Enormous triple tandem in the city

I was also considering buying that triple tandem. I’m just not sure how many years I’d get out of it. For casual rides (5-10mi), it’s really only the 4yo that would need this, so probably could get a couple years of use. If it we’re more setup as a road bike for longer (30-40mi) rides, that could make sense for either kid. But I don’t think they’d actually choose to do that over riding themselves. So I think I’ve talked myself out of that.

At what point do you just make those lazy moochers ride their own bikes?

@TwoWheelsDC 166868 wrote:

At what point do you just make those lazy moochers ride their own bikes?

When DC starts consistently enforcing Traffic Control Plans.

@jrenaut 166841 wrote:

Is it maneuverable enough to deal with DC streets, or is this really something for the W&OD or open country roads?

Just leave that central hinge unlocked and it’ll corner like a beast.

Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t trying to help you, just letting you know that I decided not to buy it so it’ll still be available [or at least a good chance]

But really, how bad could it be? I mean there are full-length buses that drive down city streets …

I’d be a little terrified of going fast on it with crappy brakes like that, but for city riding it looks pretty awesome.

@hozn 166877 wrote:

But really, how bad could it be? I mean there are full-length buses that drive down city streets …

You know your route best. But as long as you’re on streets or bike lanes, maneuverability shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The kids will have to get the hang of starting, stopping, and working with-you-not-against-you on balancing and hills. Just takes some practice, and they’ll feel more like they’re contributing rather than just going along for the ride. Other cyclists will treat you like a loaded semi-truck and give you a lot of clearance.

I only get wigged out in the stoker seat when my pilot attempts some hairpin turn blocked by bollards, or other questionable sketchy nonsense. Don’t do that.

Tandems aren’t for everyone, triples even less so. But somehow I think you could pull this off.

@jrenaut 166878 wrote:

Yeah, those are Avid BB5s on the back, aren’t they? Those will have to go. And getting discs on the front is just a matter of a new fork and a new wheel, right? Not nothing, but not insurmountable.

Yeah, new fork, new wheel, new brakes. I would probably do TRP Hy/Rd for max (mechanical) stopping power. Certainly nothing insurmountable, but probably doubles the price.

Oh, c’mon! Just buy it. You know you want to.
It’s just a rental anyway. After 3-4 years you will sell it to the next person for $580 (upgraded with nicer brakes), and it will only have cost you <$100/year to rent it even with upgrades. A bargain.