Really strong deal on an entry-level tandem bike. (Lowest price ever according to the camels, about $100 less than average.)
The good: It has a surprisingly good aluminum frame. It has an eccentric BB shell, rather than a chain tensioner, a proper – and replaceable – rear derailleur hanger, etc. Thanks to the frame and aluminum parts, it probably weighs at least 10-20 pounds less than any other tandem near this price – as most run "hi-ten" (i.e. pig steel) frames.
The bad: It’s a <$400 bike, and the components are the components that come on a <$400 bike. All can be upgraded if you’re so inclined. (It’s good enough that any standard mtb parts can be used, so for ~$100 you could easily upgrade the shifters, derailleurs, cassette, and cables, and have the bike feel a lot better.) That said – even the seatposts, stems, and handlebars are reasonably alloy units – at this price most tandems spec bargain-basement steel units.
TL: DR – If you have any interest in a tandem, and want to buy a cheap one new, this is it:
https://smile.amazon.co
Full disclosure: I’ve been building bikes since the 80s and have two tandems in the fleet that cost more than 10x what this one does. That said, I’m still interested and might buy one myself. The stoker position looks quite compact – great for bringing the kids along.
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