Choosing a Fork for a Mountain Bike Tandem – Reader Question

Choosing a Fork for a Mountain Bike Tandem – Reader Question
Question: “When choosing the components for our tandem, one of the controversial topics was the question about the best fork to use on a mountain bike tandem. What is the best fork to use?” Response: There are very few mountain bike tandems sold let alone ridden and of those ridden very few...

Flat Pedals or Clipless for a New Tandem Team – Reader Question

Flat Pedals or Clipless for a New Tandem Team – Reader Question
Question: Mainly for my stoker (wife). Since we are beginners at this tandem riding, should she start out with flat pedals? We use clipless on our single bikes and are familiar with them; so what should we do? Response: Seeing that you are both used to clipless pedals it may not be a good idea to go...

Servicing the Eccentric Bottom Bracket

Servicing the Eccentric Bottom Bracket
The majority of tandems use an eccentric bottom bracket to allow chain line tension adjustments between the front captain crank and rear stoker crank. The eccentric uses wedges and internal tension to hold the bottom bracket in place within the frame. The eccentric bottom bracket is a simple piece of...

Dealing with a Broken Spoke

Dealing with a Broken Spoke
The majority of tandems are setup with what can best be described as bomb proof wheels. Given the extra weight and torsional forces placed on the spokes, rim, and hubs a decent set will include 36 count 15 gauge spokes, appropriately matched to heavy gauge hubs and rims. Even the best made wheels will...

Buying a Tandem Bike Tire

Buying a Tandem Bike Tire
As with the majority of components on a tandem the tires are usually designed with a single rider in mind. For tandem teams this fact must be evaluated first when selecting and using tires on both a road tandem or mountain tandem. To provide you with some tools to better evaluate the options available...

Keeping Your Tandem Bike in Operational Form

Keeping Your Tandem Bike in Operational Form
Taking regular care of your tandem will extend the service life of your parts, reduce friction while riding, and prevent mid-ride breakdowns. The proper process for maintaining your drive-train varies slightly based upon components and setup but the basics are all the same. Before Every Ride Wipe old...

Braking Tips for Long or Steep Descents

Braking Tips for Long or Steep Descents
Q: On a recent outing our ride took us down a descent with grades in excess of 15% on a hill that was over 4 miles long. We have disc brakes but the rotors and pads must have over-heated because by the end of the downhill it took all of my strength just to stop us. How do I prevent this in the future? A:...

Installing New Derailleur Cables

Installing New Derailleur Cables
Geared tandems require more consistent and regular maintenance of the derailleur cables. The longer length and additional housing combine to degrade shifting performance. To ensure proper shifting performance tandem teams should plan on replacing the cables and housing on a regular maintenance interval....

Those Crazy Theories on Electric Assist Bikes

Those Crazy Theories on Electric Assist Bikes
So have you heard the new one? That Fabian Cancellara, the multiple World Champion professional bike racer, used a hidden electric assist device on his bikes to win two of the major Spring classics? The rumors had become so fervent that the racer was forced to take the time and actually deny the charges....

S&S Couplers

S&S Couplers
Transporting a tandem can be a difficult proposition. Custom roof rack add-ons, pick up trucks, and SUVs are generally the only secure methods for getting a tandem from point A to point B. Enter the S&S Coupler. Designed and manufactured by S and S Machine in Roseville, CA the fittings are intended...

« Previous Entries Next Entries »