Tires and Handlebars for New Tandem Couple
02-02-09, 09:47 AM
#1
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Tires and Handlebars for New Tandem Couple
So we've had the Burley Rock-n-Roll Softride out for three rides of about 12 miles each (first thread is here https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cycling/504988-new-tandem.html ). We now have a great setup for the stoker bars, have the seat pretty much dialed in, and really enjoyed the last ride. Many thanks to Mark at Precision Tandems who helped.
The stoker only screamed at me once on the last ride.
The tires are 26x1.3 Vedersteins and we want to replace them. They look to be in fair shape but I'd like a wider tire. Do you folks have any recommendations? I was thinking either a set of Scwalbe Marathon Racers in 26x1.5 (a little pricey) or a set of Geax StreetRunners in 26x1.6 size.
Also, the stem is a little low for my comfort and I want to raise the bars so I'll be experimenting with stems. I'm thinking of upgrading to 9 speed and changing the shifters to either XT rapid fire, or a set of bar end shifters. The change to XT would require changing the front D/R, currently 105. I have a set spare set of bar ends, so I'm inclined to use them.
If I go with bar ends, has anyone ever used a set of "moustache" bars for their tandem?
What about a stem raiser for a tandem in order to get the bar up higher for me? Has anyone seen or done that on a tandem?
Your thoughts appreciated.
The stoker only screamed at me once on the last ride.
The tires are 26x1.3 Vedersteins and we want to replace them. They look to be in fair shape but I'd like a wider tire. Do you folks have any recommendations? I was thinking either a set of Scwalbe Marathon Racers in 26x1.5 (a little pricey) or a set of Geax StreetRunners in 26x1.6 size.
Also, the stem is a little low for my comfort and I want to raise the bars so I'll be experimenting with stems. I'm thinking of upgrading to 9 speed and changing the shifters to either XT rapid fire, or a set of bar end shifters. The change to XT would require changing the front D/R, currently 105. I have a set spare set of bar ends, so I'm inclined to use them.
If I go with bar ends, has anyone ever used a set of "moustache" bars for their tandem?
What about a stem raiser for a tandem in order to get the bar up higher for me? Has anyone seen or done that on a tandem?
Your thoughts appreciated.
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02-02-09, 07:04 PM
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Are you riding on particularly rough surfaces or do you just want the comfort of a wider tire? I've done ok even on carriage roads and crushed cinders with my 25mm 700c tires on our Burley Rhumba...it's bumpy but I've been surprised on how durable the narrow ones can be.
02-02-09, 08:41 PM
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Maybe not. That combination used to be a common factory spec. My daughter's Rock n Roll tandem has rapid fire shifters and a road front derailleur and it shifts just fine. My wife's Specialized Crossroads Pro hybrid also came from the factory with rapid fire shifters and a road (Tiagra) front derailleur. It's shifting is flawless too.
02-02-09, 09:30 PM
#5
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Maybe not. That combination used to be a common factory spec. My daughter's Rock n Roll tandem has rapid fire shifters and a road front derailleur and it shifts just fine. My wife's Specialized Crossroads Pro hybrid also came from the factory with rapid fire shifters and a road (Tiagra) front derailleur. It's shifting is flawless too.
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02-07-09, 05:05 AM
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Marathon Racers are a great tyre. The only downside is that they don't cope with UK road mud too well. We've just replaced with 2 inch Marathon Supremes, which really are fantastic.
