Tandems of the forum

My head hurts looking at this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204782400889?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jpAM49FJTwi&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=3SZIQiDqQwy&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

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Finally scored a child-back tandem. Fillet brazed Lee cooper, interestingly without the typical bracing tube. Planning a nice repaint and refurb

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I'm thinking of a tandem as an option to replace my eBullitt as child carrier for my 7yo. It's mainly for short journeys, 1-2km, and not massively hilly, but just too busy for her to be on her solo. And if I am carrying her + luggage, eg grocery shopping, electric could be nice to have / lower the barriers to using it.

The options seem to be a Circe Helios or a Thorn (or other) kiddyback.

Which is most fun to ride? I assume the Thorn but not actually ridden either so can't be certain.

If I want electric does that change things? Our combined weight is about 90kg so basically not more than one big guy so I think it would work with a solo kit. Obviously I can get factory fitted in the Helios which may give a better result but would have to diy a Thorn.

Anyone used either for child transport and any thoughts? Or am I over thinking it and either would be great, just get the next that comes up?

Looks good!

Anyone have experience with a hase pino? Recumbant tandem?

Sorry not meant as a reply

I've got a Thorn kiddyback, and I've done a few longish rides with it and a kid on the back.

My favourite was my first ride after broken ankle surgery, which was a pub crawl of all the Electric Star pubs. She'd sort of zoned out after the 6th pub, but I was flying.
Anyway, it's comfy but pretty massive compared to the MCL Microtandem we stored indoors before the Thorn came along

Thorn kid back is pretty easy to ride, we have done lots of 20+ mile rides with since the kids have been six years and up.

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Thanks both.
That no hands pic is pretty compelling!
He's clearly enjoying it. I reckon a kiddy back will be the most fun, so I think I'll get one of them.

What's the rear rack? And are the stays aftermarket?

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This is made by thorn. Can't recall the name.

Just spent a glorious three days cycling around the North Pennines on my mates tandem.

Pedalled down from Hawick on the first day, then did a hilly day ride from the inn we stayed at, followed by a slightly different route back to Hawick. We even got in a bit of roughstuff up near Tan Hill and took in the Chapel Fell Road climb.

It’s hard going. Not sure if we are still both getting used to it (only our third proper time riding it) or if it was just all the hills. Either way, it’s a lot of fun.

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A few more.

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It's probably the hills ime.
But bloody lovely tandem and the riding looks spot on.

A friend's got one, he's pretty happy with it. It's reasonnably short so you can get away with it on some trains, it's also more social than a regular tandem.

Upon trying it I found the handlebar setup quite odd though. I'm sure one gets used to it.

Yeah, think you’re right.

Thanks, he built the frame himself. The back is super compact so that we can fit our respective partners on there.

Last night I listened to Shut Up and Build Bikes podcast, where they interviewed Rob English - He mentions that a very stiff tandem can lead to discomfort, for the stoker especially, because the bike doesn't follow the movements of the body. Thus he designs his to allow for more flex, which leads to more stoker comfort.
It is a very interesting listen.

I guess similar vein to why a lot of the ones you see touring have a thud buster.

In the podcast he's presents experiences that suggests suspension seatposts are not enough.

Interesting. I’ll definitely check it out as a lot of our conversations while riding the tandem were about comfort.

I’ve never ridden a tandem before so can’t comment how this one compares.

It was a really interesting listen - your mate might enjoy the series as well, as they talk with a lot of different framebuilders, but I always have time for what Rob English has to say.

Started using the tandem again for schools drop offs and we're all enjoying it!

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What is this funky steam punk stoker gearing system and where did you get it?

kiddy crank I believe.. nice to have the little ones chipping in on the ride.
I'll have to measure the stoker seat tube on ours to see if we can fit one.

As @MisterMikkel says he the famous kiddy cranks. Got the BB clamp thingy from SJS.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/componentstandem-specific-parts/kiddy-crank-seat-tube-attachment-block-286-318-mm-black/