Tandem Cycling - What to do......

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
mascott
12-11-06, 10:18 AM
I have just bought an old Dawes Super Galaxy Tandem in not too bad condition for £100. The brakes and gears need overhaul. I am not used to working on bikes but want to learn and i have a really good LBS if required.
is it possible to put disc brakes on this bike? I guess i would need new wheels
can i combine them with STI brake/shifters
would you bother or not?
thanks for any advice
mark
Rincewind8
12-11-06, 10:27 AM
Does the frame and fork have disc brake mounts?
Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes come in a road version that is compatible with drop bar brake levers.
zonatandem
12-11-06, 09:28 PM
Retrofiting an old Dawes with discs?
Asides from having a new fork with disc capability you'll also need a disc mount brazed to rear. Then the disc wheels and the actual disc brakes . . . you may even have to respace the rear dropout opening to the proper disc wheel width.
Upgrading to STI would still be a bit pricey, but not everyone wants STI.
We switched back from Dura Ace STI triple 9 speed to barcon shifters . . . less problematic/fussy ****ing for us.
Leave well enough alone, would not bother. Enjoy this tandem, then later on invest in a new one with the disc capabilties/frame.
mascott
12-12-06, 05:32 AM
Thanks....
I thought it might be too much to get the disc brakes. the drum brake will need overhaul,
i think you are right, get brakes/gears done and see how we get on. i am used to the STI shifters on my specialized so I might go for them.
Off to LBS for some advice
this would not be a good way to learn basic mechanics. Try changing the brake pads/chain/tires, servicing the bottom bracket, adjusting the derailleurs first.
mascott
12-12-06, 09:15 AM
cheers
LBS is going to look at it and let me know what needs doing and then i can pick and choose which bits to do myself
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.12 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.