Tandems East

Tandems east had a table at a Maryland bike swap meet. At the end of meet most vendors were willing to negotiate prices. Owner said cycling hats were $ 11. To negotiate I asked if he’d take $ 5. Owner’s response: «kiss my ass». He then lectured me on how insulting my offer was and that the hats are sooooo expensive. Had he just said that my offer was too low and explained why I would’ve bought one. Instead I just listened, shocked, that I was being talked to like a child instead of a customer. I’ve dealt with plenty of bike shop owners who have a reputation for being surly/​grouchy, but the owner is beyond this, he is highly unprofessional and unpleasant. Would not recommend dealing with him.

We’ve been happily riding a Comotion we bought from Mel in 1996. Whenever we have needed parts, Mel has them in the mail and to us in days. Mel will spend as much time as is needed talking to you on the phone. This is better, faster service than I get from the local tandem shop. I’m sold. I’ll be a lifelong customer of Mel’s. I highly recommend Tandems East if you are considering a tandem purchase.

Tandems East is quite the unique experience and that is all about Mel.
First of all, Mel is deeply passionate and knowledgeable about tandem bikes and tandem riding in general. He has a fostered community of devotees and for good reason. He’s energetic and enthusiastic. He also wants to you to be a happy customer.
Mel is maybe equally focused on sales. He will press and use other tactics to put you on one of his bikes. This is mostly a good thing. His follow up is excellent, for example. Sometimes he presses pretty hard. I respect that drive. He sells bikes for a living, so he needs to do his job.
In my experience, we visited Mel’s shop a couple times and test road bikes. Although he has many top-​notch brands we chose a different builder. I talked to Mel afterwards. Like a good sales person he tried to change my mind. In the end, Mel wants everyone to have a positive experience, so he wished me all the best on my new bike.
If you’re in the area and considering a tandem, I’d recommend giving Mel a call! In addition to his expertise and test rides, he actually does sell a terrific range of bikes to buy.