waynesulak

Are you concerned that the cable will cut the carbon?

Keep in mind that anything can be used for the block if cable lining is used. I switched to using cable lining from the down tube cable stop underneath all the way to the rear derailleur stop on my non-coupled tandem. This keeps the cable clean and shifting is great. You could use liner from the down tube stop under the eccentric to the cable break.


https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...902&category=7

chojn1

Wayne,

I am a little concerned. But the guides are detachable and easily replaced with an alternate design.
Here they are:


The ones with the parallel groves is for the front eccentric, the other for the back bb. The concave side of these guides conform perfectly to the bottom of the bike frame (I used the frame itself for the mold). So, they should go on perfectly with double sided tape. The tension of the cables will help hold them in place. They are easily removable should I decide to change the design. I will definitely add the cable lining if needed.

Build out starts tomorrow. I'm so excited!

chojn1

Build out is progressing well. I've decided just to use some spare components I have around. It is set up as a hybrid/mountain tandem which has the advantage of allowing me to test the frame structure on a mountain bike trail near my house. There will be no stoker in the first few rides, but the course will give the frame plenty of other challenges.

Once I get around to upgrading my other tandem to DI2, this frame may inherit the Ultegra road group.

chojn1

Cable guides

chojn1

The bike is essentially complete. I did manage to get in about 30 miles over the weekend, ten of which was on a mountain bike trail. I did a few bunny hops and a couple of foot deep drops but didn't work up the nerve for any major jumps. The Chris King Headset was a little loose which has since been corrected with a new compression bolt. There was also a dragging noise in the back which has resolved with a longer rear derailleur cable and housing. Now if I could only get the brake levers from rattling after every jumps, the bike would be good to go. I was worried about the exposed cables and the open cable guides, but they held despite all my attempts at flexing the frame.

The bike is very smooth on pavement for which it is intended. Shifting from the X0 derailleurs and handle bar twist shifts is amazing (from any chain ring to any cog)- much better than even the Dura Ace STI's. The Bengal brakes are efficient as expected. The frame ride stiff with no detectable flex, and no complaint heard from the couplers. I am having so much fun with this thing, it will probably never see the road groupset. The wife was impressed enough to jump on for a short ride around the neighborhood.

Now for some bike riding time.

reburns

I want one!

colotandem

Very cool! I think you will find that there are a lot of people on this forum that are very jealous of your handywork (including me)!

PMK

Awesome to see completed. Since we also run flat bars and XO 9sp, I can relate to leaving drop bars and road group on the shelf.

PK

waynesulak

The bike looks great. Thanks for sharing the build process.

chojn1

Thanks guys,

It has been an intellectually stimulating and productively gratifying experience.
Of course, I could not have done it without your help.
I am still amazed at the power of the internet.
One can start from zero, research the necessary information, teach himself the technical skills, ask advice from experts, and create almost anything.
Now I have a cool bike I built to ride.
But, I also have the ability and confidence to tackle more complex projects.
Thanks again.
CJ