Tandem Cycling - Win Zip Brakes

I read a few forum entries about the Win Zip brake system. I have to say this really concerns me as my wife and I are new riders. I purchased a new Santana Soveriegn SE with rear disc brake and WinZip system in Fresno in May. We've had 2 failures, first causing a fall at 25 mph. Happened w/ a front flat and couldn't stop the bike on Millerton Road from Auberry first week after purchase. Luckily, road rash only and some scratches/bent parts, etc. Bike shop fixed all problems I thougth, but happened again today, another flat going about 10 mph. I brought that to a stop a little easier with no fall. Scared my wife and I and now we are a little leary about riding the tandem. The thing that strikes me most is when the brake works, it makes a loud howling noise...when it makes no noise, watch out...its not working!

Its back at the shop...we'll see what happens.

Just some experience that might help you: front flats should be rare. Having two front flats in close proximity implies you are doing something wrong. And of course, any brake that literally fails should never be trusted unless you understand the reason for failure and are certain it will not happen again.

Just some experience that might help you: front flats should be rare. Having two front flats in close proximity implies you are doing something wrong. And of course, any brake that literally fails should never be trusted unless you understand the reason for failure and are certain it will not happen again.

I could be wrong, but the implication is the rear brake didn't work and forced the OP to over-use his front brake which resulted in front tire blow-offs.

To the OP: I sent you a PM last evening.

Just got back from a 1,000 mile tour in Europe (Frankfurt to Budapest) and had no brake issues at all. We had all sorts of climbing and all sorts of weather. However I did keep a close eye on the adjustment of the pads and lever travel-only required one adjustment about 1/2 way through the trip.

At the advice of a shop (and other riders at this site) we switched out our stock WinZip pads to downhill pads before we even rode the bike. We have never had a problem with the thing although it is somewhat noisy.

Clearly the OP has a problem that needs to be addressed but from our experience I can say that the WinZip can be an excellent brake for a tandem.

For clarification: We live in an area famous for its puncture vines (goat heads?). These are nasty little weeds producing a small pod that is covered with large spines easily capable of puncturing most tires/tubes. That was yesterday's flat. Riders in our area can expect several flats a month from these. Some riders use liners others "slime". You take your chances either way.

However, the first flat was due to the front pads making contact with the tire. I accepted responsibility for my lack of attentiveness...but I think it should have been put together correctly in the first place. (It was straight from the factory!) Thanks for input.

For clarification:

Thanks... I hadn't realized there were actually three different thoughts / threads intermixed in your original posting. So, in retrospect, you had three subjects:

1. The title subject related to your WinZip: "I read a few forum entries about the Win Zip brake system. I have to say this really concerns me as my wife and I are new riders. The thing that strikes me most is when the brake works, it makes a loud howling noise...when it makes no noise, watch out...its not working!" (My off-list reply from last evening addresses the disc brake set-up, break-in, and some other suggestions)

2. An issue with your shop's final assembly and check-out of your tandem: "We've had 2 failures, first causing a fall at 25 mph. Happened w/ a front flat and couldn't stop the bike on Millerton Road from Auberry first week after purchase. Luckily, road rash only and some scratches/bent parts, etc." (See my other suggestions, as your LBS should have addressed brake block alignment prior to delivery)

3. An anecdote about flatting a front tire on a thorn: ...today, another flat going about 10 mph. I brought that to a stop a little easier with no fall. Scared my wife and I and now we are a little leary about riding the tandem. (Flats happen... not much to say other than been-there / done-that).