David Ductor with his ViewPoint

David and his mom

The frame shown disassembled

David's comments

• About the couplings:

  • ".... The couplings are absolutely beautiful, brilliant too, and the fact that the bike can be taken apart has made traveling with it much easier than before. Everyone who has had the chance has asked me about them and has wanted to see the assembly and disassembly process. I think there is some minor disappointment when they see how quick and easy it is, as if they were expecting some major mechanical operations. I was having Bilenky repair the rear triangle after airline damage from the France trip and decided to have the couplings installed so that I could use the hardshell cases single bikes are sometimes transported in. I suppose I had the same concerns as others about the couplings, but I can't tell any difference in the bike. In fact, it is better than before because it now comes apart and can be packed in a pair of boxes that are smaller, and easier to transport. I have been extremely pleased with the results, and it has yet to be damaged in transit!!!!

• About the bike:

  • I picked the Opus because of the disparate size, age, abilities thing between riders. My mom, in her late 70's, was unwilling to ride her own bike anymore, and this bike was the answer. We have been averaging about 1500 miles a year, not much really, but loads of fun!!! We cycled in France for two weeks in 1997 and one week in England in 1998...... everything I've seen in print about the bike is true, but the one thing that isn't mentioned is the attention this bike generates. With my mom on the front, the best comment I've heard is "You go, girl"!!!!!

    David Ductor, Lancaster, California

Bicycle description provided by Bilenky Cycle Works

• Number one has rolled off the assembly line (except of course, at BCW, there is no assembly line), and it is a beauty. Naturally, the whole staff has given it a test ride at one time or another, and we love it. We think you will too. The most remarkable feature is that the stoker - recumbent in the front - has a completely unrestricted 270 degree view, without even a front wheel to break it up!

  Once you get used to it, it's a gas. It kind of feels like you're flying. Since it's totally hands-free for the stoker, you can even stick your arms out and pretend if you want. For the captain, there is a small period of adjustment, since the front wheel carries somewhat more weight than a conventional layout, but it quickly becomes natural. If you ever gave somebody a ride on your handlebars when you were a kid, you'll have no problem.

  This Viewpoint is a stokers delight, with its comfortable seat, hassle-free shifting and pedaling (or coasting), and easy conversation between riders. The folding front boom makes riding solo, a piece of cake, not to mention storing and transporting.

  It's great from the stoker's point of view! comfortable seating clear view of the scenery independent pedaling easy communication with captain handcrank, other options available.

  It's great from the captain's point of view! conventional riding style and position clear view of the road and the stoker easy communication with stoker can be converted to a cargo-utility bike Bilenky quality construction and technology

  The Viewpoint is ideal for tandem teams of disparate sizes, ages, and/or abilities. Share the excitement of cycling on a Bilenky Viewpoint tandem!

  
  This is a newer model of the Viewpoint shown above.

  
  This Viewpoint packs into two 26" x 26" x 10" hard cases