Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Tandems => Topic started by: alan on 24 May, 2008, 11:10:36 am

Title: Tandem owner
Post by: alan on 24 May, 2008, 11:10:36 am
It occurrs to me that a list of  YACF-TO may be usefull.So......

Alan & Marj
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Polar Bear on 24 May, 2008, 07:19:21 pm
It occurrs to me that a list of  YACF-TO may be usefull.So......

Alan & Marj
Polar Bear
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: rower40 on 24 May, 2008, 08:03:53 pm
Rower40 has a vacant stoker seat.  A blind friend's guide dog wasn't happy in the trailer, so we never actually did any rides.

For my latest commuting bike, I rode the tandem to the LBS, and asked for "one like that but with only one seat".
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: chris on 24 May, 2008, 08:12:39 pm
Couple of tandems and a triplet here.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wobbly John on 24 May, 2008, 10:27:46 pm
One in the Wobbly collection (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/tandem2.jpg).

Vacant stoker saddle.  :(
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: chris on 25 May, 2008, 09:10:09 am
One in the Wobbly collection (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/tandem2.jpg).

Vacant stoker saddle.  :(

Bit disappointing to see it's not a 'wobble' tandem ???
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: orienteer on 25 May, 2008, 04:47:19 pm
Bike Friday Tandem Two'sday
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Si on 25 May, 2008, 05:30:56 pm
Big purple Burley, me and Mrs Me.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: fiendish on 25 May, 2008, 10:46:51 pm
Elderly Dawes here, sadly neglected atm due to arrival of littlun.  May be modded in the near future.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 26 May, 2008, 03:55:33 am
Early Cannondale road tandem
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Jasmine on 26 May, 2008, 09:16:06 am
Andy and I have a Dawes Galaxy Twin and a Santana Team Ti 700 (http://www.andsl.org/santana.jpg).


Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 26 May, 2008, 09:22:51 am
We have a Orbit Routier called Tina.  Tina has two stokers but not both at once.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Karen Sutton on 26 May, 2008, 09:51:57 am
Bike Friday Tandem Two'sday


We will have one of these next month....for now we just have a Longstaff Tandem Trike.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: alchemy on 26 May, 2008, 09:57:45 am
Andy and I have a Dawes Galaxy Twin and a Santana Team Ti 700 (http://www.andsl.org/santana.jpg).

Those stokers handlebars look as if they're at just the right height for some serious bottom-fondling action :o :thumbsup:

Coincidence??  ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Jasmine on 26 May, 2008, 10:06:00 am
Andy and I have a Dawes Galaxy Twin and a Santana Team Ti 700 (http://www.andsl.org/santana.jpg).

Those stokers handlebars look as if they're at just the right height for some serious bottom-fondling action :o :thumbsup:

Coincidence??  ;D

No comment.  ;)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 26 May, 2008, 10:11:04 pm
Clarion and I have ownership of 5, but only have custody of a Dawes 2 Across and a Super Galaxy at the moment. :D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Tim Hall on 26 May, 2008, 10:25:47 pm
We has a Pino
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: domesticated ape on 26 May, 2008, 10:42:08 pm
Since about 3 hours ago, me and Mrs Ape have been in possession of an Motobecane Inter Club tandem that's older then we are! My dad bought it secondhand in about 1980, but he's hardly ridden it for ages so we've liberated it :) It needs saddles fitting and the tyres pupming up but we should be able to take it out for a spin sometime in the next few days, can't wait!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Paul on 27 May, 2008, 09:08:14 am
Dawes Super Galaxy (http://picasaweb.google.com/woollypigs/DerbyshirePieRunIII200506/photo?authkey=_oQBe-kPMSE#5066810054980046978), aka Monty.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Charlotte on 27 May, 2008, 09:49:40 am
Me an' Liz are now the proud owners of a ver' tasty steel Santana wiv S&S couplings, carbon forks an' a SON dynohub  :D

(I still have Margaret Hilda, so mine is officially a two-tandem household...)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Ian H on 27 May, 2008, 09:57:25 am
The marital Tom Avon is still languishing in the shed, me not having managed to sell it yet. Too small for Ms R.

I have a half share in a Pete Tansley racing bike, though haven't used it for a few years.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Martin109 on 27 May, 2008, 09:59:27 am
Mrs 109 and I have Bertin touring tandem.  This sometimes has a vacant stoker seat, as Mrs 109 is still getting used to it and doesn't want to go too far.  It's waiting for funds for an upgrade of wheels and conversion to 8-speed with STIs, so that I don't have to keep fumbling around for the downtube shifter!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: rr on 27 May, 2008, 01:46:39 pm
Orbit Libra here, three different stokers
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: eck on 27 May, 2008, 02:08:36 pm
Dawes Super Galaxy (http://picasaweb.google.com/woollypigs/DerbyshirePieRunIII200506/photo?authkey=_oQBe-kPMSE#5066810054980046978), aka Monty.
That's a gorgeous colour, Paul. is it original?

Here's our, third hand, Orbit Gemini. Not the fastest thing on two wheels, but what do you want for £250?  :thumbsup:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2527224049_9289f1e604.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2527224049_9289f1e604.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Paul on 27 May, 2008, 02:23:36 pm
Dawes Super Galaxy (http://picasaweb.google.com/woollypigs/DerbyshirePieRunIII200506/photo?authkey=_oQBe-kPMSE#5066810054980046978), aka Monty.
That's a gorgeous colour, Paul. is it original?

As far as I know. I only got it a couple of years ago from a guy across the road who couldn't use it anymore. The decals all look to be genuine, so I assume it's the original paint. To be honest, I wasn't wild about the colour but, coincidentally,

what do you want for £250?  :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: amg on 28 May, 2008, 07:46:32 pm
Dawes Discovery Twin here, stoker seat shared between 11 and 13 yo daughters.  Predictably known as Daisy (the tandem, not the daughters)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: drossall on 28 May, 2008, 08:45:20 pm
Claud Butler Majestic 2, sadly not much ridden lately.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: PrettyBoyTim on 28 May, 2008, 11:33:05 pm
We has a Pino

Oooooh - I'd love to have one of them!


I have a tandem, but there are no pedals for the stoker, his seat is mounted above the rear wheel and it looks like this:

(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6063/copilot20taxi2006ih4.jpg)

 ;)

Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: JohnHamilton on 29 May, 2008, 06:13:15 pm
Ibis 'Purple People Eater'. Just returned from a respray and upgrade to front and rear disks.

(http://www.cig.canon-europe.com/ph/AIG/K1LhYYe0J47sCNBM3603ks3kskXL0003kskXLy2wI7olN.jpg)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: oldcobblers on 29 May, 2008, 07:07:12 pm
2 tandems in our stable.

More of these things around than we think!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Paul on 30 May, 2008, 11:17:03 am
Ibis 'Purple People Eater'. Just returned from a respray and upgrade to front and rear disks.

Another stunner.

Did they have to beef up the stay/fork for the disk calipers?
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Frenchie on 30 May, 2008, 12:10:11 pm
We has a Pino

Oooooh - I'd love to have one of them!



We have a Limo and they are great!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: nuttycyclist on 30 May, 2008, 12:56:52 pm
One in the Wobbly collection (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/tandem2.jpg).

Vacant stoker saddle.  :(

Bit disappointing to see it's not a 'wobble' tandem ???


Ours (http://nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/bungle.htm) is so thin and flexible it feels like a wobble bike.  Especially when it's got panniers on and I'm riding it solo having dropped the stoker off at work :-X
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: JohnHamilton on 30 May, 2008, 01:10:19 pm
Ibis 'Purple People Eater'. Just returned from a respray and upgrade to front and rear disks.

Another stunner.

Did they have to beef up the stay/fork for the disk calipers?

Nothing required for the rear. It had a (non ISO standard) mounting for a Hope disk there before anyway. Unlikely to be a problem unless you've got particularly lightweight tubing but a bracing strut could always be brazed in between seat & chainstay.

Decided to go for a whole new fork rather than just braze on to the existing one. Thicker blades, crown & steerer. You also want lawyers lips or a straight through axle or similar to ensure the wheel stays in place. With the conventional mounting position the braking force acts to pull the wheel out of the dropouts (this could be avoided simply by putting the caliper on the front of the blade rather than the rear but no-one seems to do that).

Haven't ridden it very far yet (only just got it back on the road after spending all last weekend putting it back together) but very impressed with the disks so far. Lots of power and you don't need hands like a gorilla to use it - very responsive. It now brakes like a bicycle rather than an oil tanker.

Expensive job retrofitting though. Our wheels were already disk compatible which helped but if you needed new wheels as well then you'd be looking at £1000.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: thing1 on 31 May, 2008, 01:04:04 pm
The thing household holds one Thorn Adventure called Dobbin. He takes us touring, camping, on the occasional audax, and even appeared in Arrivée once.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Zipperhead on 31 May, 2008, 01:59:27 pm
I've got one. But it looks like I'm going to be rebuilding the back wheel this week - it's eaten four spokes in the last 100 miles. Still, it has such large flanges (ooeerr!) and such a simple spoking pattern (one cross) that I think that I can do it without even removing the gears.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Quisling on 01 June, 2008, 01:24:01 am
Add me and MiniQ to the list :thumbsup: with our Landescape tandem.

Q
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 June, 2008, 01:08:24 pm
You can add Me and Ms Weasel to the list now (courtesy of Phil).

We're the proud owners of a Schwinn Twin of some vintage that should hopefully be fully fettled over the next weeks.

(Me to Ms Weasel earlier this morning)

"Well, the brakes don't really work, I can't seem to change gear, the headset is loose and the back wheel is a bit wobbly.  Fancy a ride?"

She did.  It was a very short pootle but long enough to realise that the tandem fits us and that we should get along with riding it, especially when the brakes work.   :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I'm wanting to put drops on it (Ms Weasel approves as she will be able to see over me) and am wondering if I can somehow bodge my spare shimano triple chainset onto it...
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Martin109 on 01 June, 2008, 01:15:59 pm
We need a blow-by-blow account of all fettling, with pics! ;)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 June, 2008, 02:28:23 pm
Mrs. Wow and I have a Thorn Raven Discovery. In another ride or three it will have passed the 4000 mile mark.

We have broken the nearside flange of two Rohloff hubs.

Annie has also stoked on three or four occasions.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 01 June, 2008, 02:34:56 pm
You can add Me and Ms Weasel to the list now (courtesy of Phil).

We're the proud owners of a Schwinn Twin of some vintage that should hopefully be fully fettled over the next weeks.

(Me to Ms Weasel earlier this morning)

"Well, the brakes don't really work, I can't seem to change gear, the headset is loose and the back wheel is a bit wobbly.  Fancy a ride?"

She did.  It was a very short pootle but long enough to realise that the tandem fits us and that we should get along with riding it, especially when the brakes work.   :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I'm wanting to put drops on it (Ms Weasel approves as she will be able to see over me) and am wondering if I can somehow bodge my spare shimano triple chainset onto it...
Ooh, another Wandsworth tandem. :thumbsup: We'll have to organise a Wandsworth tandem ride. :D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 June, 2008, 09:49:27 pm
Well, you might have to remove Ms Weasel and I from the list of tandem owners for the moment   :(

My very non 1337 fettling skillz having been tested beyond my meagre ability, I passed the tandem on to my LBS to do the necessary.

They got the brakes and gears working and replaced the wheels.

On trying to fix the headset it all went horribly wrong - according to the LBS mechanic, the current headset is the wrong size and previous bodges have caused the headtube to flare, to the extent that the LBS really don't see how they can safely get a working headset on there.

They recommend scrapping it  :'(

They are putting the poor beast back together as was and we are going to see where we go from there (they aren't charging me either, despite much labour on their part and having replaced all the cabling (I'm going to get them something as a thank you)).

So the plan now may be to save up for a new or second hand one.  Curses.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: eck on 18 June, 2008, 09:56:56 pm
It might be worth investigating getting the head tube replaced, if it's a good quality frame. Dave Yates says £90 for a new one: http://www.daveyatescycles.co.uk/ (http://www.daveyatescycles.co.uk/)
Plus a respray, of course.
Might be an option?  :-\
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 June, 2008, 10:07:59 pm
Well, Ms Weasel is out tonight so we haven't had a chance to talk it through - we don't really know enough ourselves to know if the frame is worth the amount of effort that would make it useable.  The LBS are telling us it isn't.

The bagpuss/womble part of me wants to make good use of the everyday thing we have found but we could end up spending a fair amount of money and still not have that great a bike at the end of it. 


if we don't decide to carry on with the project, we'll be happy to pass on the mortal remains of poor Sandy (did you see the colour scheme?) to any interested party.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Zipperhead on 19 June, 2008, 12:21:03 am
It might be worth talking to Charlotte - I don't know if she has a home in mind for it, but she is currently overstocked with tandems (actually I am as it's in my garage as I borrowed it)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 19 June, 2008, 08:23:43 am
And as I offered Ms Weasel, you are very welcome to borrow (one of) our spare one(s) to see how you get on and what you want from it. :)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: drossall on 19 June, 2008, 08:32:07 am
Right, I'm off to start a "How many tandems do you need?" thread. Answer n+1. Debatable whether n = current number of bikes tandems or current number of girlfriends*, I suppose :D

Substitute boyfriends as appropriate. I'm married so n=0 and tandems=1  ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 19 June, 2008, 09:54:30 am
n=5 in our case :-[
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Andydauddwr on 19 June, 2008, 10:04:21 am
n=5 in our case :-[

That is rather committed, anything interesting/unusual?

We're feeling guilty about having two at the moment.  The original plan was to keep the old Dawes as a heavy tourer, but the latest idea is to flog it and buy a trailer for when we want to lug camping gear behind the bling tandem...

AC
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 19 June, 2008, 10:23:28 am
Well, Butterfly had two as work tools to fit different sized kids.

One is a Dawes 2Across, the other is an Orbit, er, SomethingorotherprobablyaLibraIIRC.

I have custody of Pagan's KHS, which was our first, bought from JD with a view to getting the wean mobile (and indeed helping him transform into Superstoker).  I bought a 531 (what else?! ;) ) Orbit touring tandem when Pagan & I divorced, but timing chain issues meant that I borrowed the KHS anyway.  Both are now in store in Yorkshire.

Since then, Butterfly & I have discovered we both really like tandemming, and she says that it's a good way to make sure I don't zoom off without her*, so we bought a Dawes Super Galaxy. :thumbsup :D




* Disclaimer:  I have never knowingly zoomed anywhere
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: chris on 19 June, 2008, 10:24:54 am
Can I claim n=3.5 (two tandems and a triplet) or even n=4 for when the trailer bike is on the triplet?
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 19 June, 2008, 11:16:47 am
Answer n+1. Debatable whether n = current number of girlfriends*, I suppose :D

Substitute boyfriends as appropriate. I'm married so n=0 and tandems=1  ;D
n=5 in our case :-[
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

We don't have room for another 4 partners in the flat. :o Not unless they share the bikes we already have and take over the hoovering, anyway... :-*
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 June, 2008, 11:22:53 am
And as I offered Ms Weasel, you are very welcome to borrow (one of) our spare one(s) to see how you get on and what you want from it. :)

We will definitely take you up on that kind offer!  Thanks very much  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 19 June, 2008, 12:06:47 pm
The hoovering, eh?  Hmmm....good idea.  What about ironing too? ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Paulapops on 23 June, 2008, 10:05:32 pm
We have 2. One rohloff equipped thorn adventure that get around a bit a rather "bling" custom longstaff   that get around a little less ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: alan on 23 June, 2008, 10:18:27 pm
We currently own a Dawes Two Across.Over the weekend Marj commented that she feels that we should sell it & upgrade :thumbsup:We live rather close to Longstaffs  ;)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 23 June, 2008, 10:21:49 pm
We currently own a Dawes Two Across.Over the weekend Marj commented that she feels that we should sell it & upgrade :thumbsup:We live rather close to Longstaffs  ;)
How lovely. :D
We have plans to fettle Delilah the Super Galaxy. We need to go to JD in Ilkley to try out various options first. :thumbsup: 8)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: drossall on 24 June, 2008, 06:34:57 pm
I was in Longstaffs yesterday. I think they had two second-hand ones - and of course they'll be happy to make a new one!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: alan on 24 June, 2008, 07:00:51 pm
I actually drove past the end of the street going elsewhere today & made a concious decision not to go in because I had my wallet in my pocket :o
Being in a place like that in possession of the wherewithall is a mistake choice I have made several times in the past ::-)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Karen Sutton on 22 July, 2008, 05:44:23 pm
We have a George Longstaff Tandem Trike.

Tomorrow we shall also have a Bike Friday Twosday.  AVC called today to say it's on it's way (we've been waiting twelve weeks for its immigration from the US) :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: nightrider on 01 August, 2008, 08:52:32 pm
Me and my daughter Alicia picked up our tandem.Its a very old Carton,with dropped  handlebars,and quite a short wheelbase for a tandem.Its quite a shock riding such a old bike I am used to clipless pedals and STIs,and brakes that work !Alicia loves it and has named it Andy the tandy.She is demanding pink handlebar tape and rldes,will I get to ride my solo again ? ::-)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 03 August, 2008, 08:04:39 pm
Pictures!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: sg37409 on 07 August, 2008, 11:58:13 pm
A triplet (me n u2) and '96 thorn discovery, currently off the road getting "done up"
Thinking of flogging the triplet for another tandem that both my sons (10&8) could stoke on.
cheers
Steve
Milton of Campsie
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: drossall on 08 August, 2008, 08:50:59 am
Assuming you don't want a second tandem for its own sake, have you tried crank shorteners (http://www.surlybikes.com/blogimages/IMG_4284_lg.jpg) or kiddicranks on the existing one?

Various makes and designs are available, particularly for crank shorteners, which our kids used from age about 8 on our tandem.

Depends on size of kid and of tandem of course - ours is about 21.5"/20.5".
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: sg37409 on 08 August, 2008, 10:11:50 am
hi Drossall
Yeah I've tried kiddie-cranks on the old Disco, but for a variety of reasons (not least I just fancy a new one) I wanted a dedicated machine for riding with the kids and same for riding with my missus.

I looked at Co-motion periscope, but their UK dealer never got back to me.  They look nice bikes but expensive.
So, I'm looking at a Thorn in L/S size. Not exactly what I originally wanted to do, but the bikes are nice.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 08 August, 2008, 10:40:04 am
Assuming you don't want a second tandem for its own sake, have you tried crank shorteners (http://www.surlybikes.com/blogimages/IMG_4284_lg.jpg) or kiddicranks on the existing one?

Various makes and designs are available, particularly for crank shorteners, which our kids used from age about 8 on our tandem.

Depends on size of kid and of tandem of course - ours is about 21.5"/20.5".

We use the exact same kiddy cranks as shown in the photo.  They are made by Santana and are fantastic.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: drossall on 08 August, 2008, 07:37:04 pm
Strictly what's in the photo are crank shorteners. Kiddycranks (http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/51/images/tandem-kiddycranks.jpg) are different.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 09 August, 2008, 03:41:48 pm
You're right. I do know the difference, typo on my behalf.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: damerell on 01 September, 2008, 02:57:58 am
Ours (http://nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/bungle.htm) is so thin and flexible it feels like a wobble bike.  Especially when it's got panniers on and I'm riding it solo having dropped the stoker off at work :-X

Admittedly the frame looks rather underbuilt, but I think all tandems _feel_ very wobbly when you have just dropped off a stoker - the bike+rider package just about halved in weight, and all your steering movements are the wrong magnitude.

Mine ('89? Super Galaxy) feels like pure jelly immediately after dropping someone off, especially if they are heavier than me - but after ten minutes it just feels like a rather ponderous and comfortable touring bike.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: RW on 16 October, 2008, 02:10:25 pm
We've got a Dawes Discovery Twin.  At the moment it's in France, we left it there and are planning to bring it home at Christmas, we're missing it.

I've also got an old Peugeot in the shed, which I used to ride with my son on the front.  It's too big for my partner AKA Polly on the back.  I should get round to trying to sell it.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Ian H on 16 October, 2008, 02:17:41 pm
We've got a Dawes Discovery Twin.  At the moment it's in France, we left it there and are planning to bring it home at Christmas, we're missing it.

I've also got an old Peugeot in the shed,

Is that the twin lateral frame or the newer open one?

I've still got the Tom Avon marathon bike in the shed. I'm supposed to be selling it. Also a half share in a Pete Tansley racing machine that I haven't seen for a few years.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: RW on 16 October, 2008, 05:48:42 pm
The Peugeot is a twin lateral.  It's a bit flexible, we can't use it because on Polly the stand over height is about minus two inches. 
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: ABlipInContinuity on 21 October, 2008, 10:52:17 am
Maffie and I can now join this list.

Is it worth having a seperate thread for vacant stoker positions? Not of course to be confuddled with an YACF dating list!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Panoramix on 21 March, 2009, 06:06:32 pm
I hadn't realised that there was a tandem section in yacf.

Mrs panoramix and I are the proud owners of a Thorn Explorer. We sometimes hitch the trailer at the back for our daughter and go for some day trip or even better camping adventures. As the family has grown 6 months ago, I need to figure a way for having two well behaved kids at the back!!!  ::-)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Russell on 22 March, 2009, 03:15:39 pm
The Russells have two:

MB Dronfield c 1984 made by Vernon Barker - our first, bought to see if we liked it and...

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/wilesfamily/th_DSC00302.jpg) (http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/wilesfamily/?action=view&current=DSC00302.jpg)  clicky

because we did a Dawes Galaxy Twin c 2004 aluminium - it came up on Ebay was local to us and the right size.

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/wilesfamily/th_DSC00460.jpg) (http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/wilesfamily/?action=view&current=DSC00460.jpg) clicky
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: stuartmmorrison on 23 March, 2009, 12:00:57 pm
Hi,
we have a Hase Pino All Round with aluminium frame up here in Edinburgh. Pics coming soon.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: alan on 23 March, 2009, 05:39:30 pm
, I need to figure a way for having two well behaved kids at the back!!!  ::-)

I don't know the age of your young 'uns but we still have a twin seat child trailer which you could buy if it is of interest to you.

We used it with our similar-age grand-daughters untill they were about 4 or 5 yrs old.

(http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1154/4179679/16505085/253689380.jpg)
(http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1154/4179679/16505085/253687578.jpg)

Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 April, 2009, 08:19:41 am
Ms Weasel and I are now the proud owner of a KHS Tandemania Sport, courtesy of Clarion.

I rode it back from Clarion's place last week and it rides well solo.  Ms Weasel and I managed to get round the block ok after getting it home (nobody died).

On Sunday we got out and did a gentle 23 mile pootle - although we did get up to 25mph for a bit on the flat, just to see how it went.

It's fairly forgiving and quite manoeuvrable - we seemed to manage ok around people and other cyclists, even on the Thames Path.

It's early days yet but it seems to suit us well, I have also noticed that people seem a lot friendlier to you when you are on a tandem rather than on single bikes.

Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 30 April, 2009, 09:09:05 am
:) :D 8) :D :)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 01 May, 2009, 02:04:19 am
I have also noticed that people seem a lot friendlier to you when you are on a tandem rather than on single bikes.



This is one of the many joys of tandeming.  Did you get your bum felt by your stoker?
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 01 May, 2009, 09:33:14 am
Did you get your bum felt by your stoker?

Isn't this the main reason for tandemming in the first place?

Oh - Wascally - you need to know that your jersey pockets are no longer your own.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 01 May, 2009, 10:03:38 am
Did you get your bum felt by your stoker?

Isn't this the main reason for tandemming in the first place?

Oh - Wascally - you need to know that your jersey pockets are no longer your own.

Just make sure the stoker hasn't got access to brakes.  Your arse and pockets may not be exclusively yours, brakes should be.  People that can't see where they are going shouldn't be braking for you.  I have heard some funny stories of what happened when braking is a team effort!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 01 May, 2009, 10:07:15 am
:-\

Two of our tandems have the drag brake operated by the stoker.  I think this is A Bad Thing.  Butterfly may have a different opinion. ;D

Junior stokers occasionally need reminding that, if it's been used as a parking brake, the drag should be released.  This often happens about 200yards along a flat road that feels like a hill ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: nuttycyclist on 01 May, 2009, 10:29:49 am
we have an inefficient drum brake under stoker control.

Often when I accelerate for a gap I know we'll make it feels like riding through treacle and the gap seems to shrink...
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: ed_o_brain on 01 May, 2009, 10:44:03 am
Did you get your bum felt by your stoker?

Isn't this the main reason for tandemming in the first place?

Oh - Wascally - you need to know that your jersey pockets are no longer your own.

Just make sure the stoker hasn't got access to brakes.  Your arse and pockets may not be exclusively yours, brakes should be.  People that can't see where they are going shouldn't be braking for you.  I have heard some funny stories of what happened when braking is a team effort!

Slow moving traffic ahead.
Me easing off (not freewheeling - like to keep the legs moving) and braking.

We are still accelerating ???

Maffie stop pedalling so hard there's slow traffic ahead!!!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 May, 2009, 12:03:56 am
Did you get your bum felt by your stoker?

Isn't this the main reason for tandemming in the first place?

This is why I have such a wide range of stokers who "do" for me! ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Somnolent on 08 June, 2009, 09:29:23 pm
Just bought a Super Galaxy tandem (an original 531 frame version from late 80's/early90's)
One of those mad ebay moments......

Now how do I go about changing the digit in my user name?
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 08 June, 2009, 09:40:09 pm
Cool.  SuperGals are brilliant :D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: damerell on 09 June, 2009, 12:55:43 am
Just bought a Super Galaxy tandem (an original 531 frame version from late 80's/early90's)

Just like mine, which is a 1989 model. The bike's done the E2E twice. They hold up well...
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: rdaviesb on 27 June, 2009, 09:48:31 pm
. We need to go to JD in Ilkley to try out various options first. :thumbsup: 8)
Do not......take your wallet with you..... Plastic will melt....  ;D
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Martin109 on 27 June, 2009, 10:10:31 pm
We've been out for the first time this year on our lovely Bertin.  We did several laps of the Eton Rowing Club Dorney Lake site, which is open to the public when there are no competitions.  It's a great place to tandem (and ride solo), as the lakeside tracks are so smooth (built for rowing coaches on bikes), and there are lovely long straights. 
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Viv on 20 July, 2009, 11:56:03 am
Here's mine...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3059610252_0f3df9b901_b.jpg)

Very pleased with it. Its a Super Galaxy 531, I'm guessing late 80's early 90's. Bought it last winter and rebuilt it on a shoestring (drop bars, smaller range gears, new chainrings, saddles, shifters, levers and cabling etc).

Must get some better pictures of it now the summer's here (??). Now without guards and racks.

Usual stoker is my 13 y/o daughter who otherwise would do no cycling (or any exercise - other than on WiiFit) otherwise. Done a few 100km Audaxes etc. She's not allowed brakes or to fiddle in my pockets!

I took the drag brake off but it's pretty flat round here so no real need.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 July, 2009, 12:03:44 pm
Here's mine...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3059610252_0f3df9b901_b.jpg)

Very pleased with it. Its a Super Galaxy 531, I'm guessing late 80's early 90's. Bought it last winter and rebuilt it on a shoestring (drop bars, smaller range gears, new chainrings, saddles, shifters, levers and cabling etc).

Must get some better pictures of it now the summer's here (??). Now without guards and racks.

Usual stoker is my 13 y/o daughter who otherwise would do no cycling (or any exercise - other than on WiiFit) otherwise. Done a few 100km Audaxes etc. She's not allowed brakes or to fiddle in my pockets!

I took the drag brake off but it's pretty flat round here so no real need.

You have a PM mate!
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 20 July, 2009, 12:10:05 pm
That's neat.  We also have a SuperGal of a similar period, though ours is grey (and has the drag brake, of which I have been glad in the North Downs & Howardian Hills ;D ).  I sometimes have a similarly youthful stoker. :)

For reasons mainly related to transport, we have Raceblades rather than full 'guards, though we have racks front & back for camping. :)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Viv on 20 July, 2009, 03:19:51 pm
has the drag brake, of which I have been glad

The Shimano V brakes coupled with the hi-action Cane Creek drop bar levers are very effective.
I have the drag brake but until we go touring the hillier parts of the world I don't think it's worth the weight (or the hassle of sourcing the missing bits!).

Thanks for the feedback.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 20 July, 2009, 03:25:24 pm
Re; Missing bits.  We got our replacement unit from Locks of Sandwich - an unusual little shop/treasure store - who have a good stock.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Viv on 20 July, 2009, 03:41:34 pm
Re; Missing bits.  We got our replacement unit from Locks of Sandwich - an unusual little shop/treasure store - who have a good stock.

Thanks for the tip Clarion. You've got no problem with our fence panel matching then?
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 July, 2009, 06:20:35 pm
has the drag brake, of which I have been glad

The Shimano V brakes coupled with the hi-action Cane Creek drop bar levers are very effective.
I have the drag brake but until we go touring the hillier parts of the world I don't think it's worth the weight (or the hassle of sourcing the missing bits!).

Thanks for the feedback.

I know the drag brake yes or no debate can be quite passionate but I have never found the need particularly with a kid on the back (lower weight).  We descended Alpe d'Huez when Twinkle Toes was 7 and all was well.  Mind you, we have got a rear disc with a 203mm rotor, perhaps if we didn't I might want a drag brake.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: damerell on 20 July, 2009, 06:42:38 pm
For reasons mainly related to transport, we have Raceblades rather than full 'guards, though we have racks front & back for camping. :)

The fit of mudguards is somewhat tight if you have a fat rear tyre, on those frames.
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Butterfly on 20 July, 2009, 08:35:59 pm
has the drag brake, of which I have been glad

The Shimano V brakes coupled with the hi-action Cane Creek drop bar levers are very effective.
I have the drag brake but until we go touring the hillier parts of the world I don't think it's worth the weight (or the hassle of sourcing the missing bits!).

Thanks for the feedback.

I know the drag brake yes or no debate can be quite passionate but I have never found the need particularly with a kid on the back (lower weight).  We descended Alpe d'Huez when Twinkle Toes was 7 and all was well.  Mind you, we have got a rear disc with a 203mm rotor, perhaps if we didn't I might want a drag brake.

Clarion sometimes suffers from a rather cowardly adult stoker :-[ ;).
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 20 July, 2009, 08:46:19 pm
For reasons mainly related to transport, we have Raceblades rather than full 'guards, though we have racks front & back for camping. :)

The fit of mudguards is somewhat tight if you have a fat rear tyre, on those frames.

Funnily enough, we run 28s, which is controversially narrow among tandem tourists. ;)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Viv on 20 July, 2009, 09:35:33 pm
Here she is as she is now...

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3739647671_882f4f06d6_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: clarion on 20 July, 2009, 09:50:21 pm
That's purty.  Maybe if we get ours restored, we'll do it that colour. :)
Title: Re: Tandem owner
Post by: Viv on 20 July, 2009, 10:16:02 pm
That's the original colour I believe. I certainly haven't touched it.