Tandem Cycling - My Homebrew Tandem

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Smorgasbord

08-16-04, 01:54 PM

Eariler this summer I built a tandem with two frames I picked up at garage sales. It still needs work, but very rideable as it is. Really fun to build, even more fun to ride.

Thanks for the inspiration everyone.

More pictures and description here (http://webdisk.berkeley.edu/~tommyatkins/bicycle/tandem/tandem.html).

zonatandem

08-16-04, 03:58 PM

Looks like an economical homebrew tandem!
To stiffen up the frame a bit, would suggest running a large round or oval tube to connect the 2 bottom brackets,then you could attach an idler arm to take up the chain slack (like on some of the old same side drive department store/Schwinn tandems) and that should alleviate the problem with the connecting chain.
Nice project!

madpogue

08-16-04, 10:10 PM

For that matter, a "wheel"-type idler, like those found on many recumbents, would probably work, and would be quieter than the "pulley"-type idler you see on cheapo tandems. Shoot, for a while there, a guy on eBay was selling bags of TEN idler wheels (just the plastic part) for, like $5 plus shipping. A skateboard wheel bearing fits perfectly inside one. Shoot, I could probably send you one for a buck or so shipping. Then you'd just need an adjustable bracket from which to hang it...