2003 Bilenky Deluxe Touring Tandem

Archived: 2003 Bilenky Deluxe Touring Tandem · Tandem (road) · Published sizes: Captain 19"/stoker 16", captain 20"/stoker 17", captain 21"/stoker 18", captain 21.5"/stoker 21", captain 22"/stoker 19", captain 23"/stoker 18", captain 23"/stoker 20", captain 24"/stoker 20.5", captain 25"/stoker 19.5"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Bilenky Tuning TN-JT-1525 · Reynolds Jack Taylor, semi-sloping crown

• Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Group: Shimano Deore XT · Shifters: Shimano Deore XT RapidFire SL · Front derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, bottom-pull/clamp-on 28.6mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT SGS · Crankset: Shimano Deore XT, 22/32/44 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-ES70 · Rear cogs: 9-speed, 12 - 32 teeth · Chain: Shimano CN-HG73, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano Deore XT V-Brake brakes, Shimano Deore XT RapidFire SL levers

• Inspect pads, cables and housings, then examine both rim braking surfaces for concavity, cracking or heavy wear. Confirm each caliper returns and centers correctly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.