Searching for Our Ultimate Tandem – Part 3

I had an opportunity to talk to Calfee’s Sales Manager and Brent Ruegamer directly. They were both very engaging fellows. They do take slightly divergent paths to accomplish the same thing.

Calfee seems very content building stock bikes in standard sizes and charges a premium for any kind of custom work. This is understandable and I am absolutely fine with that business model, As long as it fits what difference does it make really how you get there.

Ruegamer is a little bit more of an engineer type and he does not have a standard tandem. His is custom from the start, even the tube selection is custom based on rider size and ride preference. A few other small details has led me to believe that Brent would be a good candidate for our ultimate tandem.

So now we get to one of the hardest stages, that is parting with some money. Brent is a one man shop with just a couple of guys doing some sanding for him. He fabricates, assembles and paints all by himself, so the lead time is just a bit longer. So far the process is that Brent sends me a package of documents than include how to order from him, and order sheet, a bike fit sheet, a basic line drawing of the bike to outline or color in your paint scheme preference and a price list.

Once the fit sheet, order sheet and color sheet are filled out and returned to Brent with a 50% deposit, he goes about designing your frame. We are not at that step yet, but the explanation goes something like this. He takes the measurements and whatever subjective thoughts you have and converts it to a centerline CAD drawing where all dimensions are laid out. From that point you make your adjustments and move forward. At the same time Brent is ordering custom tubes as mentioned above. When we get to this phase I will document the process so everyone can benefit.

Even though this is just the beginning of a lengthy process, Nicole and I are already excited about the end results. We chose Rue Sports because he fit well with my design ideas and it would be a unique addition to the tandem scene here in Union County. Look for us next year to be sporting a new ride. In the mean time, be safe and keep the rubber side down.