[HI,
I have joined this site, as me and my wife plan to cycle round the world on a tandem. we are still in the planning stages and need to know the best make and sort of bike that will last this epic trip.

feel the fear and do it anyway

[HI,
I have joined this site, as me and my wife plan to cycle round the world on a tandem. we are still in the planning stages and need to know the best make and sort of bike that will last this epic trip.

Get any well known reputable manufacturer and talk to them and you will find that the Bike will make it. What the problem will be is how many panniers can you take, how will it handle with the extra weight, or will it take a BOB trailer without putting stress on parts of the bike. I would be more worrried about how many pairs of shorts can I pack, or what will be the best weatherproof . Just the sort of thing that will not be available at the LBS in the Mountains, in the middle of nowhere, in a country where you do not speak the language.

Just some thoughts on the design:

1. Chromoly 4130 Steel frame and fork: Unlike the more exotic steels, aluminum, ti, carbon, etc... a simple steel frame can be repaired pretty much anywhere in the world without much fanfare by anyone with basic welding skills.

2. 26" box section wheels / tires: Again, like the steel frame, the key is being able to find replacement parts anywhere in the world and you'll find 26" wheels, rims, spokes, tires more often than not, even in desolate places, whereas a 700c wheel or tire could be hard to come by.

3. Non-STI/Ergo Components: Bar-end shifters and dedicated brake controls (DiaComp 287) are bomb proof and easy to service in the field, even under the most harsh conditions.

4. Cantilever Brakes: They work with any brake lever and parts are plentiful.

Anyway, you get the idea. Simple works better when you're heading off the beaten path into places where ride support is what you bring.

Mark, you are so not fun. Could you do any better in describing the opposite of our tandem?

many thanks to stapfam, tandemgreek and expatriate, so guys, how do i get a leading manufacturer, or retailer of a tandem bike to, yes, just give us one in exchange for advertisement on our web site, and to raise money for the UK children in need. If i have to buy the bike we will. That sounds like money goes to uk children, it goes to kids all over the globe. Any tips on companys to approach would help. what i know about tandems you can write on a match box and only then on one side of it.
cheers ,speak soon.

Contact the folks at Thorn, dba St. Johns Street Cycles
http://www.sjscycles.com/

Contact the folks at Thorn, dba St. Johns Street Cycles
http://www.sjscycles.com/

I'de scond that.

cheers guys