Tandem Buying
We have an extensive list of UK Tandem Suppliers in the Members' Area of this site.
The first question to ask, when buying a tandem, is, "Have you ridden a tandem before?".
Some couples just can't get on together on a tandem - perhaps
one partner pushes too high a gear and is always late in changing
down for a hill. Of course, through practice these things could
possibly be ironed out. Some stokers find the position at the
back too cramped, although this does depend on the tandem. If,
therefore, you haven't any experience of tandem riding you should
try it out first before committing yourselves to buying a tandem.
There are several firms who have tandems for hire in the UK. A
list is published in the Tandem Club's Members Handbook and a
copy of this list is available here.
The Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) also publishes
a free general Cycle Hire Directory - contact them on 01483
417217 (Fax 01483 426994, E-mail cycling@ctc.org.uk).
A copy of this directory is also available on their Web site at
www.ctc.org.uk.
Cost of tandems vary from several hundred pounds to several thousand pounds.
Many retailers will let you try out a tandem before buying one and for those people wanting to try out a new tandem before they buy there is also The Tandem Experience
where you can try out a tandem and get instruction on riding techniques,
how to get the correct fit and riding position and how to start
and stop without embarrassment. For further details refer to that
website.
The prices of second-hand tandems vary quite a bit but you have
to watch what you're buying and ensure that if it's an old tandem
that spares are available. That's where membership of the Tandem
Club can be very useful (Application Form). You can get specialist advice about spare parts and the Club holds some items that are
not otherwise readily available. For views about different makes
of tandems, and useful information about accessories, it's worth
taking a look at the Club's Discussion
Board.
As to where you can find second-hand tandems for sale you could
look at Exchange & Mart magazine,
the CTC magazine Cycle Touring & Campaigning or the For
Sale Board on this site. However the best place is in the
Tandem Club Journal which is published every two months and which
always includes a fair number of second-hand tandems for sale.
These are usually snapped up very quickly. You might like to consider
joining the Club (£10 pa) just for that!
For an extensive list of UK Tandem Suppliers, go to the Members' Area of this site.
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