Reprinted with permission from Bicycle Guide

Bicycle Guide Volume 10; NO. 7 1993

Bilenky Signature: The Mercedes of Tandems

    This is not the bike for the up-and-comer. This is the bike for those who are arriving- and want to do it in style. The surprising thing, we found, is aside from a few minor flaws, that function followed form.

    When asked why he decided to use Campagnolo on his $4000 Signature model, 38-year-old Philadelphian Steve Bilenky did not hesitate. “In a general sense, when we do tandems, we do something of lasting value,” says the 11-year custom builder. “The redesigned Ergo is a one-of-a-kind component built to last- perfect for my one-of-a-kind frame.” Significantly, he added that only Ergo’s front derailleur lever allows for a triple crank, not STI.

    Indeed, the frame was unique amongst our six-pack in that it used a combination of ovalized top and lateral tubes and a round bottom tube. Its vertical dropouts add stability to the wheel. The frame also features a reinforced fork column and seat collars. Bilenky uses low-temperature bronze fillet brazing to lessen the chances of overheating a tube and risking fractures.

    Dressed in beautiful light violet metallic paint job (by Fresh Frame’s Bryan Meyers), accented by natural grain Brooks pro seats, the Bilenky simply looked mahvelous.

The Test Ride:

    Roy: I loved the comfortable position of the cowhorn handlebars- felt like I could ride all day. The bike seemed silky smooth, just like some of the dealers had told me. The leather seats were had, but promised comfort sometime in the next century.

    Erik: Not only was I stunned by the sheer smoothness of the Bilenky’s ride, but I found the Campy Ergo levers to give me the best, most effortless shifting of all the bikes. Moreover, I never had to take my hands off the brake hoods, which is comforting when trying to control a tandem- and especially with Roy on the back. I noticed virtually no frame flex.

    My only real complaint was the positioning of the Phil Wood disk “drag” brake control on my [the captain’s] handlebar, instead of its normal position with the stoker. In a sense, the captain was being asked to operate three brake levers with two hands. (Later, while admitting his preference is the rear, Bilenky defended the front position by saying “the driver has a better sense of control and upcoming dangers. It’s a drag brake; just put it on, and it holds on a long descent.” That was true.)

    In the final analysis, the Bilenky offers a regal look and ride. It’s worth it if you need- and can afford- a classy look. Bill Goldfoos, whose BikeHaus in Merced, California, is a large Bilenky dealer, summed it up this way: “The difference between this and other tandems? You’ll will a Rolex to someone on your deathbed, but not a Timex. This is a Rolex.” We have to agree.