1991 Cannondale Tandem
 

Hello --

I'm a proud new owner of a 1991 Cannondale tandem. Here are a couple of questions:

1. Is there a serial number on Cannondale tandems? I quickly scanned the frame and I didn't see it, for instance on the bottom bracket shell. I can do a more detailed look but was wondering if anyone knew the quick answer.

2. The bike has "Suntour XC" cantilever brakes - probably the originals. It also has a third drum brake. I assume that losing the drum will mean rebuilding the rear wheel given the hub spacing for the drum, which I might do eventually. Are more modern cantilevers a reasonable upgrade? Suggestions?

Thanks.

Check the right rear dropout where the rear DR is.
The drum brake screws on and off, no respacing necessary. I would be interested in the drum if you take it off.
I upgraded to v-brakes from center pulls.

The ser no. of our C-dale was under the front BB, but mostly obscured by the cable guide.

V-brakes are a nice upgrade from cantis. As stated before, no respacing ncessary when removing the drum brake.

I have a later Cannondale and V Brake were fitted as standard- They are a big improvement over Cantilevers but the downside is increased Rim wear. This can be made worse by using a hard Brake block so Stay away from Standard Shimano Blocks unless you are prepared to re-rim the wheels every few years- I found that Coolstop blocks- which are softer are kinder on the rims- helped to ease rim wear. I would also prefer to fit the Complete Brake Blocks that have the friction material bonded to the Backing. I have had incidents where I have lost a block on the replacable block type- and that was on a solo.

I no longer have brake or rim wear problems now as I have fitted Disc brakes -- but this is not a cheap option.