Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=tandem.10305.0462.eml
Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 09:49:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Meixner <meixner_paul(AT)yahoo.com>
Subject: [T(AT)H] Triplet and longer purchase considerations - II

11.	Tires.  The guidelines that apply to tandem tires
are especially critical here.  With increasing team
weight, wider tires should be employed.  Tires from
32-50mm (1.25-2.0 inches) might be best.  Tire
construction is also a factor.  Under high loads, some
tires wear prematurely at the bead.  Consider tires
rated as acceptable for tandems.  See IRC Tandem, IRC
Metro, Avocet FasGrip Duro K, Panaracer Pasela, Avocet
Cross, etc.  Tires should be inflated to a quite high
pressure (120 psi +/-, see your dealer for
recommendations).
12.	Brakes.  Consider an Arai brake to be mandatory. 
Strong rim brakes are a must, stay away from overly
light systems.
13.	Gearing and phasing.  An extra long bike might
need a somewhat lower granny, depending upon
power/weight ratios of team members.  An extra long
bike can scream on the flats and especially down hill,
depending upon power and weight, moderated by captain
skill level and stoker trust.  Out of phase may help
smooth power delivery, but may increase the risks of
pedal strike over things like speed bumps.
14.	Builder.  Each builder has a different style and
philosophy.  Do some research and speak with the
builders – they will likely be quite eager to satisfy
your needs.  Santana has the most experience, has
build up through hex (six-seater), and they claim to
have standard sizes in stock.  Co-Motion and Meridian
both have significant experience and offer up through
quads.  Bushnell and Bilenky offer triplets.  Bike
Friday offers a number of variations of a triplet, all
of which convert to tandems.
15.	Dealer or factory direct.  Advise going through a
dealer, though you should feel free to consult with
dealer and with builder to ensure your needs are
understood and met.  Dealer may have more use-history
than the manufacturer.  You may also want to establish
relationship with dealer to ensure good service during
the life of the bicycle.  May be less of a factor if
you are highly experienced with bike design and
mechanics.  Some dealers may have no or limited
experience with longer bikes.
16.	S&S couplers.  Useful to adjust length of bike for
number of riders, for transport, and for storage. 
Adds cost, complexity, and time to assemble and
disassemble.  See also Bike Friday for pack-able
triplets.
17.	Transport.  Triplets and greater are more
difficult to transport.  Remember, not all good rides
start at the end of your driveway.  How are you going
to move the beast to rides that start 60 miles away? 
600 miles?  6000 miles?  A triplet fits in most
minivans if you remove the front wheel, just roll it
backwards up the center aisle.  Full size vans can
swallow larger vehicles.  ATOC does make roof mounted
system for up through quads, though up through
triplets are listed on their web site.  Enclosed or
flat bed trailers are also common options.  Be sure
that the trailer is acceptable for the relatively
light weight of your bike.
18.	Storage.  Where are you going to put your monster
when you are not riding it – the living room?  Chances
are excellent that it is too long to hang vertically
in the garage, even with the front wheel removed.  Can
lean it against a wall, hang it from its top tube
using two or more “standard” bike racks, or hang it
upside down from its wheels using J-hooks securely
mounted to the rafters.  You may also want to devise a
multiple pulley system to hoist it up to the ceiling.
19.	Paint.  Have fun with this.  The up-charge for
custom paint is quite small in comparison with the
total cost.
20.	Electronics.  Captain should strongly consider a
Flight Deck computer if for no other purpose than to
determine what gear you are in.  Rigging three or more
computers is possible and often desirable.  Choose
models that either have extra long wires or heavier
wires that are easier to solder/join.  Consider tandem
talk device for communication among team members. 
Being heard by the entire team at speed may be
difficult.  Ear phones (ear buds?) for kids may be
tougher to find.

Paul Meixner
NJ

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