Late 80s Ritchey Skyliner Tandem - Fillet Brazed Goodness!
06-01-16, 05:13 AM
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Late 80s Ritchey Skyliner Tandem - Fillet Brazed Goodness!
I was lucky enough to purchase this today from the original owner, former Ritchey team member Jim Sullivan. I have owned two other tandems including a nice Burley and this one blows it away in both ride quality and of course craftsmanship. It doesn't hurt that it's my favorite color too.
Originally I thought this was an 1988 due to the ad listing saying it was, but after looking at Ritchey catalogs I think it's closer to 1987 or 86. Deore XT 6 speed shifters/derailleurs with Magura "Shorty" brake levers and Pedersen "self energizing" canti and ubrakes. Sugino AT cranks.
Various plans are already forming such as changing out the front stem and bars and swapping out/matching all the mismatched parts like the saddles, timing rings, wheels and tires with proper time-period correct bits.
Originally I thought this was an 1988 due to the ad listing saying it was, but after looking at Ritchey catalogs I think it's closer to 1987 or 86. Deore XT 6 speed shifters/derailleurs with Magura "Shorty" brake levers and Pedersen "self energizing" canti and ubrakes. Sugino AT cranks.
Various plans are already forming such as changing out the front stem and bars and swapping out/matching all the mismatched parts like the saddles, timing rings, wheels and tires with proper time-period correct bits.
06-01-16, 05:17 AM
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Wow, what a sweet acquisition you made! First Ritchey Tandem I have seen, it looks like it is in excellent condition. Enjoy!!!
Bill
Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
06-01-16, 05:40 AM
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I've heard those Pedersen self-energizing brakes shouldn't be used in the front- of course that may be different being on a tandem and all...
Really cool bike!!! Congratulations!
Really cool bike!!! Congratulations!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
06-01-16, 05:53 AM
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yeah i heard it all before about the brakes, but honestly I couldn't even tell the difference as far as braking power. I think I set them up with new pads and adjust all the cables and see if there is any improvement. They look cool though
06-01-16, 06:16 AM
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Cycling addiction
My first time seeing one of these also, it looks crazy. two people hitting the dirty trails together.
06-01-16, 07:09 AM
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I've got a set of Suntour XC Pedersens waiting...
That looks to be the same stem used on the 87 Schwinn High Sierra- yours is about as faded as mine- and yours is also lifted that few mms showing that unfaded black band as it was raised.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
06-01-16, 07:25 AM
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Sweet bike! Looks like a large/large, how big is your stoker?
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06-01-16, 12:50 PM
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it's 21/19.. all of the Skyliners came with 19" for the stoker position (though i'm sure Tom would do a custom smaller stoker size if asked.)
Alas I currently have nobody to regularly fill the stoker's saddle, but I've already had people ask if they can go on rides with this tandem
Alas I currently have nobody to regularly fill the stoker's saddle, but I've already had people ask if they can go on rides with this tandem
06-01-16, 01:10 PM
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haha yeah my buddy has a late 80s black chrome Sierra with the same stem too. i honestly will probably swap out the stem and the captain's bars too. The faded stem doesn't really match anything else
06-01-16, 01:38 PM
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Definitely hits the high marks, C&V fun factor! Could see some challenging workout with this one.
What was the deal with having S-P brakes up front? No experience with them but only recall reading about years ago. That being about modulation where they would automatically suck-in or grab stronger. If the case, could understand the added complication in controlling a tandem. Anyone know or have tried them?
What was the deal with having S-P brakes up front? No experience with them but only recall reading about years ago. That being about modulation where they would automatically suck-in or grab stronger. If the case, could understand the added complication in controlling a tandem. Anyone know or have tried them?
06-01-16, 01:43 PM
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What was the deal with having S-P brakes up front? No experience with them but only recall reading about years ago. That being about modulation where they would automatically suck-in or grab stronger. If the case, could understand the added complication in controlling a tandem. Anyone know or have tried them?
06-01-16, 10:04 PM
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06-08-16, 11:38 PM
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Made a few changes to the tandem.. wider bars, replaced the mismatched wheelset and tires, slapped some new (reproduction) saddles on there too! Man this thing is a beast! With the slick tires I was hauling ass. It handles so well too.. it feels just like a single bike, just a little longer.
Eventually I will tear the whole thing down and do a deep clean, run new cables, etc, but it's looking good. BTW if anybody has a 26.8x250mm+ SR Laprade seat post please send me a pm
Eventually I will tear the whole thing down and do a deep clean, run new cables, etc, but it's looking good. BTW if anybody has a 26.8x250mm+ SR Laprade seat post please send me a pm
Last edited by frantik; 06-08-16 at 11:46 PM.
06-09-16, 08:01 AM
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I believe I have a 26.8 Laprade at home that I don't need...I'll check tonight and PM you if I do.
06-09-16, 08:35 AM
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Cool bike, and I'm a big Ritchie fan. However, where would you ride a mountain-bike tandem? I can't imagine riding a tandem on trails. We don't have many dirt roads around here but I know they are more common in other parts of the country.
06-09-16, 03:49 PM
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06-09-16, 06:52 PM
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Great score, frantik! Love the color and history.
Hey, that's better than walking a cute puppy in my book. 
