[buildrunbike]

Hello --

I'm a proud new owner of a 1991 Cannondale tandem. Here are a couple of questions:

1. Is there a serial number on Cannondale tandems? I quickly scanned the frame and I didn't see it, for instance on the bottom bracket shell. I can do a more detailed look but was wondering if anyone knew the quick answer.

2. The bike has "Suntour XC" cantilever brakes - probably the originals. It also has a third drum brake. I assume that losing the drum will mean rebuilding the rear wheel given the hub spacing for the drum, which I might do eventually. Are more modern cantilevers a reasonable upgrade? Suggestions?

Thanks.

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[2372ighost]

Check the right rear dropout where the rear DR is.
The drum brake screws on and off, no respacing necessary. I would be interested in the drum if you take it off.
I upgraded to v-brakes from center pulls.

[Artmo]

The ser no. of our C-dale was under the front BB, but mostly obscured by the cable guide.

[zonatandem]

V-brakes are a nice upgrade from cantis. As stated before, no respacing ncessary when removing the drum brake.

[stapfam]

I have a later Cannondale and V Brake were fitted as standard- They are a big improvement over Cantilevers but the downside is increased Rim wear. This can be made worse by using a hard Brake block so Stay away from Standard Shimano Blocks unless you are prepared to re-rim the wheels every few years- I found that Coolstop blocks- which are softer are kinder on the rims- helped to ease rim wear. I would also prefer to fit the Complete Brake Blocks that have the friction material bonded to the Backing. I have had incidents where I have lost a block on the replacable block type- and that was on a solo.

I no longer have brake or rim wear problems now as I have fitted Disc brakes -- but this is not a cheap option.