Price Paid:  $3050.00 at MBS Tandems Mississa

Model Year:
2001

Favorite Ride:
Hilly Hundred - Bancroft Ontario

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 group. Speedplay Frog pedals.
Stock, but next year - Bontager Race Lite Tandem wheels will be installed.

Summary:
My wife & I had the wonderful opportunity to test ride several tandems when we decided on the Burley Duet. I had my heart set on a Cannondale tandem, but not after riding one! Too harsh! We loved the smoothness and easy handling of the Duet. It put a smile on my face on the 1st ride. We both new this was what we wanted! The ride was luxurious after the Cannondale! The only other bike that I liked was twice the price! Years later I am still in love with the Duet. It has served us well, and other than some minor wheel issues with broken spokes (I just bought new Race Lite Tandem wheels for her) it has been a great bike. The Shimano 105 front derailler has occassionly missed the chainrings on me, and we broke a chain last season (original), but with care all of this is just minor (new chain this year). I shift alot too, so the odds of miss shifts is increased.
The frame is what the ride is about and it delivers in spades. Most of the time we do very well in group rides. Last year we passed a lighter and younger couple on their new - lighter (28lb) Carbon Calfee tandem, side by side going up hill! The bike doesn't make the rider, it's the other way around I believe. I would not hesitate to recommend this bike. We ride with alot of other tandems that cost double or more than my Duet and I never think that I have lesser machine, especially when comparing price. Now that Burley is no more building tandems (boo-hoo) these should be even cheaper to come by. I will hang on to mine thanks. It's not for sale!

Strengths:
Wonderful shock absorbing ride quality. Quality build and paint. Alot of bike for the money.
A blast to ride fast, especially downhill. Stable & fun & easy to ride. A perfect starter tandem. Enjoy!

Weaknesses:
Our wheelset was a bit on the weak side. Newer Duets have stronger rims than our year model does. Stock seats went on the 2nd ride, as most do!
New wheelset for next season should help!

Similar Products Used:
Co-Motion Big Al
Cannondale - 2 separate tandems.