Tandem Cycling - Anybody use a aero disc cover on a tandem?

I bought a disc cover to use for an upcoming time trial. Unfortunately, I neglected the warning on the website that it won't fit on a tandem wheel.

The non drive side cover fits just fine, the drive side will not fit snug against the rim, regardless how much you tighten it. Apparently the different amount of dish between a wheel built with a 130mm axle and one with a 145mm axle, keeps the lens shape of the disc from fitting.


The people at wheelbuilders suggested, that it might be made to fit, cutting out a larger hole in the center, and perhaps cutting out a pie shape sectin of the cover and taping it back together.

Before I start cobbling, I thought I'd see if anyone else has tried this?

since tandem wheels aresymmmetrically dished, it looks like you need to order another set of disc covers and use the non-drive side again on the drive side of the rear wheel. now you have an option of using your two drive side disc cover on the front wheel.

Mine is a vinyl covered canvas that's stretched around a metal hoop and pulled tight with a drawstring. Then there are clips that attach to the spokes and hold the metal hoop. My LBS gave it to me, so not sure were you could get one now. It looks pretty old.

simce tandem wheels aresymmmetrically dished, it looks like you need to order another set of disc covers and use the non-drive side again on the drive side of the rear wheel. now you have an option of using your two drive side disc cover on the front wheel.

Yeah, wheelbuilder.com suggested trying two covers from the non drive side. Unfortunately, not sure I want to spend another $100, and I don't have the time to get another delivered.

So I think it's going to be a cut and tape job, or just skip it.

We're going to use a HED3 trispoke for the front. Don't think a front disc would be a good idea.

It's not about the bike ;)

40 spoke rear
36 spoke front
too short of stoker compartment
28mm tires
and I forgot my sunglasses!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3571153122_bb929b7813_o.jpg

PS - Just kidding... I will eventually own some high zoot aero gear for the tandem (our new one)!

But if you don't have speed, you have to buy it.

Finally got it to fit.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bobstewart/ttsetup.jpg

Unfortunately, it was a bit of a hatchet job.

The problem was that the drive side cover, designed for a single wheel is not curved enough for a differntly dished tandem wheel.

So the first attempt was cutting a larger hole, thus keeping the cover from hitting the spokes at their widest. This alomst got it to lay flat. But not quite, so I had to cut a slot in the disc, and tape it back together.

It now lays flat, but doesn't look so great. However,covered with some packing tape (which I would use to cver the valve anyway) it will be just about as aero, albeit not as aesthetic.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bobstewart/disccloseup.jpg

Nice work! :thumb:

I saw a few tri spokes and some zipp 808s at our local time trial (on tandems). I like the concept of not spending the big $$ for a little extra aero benefit.

Good luck racing!

A little late but, a poster board cone and zip ties around the spokes achieve the same effect, although it will be less durable.