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