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-   -   basement project help (https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cycling/741637-basement-project-help.html)

wjhart 06-07-11 12:15 PM

basement project help
 
I have a Trek T900 tandem. I've always wanted more of a road tandem and the other day I saw a T900 that was retro-fitted with drop bars and STI shifters, etc. However, it looked as though (I couldn't get a real close look) it still was running 26" wheels.
Welllllllllll, I've got lots and lots of road bike parts and have decided to give myself the project of turning my 26" T900 into a 700c road tandem. Has anyone ever attempted this? Any suggestions? I have lots of Dura-ace and Ultegra parts so I'm thinking that what I'd like to accomplish (at least on the first try) is to go to 700c wheels, put on my Ultegra caliper brakes, maybe even change the front fork to a road fork and of course install new bars with STI shifters, 9 speed. I'll keep the rear derailleur to start unless I come across a long cage 105, Ultegra or Dura-ace. Of course a MTB derailleur would work, too.
Anyone that can give me advice, please do. I think this could be a fun project and I'll end up with a bike that will be similar to a Co-Motion Periscope.

Thanks

wheelspeed 06-07-11 07:39 PM

Hi wjhart. Welcome!

Usually the major concern is making brakes work on the larger rims. The brake bosses may be in the wrong location for 700c wheels. Grab one of your 700c wheels and put it on just to see if the brake pads can line up with the rim's brake surface. Usually cantilever brakes are used for their extra leverage instead of caliper brakes, but I guess you could try it if you live in a relatively flat area.

Of course, you can put a road front fork on to resolve the brake alignment problem, and I guess build a disk rear wheel. But for the price of a new fork and wheels, along with other things that you may need, you may want to look for a used, complete road tandem and upgrade its low-cost parts with your nice components you have extra.

rdtompki 06-07-11 09:43 PM

Or just keep the 26" wheels with slicks.

wjhart 06-08-11 11:26 AM

thanks for the thoughts. As I mentioned, I've got tons of roadie stuff so I'm going to try and use all the "free" parts I have. you're right though, if i have to start investing, a good used road tandem may be the answer.

wjhart 06-08-11 11:29 AM

i thought about that, too. it's just this old roadie in me that wants 700 wheels + i've got a bunch of really good ones just gathering dust.
i guess if it gets too complicated i'll stick with the 26ers.
thanks

wheelspeed 06-08-11 04:28 PM

Let us know how it goes. You can always start with the easy stuff... skinny 26" tires and put all your nice 'free' parts on the bike. Then enjoy it for the summer and tackle the bigger wheel project over the winter. Or if 700C wheels almost fit but not quite, then maybe think about lacing 650B rims to some hubs you have?

Onegun 06-08-11 06:06 PM


Originally Posted by wjhart (Post 12758033)
it's just this old roadie in me that wants 700 wheels + i've got a bunch of really good ones just gathering dust.

Be careful. "Really good" 700c single bike wheels are typically NOT tandem rated.


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