repair bill. The Trek is a decent looking bike, but it too would need to be inspected. there is also the fit issue. Between the two (and I own a Santana so I am not biased against them, despite their weird rear wheel spacing) I probably prefer the trek.

Is this for you and Farrah and how do you plan to use it?

yes for me and Farrah.

but might also use for me and my dad, in rally. (he would be the butt sniffer).

The term is stoker. Geez, you Texans are all alike.

WOuld both Farrah and your dad fit the stoker spot on both bikes? That seems unlikely to me.

Dad is 5'9", Farrah is 5'7", but most of Farrah's height is in her legs. So it is conceivable.

I don't know the trek frame size, but it looks like it might be a bit cramped for a 5'7" stoker. Your best bet is to ride it ansd see. A cramped stoker = a crabby stoker after a while, and that is never a good thinkg, especially if you are married.

The santana is an ok deal, assuming it is in well-maintained top condition. I woudl dicker, however.

This is the Tandem for you and Farrah.

http://www.calfeedesign.com/tandem.htm

Thiose are sweet, sweet bikes, but the price is not right for my pocketbook.

Yikes. You paying?

Creekster, I think I will wait for something withi more modern shifters. I don't want to use downtube shifters.

The Calfee Tandem is Tandem Nirvana. Once you ride a Calfee, you want none other. They are fast suckers as well.

I think that is a good call. If you want local, craig's list is a good way to go. You can also try on-line. If you are interested in looking on-line, let me know and I iwll get some links for you.

Here is a list of other tandems, if the Calfee is too downscale for you Mike.

http://tandem-fahren.de/Mitglieder/C.../builders.html

You're a doctor afterall, you gotta look the part.

Here's the best ti bike maker.

http://www.litespeed.com/2007/custom.aspx

I meant I would get links for used tandems, in case he isn't Daddy Warbucks, like you.

tandem with a disc wheel? that would be awesome.

Can you imagine showing up to the local century on a ti tandem with a disc wheel?

He's a doctor, he's richer than the both of us.

I'm in the bottom 1% in terms of doctor salary I am sure.

That makes you in the top 1% of lawyers. Why do you think we chase ambulances? To get a small piece of what you guys have.

I just looked up starting pay for lawyers. I make less than first year large firm and medium-sized firm first-year laywers. In fact the starting pay for large firm lawyers is higher than I will make for at least 10 years. And this is after having not been paid for a long time while in training (8 years training versus 3 years in law).

We all kniow Arch is blowing smoke. The question si do you want more info on used tandems?

how does one ship a tandem? is it even realistic to look at tandems not in my area?

They can be shipped. Look for one you liek then look for a nearby dealer that is familiar with tandems. For example, you can go to Santana or one of the other big builders and look for their dealers. Then you work a deal to have the bike inspected by the dealer on your dime (to buy loyalty) and then pay them to pack and ship it. Not hard at all. I bought my triple this way and have had no problems at all.