Calfee's here
#1
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Calfee's here
While I was waiting for this, I hoped for someone to post some pics of a Calfee with simple
clearcoat. Well no-one did, so here's ours, hope you like it as much as we do. 9-speed
antique build with some newer touches. The frame is slighter larger than large at the front
with extra stiff top tube. I really like the lines and it rides nicely too!
front_(Large)..JPG
You can just see the hole where the payments go (actually it's the drag brake stop)
right_(Large)..jpg
54, 44, 28 9-speed Chainwheels came in silver, which matches the FD6503 nicely.
stoker_top_(Large)..JPG
Brake cable line a bit convoluted, but stops fine. SRAM FORCE brakes work really well after V's
left_(Large)..jpg
Yes it has a belt and lightning cranks. I'm not that retro... Oh and a Lezyne minipump.
stoker_l_(Large)..jpg
Hard to see the N-stop jump stop, but it's there. 3 brake options just in case.
stoker_r_(Large)..jpg
Had to use some side load cages in places, but they look solid
Hope the Rolfs hold up to our weight!
captain_l_(Large)..JPG
clearcoat. Well no-one did, so here's ours, hope you like it as much as we do. 9-speed
antique build with some newer touches. The frame is slighter larger than large at the front
with extra stiff top tube. I really like the lines and it rides nicely too!
front_(Large)..JPG
You can just see the hole where the payments go (actually it's the drag brake stop)
right_(Large)..jpg
54, 44, 28 9-speed Chainwheels came in silver, which matches the FD6503 nicely.
stoker_top_(Large)..JPG
Brake cable line a bit convoluted, but stops fine. SRAM FORCE brakes work really well after V's
left_(Large)..jpg
Yes it has a belt and lightning cranks. I'm not that retro... Oh and a Lezyne minipump.
stoker_l_(Large)..jpg
Hard to see the N-stop jump stop, but it's there. 3 brake options just in case.
stoker_r_(Large)..jpg
Had to use some side load cages in places, but they look solid
Hope the Rolfs hold up to our weight!
captain_l_(Large)..JPG
#3
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Unfortunately Shimano quit building 9-speed road systems many moons ago. If it wasn't for ebay, this build probably wouldn't be possible - and it's the best shifting system I've ever had on a tandem.
BTW I wanted to say thanks for all the info and insight I picked up here on the forum. There are a lot of decisions
to make when you buy a Calfee.
BTW I wanted to say thanks for all the info and insight I picked up here on the forum. There are a lot of decisions
to make when you buy a Calfee.
#5
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Location: Tucson, AZ
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Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
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V-e-r-y nice!!!
We have the 'antique' 9-speed Shim on our c/f Zona tandem. 30,000 miles on it so far, but gave up on STI after 3,000 miles and switched to barcons.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
We have the 'antique' 9-speed Shim on our c/f Zona tandem. 30,000 miles on it so far, but gave up on STI after 3,000 miles and switched to barcons.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
#6
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Nice build. We really enjoys ours.
Wish I could afford the Lightning cranks.
You might try it without the Thudbuster, we had one on our Santana but don't need it on tha Calfee.
Wish I could afford the Lightning cranks.
You might try it without the Thudbuster, we had one on our Santana but don't need it on tha Calfee.
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#9
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The thudbuster was the stoker's choice - and I have to keep her happy! I do have a vague promise to try a conveniental post down the road - noting jnbrown and ritterviews positive experience. But she's very used to the shockpost for now, and likes it.
#10
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Bikes: BMC Pro Machine SLC01, Specialized Globe, Burley Rock 'N Roll tandem, Calfee Dragonfly tandem.
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Is that an AlphaQ fork? Did you find a secret cache?
The huge cassette suggests climbing is in store. Do you have plans on using the disc brake dropouts soon?
#14
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I was after weight and ride comfort. I have to say after riding it for a few months the comfort is what stands out. It just glides over roads that used to beat us up and I have more control on downhills which results in higher speed.
#15
calm down its just a bike
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very nice tandem, IN for more specs and details
#18
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Our carbon fiber Zona tandem currently has 30,000 miles on it.
Weight 26 1/2 lbs (without our 'junk' on it).
Stoker has never had suspension seatpost on any of the tandems we've owned; yup, she has tough little butt!Quality pay$ off in the long run!!!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Weight 26 1/2 lbs (without our 'junk' on it).
Stoker has never had suspension seatpost on any of the tandems we've owned; yup, she has tough little butt!Quality pay$ off in the long run!!!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
#19
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That was the theme of Rue's Retro Grouch carbon retro bike at NAHBS 2008. It was all carbon, but was made to look like a vintage steel frame.
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just have to make sure I never break it!
The 11-34 cassette is our go anywhere/everywhere gearing. The 44/34 combo dispatches all the hills around here, usually with aplomb. That leaves the 28/34 for the really steep stuff - but it has been used. We're both pretty big heavy diesels and don't seem as sensitive to cassette gaps as a lot of teams are. In fact I usually like not having to double shift.
I was planning on checking out a rear disc brake soon, but I've been really impressed with the SRAM caliper, especially the modulation after V-brakes. So for serious hills/touring, we will probably still go with the rim/drum combo.
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#24
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Hate to dampen the enthusiasm and excitement about the very cool/lucious new ride, but I'm compelled to suggest that you stock a set of more reliable wheels. There are plenty of reports of failed Rolfs. Our 320-350 lb team (depending...) suffered failure of Rolf rims part way through a deluxe tour in Italy. We loved them right up 'til they failed. If they fail anywhere but where you can quickly get Rolf service/parts, you are in trouble, and I guess they WILL fail. Failure in Italy doomed our tour. We now ride Phil Wood/Velocity when critical, Rolf only when close to home. Must ask what kind of wheel is that?
#25
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Hate to dampen the enthusiasm and excitement about the very cool/lucious new ride, but I'm compelled to suggest that you stock a set of more reliable wheels. There are plenty of reports of failed Rolfs. Our 320-350 lb team (depending...) suffered failure of Rolf rims part way through a deluxe tour in Italy. We loved them right up 'til they failed. If they fail anywhere but where you can quickly get Rolf service/parts, you are in trouble, and I guess they WILL fail. Failure in Italy doomed our tour. We now ride Phil Wood/Velocity when critical, Rolf only when close to home. Must ask what kind of wheel is that?