| Used tandem bicycles are an affordable option to | | | | Before buying a used tandem bicycle you will also |
| buying one new. You can usually save between | | | | want to do a little background research on the |
| 50 and 75 percent off list price by buying a | | | | models you are interested in. First of all you will |
| tandem that has been used. However, before you | | | | want to make sure that there is a user's manual |
| buy a used bike it is important that you examine | | | | or repair manual still available. This will help you to |
| it. | | | | diagnose and fix common problems that tandems |
| First of all look at its appearance. Look for paint | | | | can develop. Next you will want to make sure |
| chips, rust spots, missing accessories, dents and | | | | that your tandem is common enough to make |
| scratches. If the bike looks overly worn then | | | | finding parts easy to do. |
| chances are the mechanics are also going to be in | | | | The final consideration that you will want to make |
| bad shape. Next you will want to examine the | | | | before selecting a used tandem bicycle to buy is |
| bike's mechanics. Make sure the timing chain is | | | | the type of tandem you are interested in. There |
| making both cranks turn at the same time, that | | | | are several types to choose from including upright |
| the steering is easy to use and that the bike can | | | | tandems, recumbent tandems, tricycle tandems |
| be peddled easily. Also test the shifting. | | | | and bicycle tandems. Base your selection on the |
| Remember to try all of the gears. Finally, when | | | | number of people that will be using the tandem, |
| you are test riding the tandem, make sure that | | | | by the ages of the tandem riders and the style |
| the bike doesn't wobble, that the frame doesn't | | | | of biking you and your family are most |
| flex and the ride is relatively smooth. | | | | comfortable with. |