H1449-6

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I just bought an older Santana Arriva (fillet brazed frame) off e-bay. I didn't ask a whole lot of questions except about the general condition and sizing of the bike.

When it arrived, I noticed that it has 27" wheels with Suzue pressed in cartridge bearing hubs and what appear to be single-wall rims.

The front wheel bearing is loose, the wheels are a little out of true and frankly I'm just worried about their durability so I think I'm going to replace the wheelset. The rest of the bike has some dated components but appears to be in good shape. I need to get a wider bar up front and a different stem, but it's going to fit fine.

Questions:

a) Can I get a quality set of 27" tandem wheels any more? If so, can anyone suggest sources/brands I should be looking for?
b) Should I consider figuring out how to fit 700c wheels to the frame? I don't know if this would require that the cantilever posts be moved or what.

Thanks.

[edit to fix make of bike]

TandemGeek

If you don't mind having a limited selection of rims & tires and have the discipliine to carry a foldable spare tire, stick with 27". Most of the tandem specialty dealers will have NOS 27" rims on hand, e.g., Sun M-20's or some other off-brands. Panaracer and Continental make 27" tires.

You can find some comments regarding the conversion options here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in...p/t-28730.html

vosyer

Did, you mean a Santana Arriva not Serotta - 27 inch tandem wheels regularly come up on ebay- both complete wheels and rims and are pretty reasonably priced because of their age. I am partial to Chinooks myself but have seen MA40 Mavics for sale recently. Given the age of your bike I am not sure if the rear spacing is 145 or 160. by the way those hubs are not bad I put many 1000's of miles on mine before selling the bike. Also because you are talking cantilevers and not center or side pulls the drop bolt bolt is not and option. As an idea stick a 700c wheel in to see if is fits and see if the issue are brakes reaching the wheel if so then there are several options on brakes and rims for you to convert to 700 wheels which in the long run I'd think you'd be happier with.

H1449-6

Thanks. Fixed the make of the bike in the OP.

TandemGeek

Santana adopted 160mm rear spacing on it's '92 models.

tandemCruzer

Howdy,

I have an Arriva as well with 27" wheels and recently fitted it with 700c wheel on the back -- the 700c wheel is just a bit smaller than the 27" (I want to say 1/4"?), and we were able to adjust the brake so the 700c worked with the original bosses. So much nicer to have the larger selection of tires to choose from!

tandemCruzer

BTW, if your Arriva is as old as mine (an '83, also has the fillet brazing), the rear spacing is 140, if I remember correctly.

Cheers!

sula

Had the same thing. Got a frame and build up a bike (Dawes galaxy supper twin) mate of mine lent me some 27' rims. He got them while living in the US. Worked fine. After a while we headed off on a tour, gobi desert, china etc we needed some bom proof wheels. Went for the Rhino 700c. Bloody good. Basicaly either size fits if you gig with the brakes a bit.

If you aim to ride in Europe dont excect tp bye antiquated stuff like 27'. May be worth bearing in mind if you aim to tour. Getting replacement tyres on tour for a 27' would be a pain. Unless you live in the US and never go any where.

Happy spinning.

H1449-6

Santana also suggested that I consider using V-brakes, which apparently are more adjustable up and down.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[edit to fix company name again]

TandemGeek

Hmmm. You really seem to have Serrotta on the brain.

ElRey

Try lickbike.com (really, I'm not making it up) He's got a great selection of older wheel goods, as does Brandford bikes. You should be able to get a good set of 27" rims and lace them to a good tandem hub. He should also have a good selection of tires.

H1449-6

LOL. You're right. I've always wanted one of those.

To be clear, the tandem is a Santana. Like Carlos.