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.