Where are all the tandems at?

[Long Wheel Base]

So I guess the first question is whether you're going to get on while on the bike? - Myself and my wife get on really well on the tandem, but I think it may be harder for couples where you're both experienced cyclists (tandem was her first adult cycling experience, and a great way for her to get some exposure to some really long distance cycling and doing some races).

 

Then there are a few things you should consider:

 

What bike:

Second hand is a good option, and Cannondale is probably the most robust and best supported in South Africa. A tandem under 10k is probably too cheap - remember this is a bike that the 2 of you may ride at over 100kph (we've clocked over 100 on cedar road on the 94.7). You can probably pick up something good for 20-25k if you're patient.

 

Disc brakes (or cantilevered) are a good option. I've always had more success with a 2x10 gearset than I do on 3x. Finally if you take a look at the Mpumalanga tandems you'll see that most of them have an elliptical inner chainring - very worthwhile upgrade if you're planning on lots of climbing.

 

Tandem fitting (I'm assuming you're a few inches taller than her, and probably the more experienced cyclist):

 

Look to get her a shorter crankset than the one you're using. shorter legs on shorter cranks will manage a higher range of cadence (I.e. if you want her to get 100rpm to match you, then don't expect her to get there with a 175mm crank. a 170mm crank would be better)

 

Find yourself a really well fitted saddle. For whatever reason you put a lot more force thorough your sitbones on a tandem, and I've found saddles that were comfy on other bikes just didn't support me any more on the tandem. eventually settled on the Spesh Power saddle which has been great.

 

Finally if you have timing chain trouble you might consider going to wide-narrow timing chainrings. cheaper than the belt, and just as secure.

 

My 2c worth.

We tried that, didn't work for us. Felt like we were pedaling out of sync. But I think even on a single those elliptical rings work for some and not for others.

[Tandemonium 2]

Am I looking in all the wrong places, or are there only 3 options for buying a new tandem? 

 

Option 1: Canondale Tandem  (R45k+)

Option 2: Avalanche ENVI 29er (R13.5k), 

Option 3: Raleigh Duo (surprisingly, only listed on Makro's site R29k - No bicycle shops have actually mentioned it to me)

 

Where are the rest of the options? Surely the market is big enough for more than 3 brands to compete? 

Youre in the Western Cape . have you tried Francois at Manic cycles Worcester . He specialises in tandems .bought mine from him and very happy

[FlashJordan]

I would love one of these. But they seriously pricey.

http://calfeedesign.com/products/dragonfly/?products=tandem

Drool.....

$$$$$$$

[FlashJordan]

That Calfee Dragonfly they can build at 9.7kg - superlight!!!!

I think our Matrix comes in just under 14kg which is quite light as they go.

[VicanZA]

is this a real thing? isn't it something you do with the MRS as she slow?

 

why would 2 guys wanna ride together on the same bike? 

[Long Wheel Base]

That Calfee Dragonfly they can build at 9.7kg - superlight!!!!

I think our Matrix comes in just under 14kg which is quite light as they go.

Yeah those matrix are pretty light frames. Our Burley is one of the lightest Alu frames ever made but still a bit heavier than yours. We have done a few weight upgrades that bring it very close(carbon cranks, carbon wheels, carbon pedals, carbon bottle cages, lighter alu bars, carbon stoker seat post.) I must still weigh it once the new wheels are on. On Sunday at R4S the winners were on a titanium frame. I reckon that is probably lighter than yours. It it is probably still heavier than full carbon but stiffer? I think its a good all round option. They had carbon wheels. I should have taken a better look at other components.

[Long Wheel Base]

is this a real thing? isn't it something you do with the MRS as she slow?

 

why would 2 guys wanna ride together on the same bike? 

Give it a go one day. It's lekker. I started off at 6 on the back of the tandem with my toppie. Once I was old enough I went onto a single. Raced single for many years but then decided to get back onto the tandem a few years ago. When I started racing vets 3 years back I did both but end of last year and this year I have only been on the tandem. I still enjoy racing vets but while my toppie is still able to race hard I will take the opportunity to race with him.

[Long Wheel Base]

Almost ready for the ARGUS.

[Pikey]

^^^^^ That is one sweet looking tandem ???? ^^^^^

[Pikey]

Have tried for ages to getting the wife on a tandem but she ain’t having it....don’t blame her actually ????

[Long Wheel Base]

^^^^^ That is one sweet looking tandem ^^^^^

Thanks, Only just put the wheels on yesterday. Done 5km with them. Checked tensions and going to do short rides all week then a longer one on the weekend and then the next time I ride it will be Friday 9th dwn in cape town.

[Pikey]

Thanks, Only just put the wheels on yesterday. Done 5km with them. Checked tensions and going to do short rides all week then a longer one on the weekend and then the next time I ride it will be Friday 9th dwn in cape town.

Am sure you & your old man are gonna be styling & fast in CT. You fortunate to be able to ride with your Dad ????????

 

Love that orange & black combo.

[Pikey]

@LWB what time are you aiming for in the Argus ? I know you guys are pretty quick .

[Long Wheel Base]

@LWB what time are you aiming for in the Argus ? I know you guys are pretty quick .

A PB would be nice, but anything under 3 hours. The last full length race we did 2h56. Short one was 1h12. I am busy trying to memorise the split times for a 2h55..... But for the argus its stay with the front part of the group till chappies and then the racing starts. Our 2h56 the group was behind the sub3 splits till chappies by about 4/5min and then it got hot very quickly. We aren't able to stay with the big guys up those climbs so its just TT till the end. We managed to make up the time luckily.

[Pikey]

A PB would be nice, but anything under 3 hours. The last full length race we did 2h56. Short one was 1h12. I am busy trying to memorise the split times for a 2h55..... But for the argus its stay with the front part of the group till chappies and then the racing starts. Our 2h56 the group was behind the sub3 splits till chappies by about 4/5min and then it got hot very quickly. We aren't able to stay with the big guys up those climbs so its just TT till the end. We managed to make up the time luckily.

Those climbs on a tandem must be flipped tough at race pace.

 

Good luck to you & Dad ...here’s to pb ✊????????????????

[Long Wheel Base]

Am sure you & your old man are gonna be styling & fast in CT. You fortunate to be able to ride with your Dad

 

Love that orange & black combo.

Yeah I love riding tandem with my toppie on the back. He may be 62 but he is strong and still so motivated to ride ride ride. I don't know where he finds all the energy. Our first and only sub 3 was done together on the tandem.