Does anyone have some great info/web-links for tandam bikes?

I saw a tandam bike at Walmart for around 260.00 USD. I didnt have time to look at it and I'm sure it is cheap. However I need to know if a tandum has upgradable conponents.

My wife has zero biking skills, but would get involved, if I can get a decent tandum. Hell my utimate goal would be to put me, the wife, and the 3 kids (8, 6, 4) on one bike. It would be safer then worrying about my family running astray on the road.

All and any input is welcome....Thanks....

http://gallery.bcentral.com/Gallery/ProductListing.aspx?GID=4038672&Dept=195209&page=1

There is a certain price for anything below which you only get junk. That number for a tandem is well north of $260. You should be looking for a used bike. Google Tandem Club of America - their newsletter has classified ads for used tandems.

A quality tandem, just like a quality road bike is upgradeable. You can replace/upgrade forks/wheelsets/cranks/rings/cassettes/stems/bars/etc... Generally when looking at new tandems expect prices north of 2x a regular big brand "single" bike of similiar components. I think an 05 Burley Tosa runs around $2,200 or somewhere close (105 shifters / xt rear derailluer / etc...)

bikeforums.net has a tandem specific message board that's pretty good for specific questions/help.

I saw in bsdc's post the link to the KHS bikes on sale. I have a Tandemania Alite and that price is a pretty good deal. I'd want pretty good stuff to start with, if your passengers are at all valuable.

It mounts racks, panniers and fenders OK, lets you add a drag brake if you want. Sizing is limited a bit.

Bike Friday makes a small wheeled triplet convertable to tandem, which is cool. I'd like to get one so I could take the kids on one bike, or when my wife is along, take two tandems.

All the other Quads and Quints out there are $$$$$$