Tandem Cycling - 16 spoke Shamal ok as front wheel?

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dds11
04-22-09, 08:16 AM
Have a couple of tandem TTs to do.
Was wondering if my circa 1997 16 spoke shamal front wheel was a sensible choice.
We are a medium weight crew (~130kg = ~290 lbs).
Anybody know that this is a bad idea?
Thanks.

Digby Symons

zonatandem
04-22-09, 06:55 PM
If its for TT only, would give it at least one practice try before the actual event.
uspspro
04-23-09, 05:02 PM
I ran my 20-spoke 1-cross bladed spoke, lightweight road bike wheel on an 80-mile ride with 8000 feet of climbing. I was in a pinch, and had to run it for the Devil Mountain Double Century, due to a shredded tire noticed the night before the ride, and not being able to fit the only other tire I had (700x23 Pro3 race).

The wheel performed fine. I did however manage to brake a steel fork steerer tube on the said ride ;)

Onegun
04-24-09, 11:57 AM
If its for TT only, would give it at least one practice try before the actual event.

Roger that! An increasingly tougher practice try AT LEAST A WEEK before the tt. (Gives time to heal AND replace the wheel if it DOESN'T work!) Basically, if it will stand up to your team doing a double-out-of-the-saddle sprint, (which is how a tt starts!), it should hold. I'd do several of them to be on the safe side.

I'm sure many here will post "Don't do it! No way!" And they're right. It would be far safer not to. BUT ... "Is not safe! Is racing!" :thumb: