Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=tandem.10305.0461.eml Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 09:32:18 -0700 (PDT) From: Paul Meixner <meixner_paul(AT)yahoo.com> Subject: [T(AT)H] Triplet and longer considerations - I Things to consider when purchasing a 3 or more seat bicycle 1. This is a luxury and/or novelty item. Tandem dealers sell, and tandem builders construct, relatively few of these each year. Many are used only a few times per year, such as for charity rides. Many are sold within a few years, generally with less than a few hundred miles. 2. Number of seats. Identify how many riders will you have on an on-going basis. If you are planning on riding with your spouse and children, consider the possibility that they may not be enthusiasts. If you try to ensure a seat for all, would you use the bike if you were down one or more riders? If you are still of child-bearing age or considering adoption, are you sure that your family size can’t increase? 3. Why not two tandems instead. Two tandems are often cheaper than a longer bike, but using two tandems may not be an option in all cases. Is your spouse or partner a reluctant captain? Does a physical challenge prevent them from being a captain? Then a longer bike may be your best bet. 4. Frame material. Steel and aluminum are the most common, titanium has been done, and rumor has it that a carbon triplet is in the works. The same pros and cons that exist for two seaters also exist for longer multi-seaters. 5. Frame size. It must fit the captain well. The captain will tire more quickly muscling the big bike around, and also will make corrections for any wiggling that goes on back aft. Consider where adult stoker will be located, or will you size the bike for adults at all positions? If you are sizing for your kids, will it still be appropriately sized five years down the road? If you need a truly custom size, how much extra will it cost – and will you be able to resell it readily? Looong top tubes are recognized by many as a very good thing. 6. Captain’s controls. Upright (mountain) or drop (road) bars are offered. Upright bars offer somewhat better leverage, while drop bars offer more hand positions. STI can work on these long bikes, though many recommend only bar cons. 7. Fork. Reinforced forks may be desirable, depending upon maximum team weight. It may be the case that certain carbon forks may be usable – check the manufacturers recommendations! Suspension forks may also be on option. 8. Wheels size. All other things being equal, 26-inch wheels are stronger than 700c. The greater the team weight, the more likely you should go with 26-inch wheels. 48 spokes, with butted spokes at least for the rear, are essential. Aerospoke wheels may be an option for some teams, not sure about weight rating. 9. Hubs. I have no idea what hubs are up to the task. 10. Rims. This is not an area to seek weight savings. Consider a wide, sturdy rim, one that is compatible with wider tire widths. Paul Meixner NJ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. http://search.yahoo.com -- tandem(AT)hobbes: The Internet Mailing List for Tandem Bicycle Enthusiasts -- Post to: tandem(AT)hobbes.ucsd.edu (include your real name and email address) Commands(eg set tandem mail digest or unsub tandem) to listserv(AT)hobbes.ucsd.edu General help: mail "help" to listserv(AT)hobbes.ucsd.edu (omit quotes) FAQ: mail "get tandem tandem.faq" to: listserv(AT)hobbes.ucsd.edu (omit quotes) Posting Guidelines: mail "get tandem guidelines" to same address (no quotes) Admin ?'s not addressed by help or FAQ: mail to: "wade(AT)hobbes.ucsd.edu" Web archive: "http://hobbes.ucsd.edu/tandem/" (read AAA.README link) Member Links: "http://hobbes.ucsd.edu/tandem/memberlinks.html"