SQ: I kind of think I want to pull the trigger on a new tandem frame, and I think it’s down to Rock Lobster or Rodriguez for builder. Rock Lobster is localish, but a longer wait, but a cooler brand? Rodriguez will build whatever, obviously, but I’m kind of scared because some of their bikes turn out so ugly, and they claim to be a lot longer in the stoker department.
Also, would it be really stoopid to get S&S couplers, but only get a single set in the middle of the bike so that it splits in half? We’d never really plan to fly or ship it, and a center split would allow us to fit it in the car and store it a lot easier.
Don’t get me started on that Ritchey. QR axles, only one size, and way narrower tires than I’d want.
Comotion doesn’t make it easy to price out just a frameset, but they were on the radar. They just don’t seem to be quite as custom, and i dont really want to work with a dealer.
i ride a 54cm top tube usually, and can stretch onto a 56cm, so it’s like just, just outside what i’d be comfortable with. it’s like 2 bongs cheaper than any other option, but once the wallet’s on fire, it doesnt really matter how long it burns.
The mid '00s cannondale mtb tandem I found on craigslist was cheap, accepted disc brakes, and is way faster and more comfy than the vintage santana we have. Also it was $800 instead of $3,800. Not sure if this helps but it is a segue to my DQ:
On long tandem descents I notice that the brake rotors (mostly the front), which were not rubbing on the flats and climbs, are all of a sudden rubbing against the pads. Then, after a period of non-use and therefore cooling off, the rotors no longer rub. Is there a thicker 203mm rotor that is advised for tandems? Or are there e-bike rotors and calipers I could be using?
The current rotors are Shimano SM RT-66 203mm. Thanks for any guidance
Those look like the cheapest possible rotors. I would step up to XT or XTR with the cooling fins.
What’s the caliper? going towards brake pads with cooling fins would probably help too.
The BR-MT520 calipers are what Shimano specs for their e-bike line. You can use the older Saint finned pads in those calipers.
I run BR-MT520 brakes with non-finned metallic pads and RT-86 rotors, but still will heat up my back brake to the point that it will start howling on long, steep DH trails.
The 4-pot caliper will have more capacity for heat. All finned everything would further help that.
i set up a pair of trp g spec e bike brakes on a cargo trike recently. 2.3mm thick 180 rotors. will stall out a 1600w motor on a several hundred lb trike going down a hill while i hammer on the pedals. i didnt really have a long enough descent to get it properly cooked though but they were properly impressive
Yeah I’ll be upgrading the rotors soon - they’re already a bit discolored and were indeed inexpensive.
I’m running MT420 lever/calipers which are 4-piston. As far as I can tell they don’t sell pads with cooling fins for these, but I’ll check the compatibility between those Saint pads @yonderboy mentioned.
@karl_dandleton Thanks for the details - I assume the thicker rotors must be run with the matching calipers?
@Crustradamus Santana developed 10" rotors as a drag brake, since drums aren’t in vogue anymore: Brake Technology - Santana Tandem They recommend V brakes for some-road tandems, but acknowledge that discs are preferred for the all-terrain doubles.
I just installed a front rack through the ol’ fork hole and it basically is right in the way of my link wire of my Cantilever brakes. I need to get that thing higher so it clears the mounting bracket.
I assume I just need to get some length in the link wire (maybe need a new one/straddle?) and move it on up the brake cable and I should be good.
Anything I need to be aware of? Will this F my mechanical advantage to a point of no return?