Cajoe, No one seems to rival zonatandem in mileage and experience. His experience seems to bear out the sturdiness of 1" purpose built tandem forks. I have, through the years, seen several Santana road tandems, dating back to the mid-80's, change hands within our club and continue to soldier on with updated components. I have a newer ('93) Visa, with a 1 1/4" quill fork. Santana has, in my humble opinion, always built a very robust product. If they are willing to sell you a new fork for your frame, and I were in your shoes, I wouldn't hesitate.