Tandem Cycling - From Straight to Drop-Tips and Advice: Raleigh Coupe

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I'mnotdeadyet
12-20-08, 09:16 AM
So I'd like to convert. My current set up is a Raleigh Coupe with staight carbon bar, Ergon mag bar ends, Avid SD7's brake levers, Shimano FB-ST440L shifters, with Avid Disc BB7 Mtn version brakes and 180mm discs. I've gotten a pair of used STI Ultegras, and am now looking for a deal on used carbon 46 drop bars. I have corresponded with Superunleaded since he did the same, w/o a problem. I need to buy some tandem length cable and housing too. Our teams weigh from 320 to 400lbs. I am keeping the frame. I have liked the wider straight bars, but we've gotten experienced now to the point that I want to duplicate my road bike feel. So here goes.

Do I need to get BB7 road versions? If so, why?
Do you recommend a brand on tandem cables and housings?
Are the black teflon coated ones worth the $?

I'll be doing the work myself, so any tips would be appreciated. I wrench my mtn bikes all the time, but have never needed to do much on my road bike, especially with the STI shifters.

Thanks
INDY

rishardh
12-20-08, 04:35 PM
Do I need to get BB7 road versions? If so, why?
Do you recommend a brand on tandem cables and housings?
INDY

I did a similar conversion on our ex-tandem and learned a few things. STI brakes has less cable pull than MTB brakes. To compensate for the difference most tandems with V Brakes + STI are equipped with a Travel Agent which increases the amount the cable pulls. With the Road BB7 you dont need a travel agent but on the non Road BB7 you might need one.

I used JTEK cables cos that's the only brand our LBS had for tandem lengths and I have had zero problems. The housing I used were JTEK too. Try and install an in-line cable adjuster on the front derailleur cable. It will make adjusting/fine tuning your front derailleur much easier. I liked them so much I installed them for both front and rear brakes on our new tandem.

ParkTool.com has good instructions on installing STI shifters. Hope this helps and have fun.