guruguhan

Hello,

This is my first post, I don't know if I should be posting this here. I have recently read about S&S Couplers and i'm interested in having my Cannondale T800 modified. My questions are, is this possible on this frame (adding S&S couplers)? How much should this cost? Does anyone know of a framebuilder in Toronto, Canada that can do this for me? Or do I generally need to send the frame off for this modification? Thank for all the help

ronjon10

I don't think you can do S&S couplers on an aluminium frame. Here's the link to the website with all the info:
https://www.sandsmachine.com/

I've got S&S couplers on my bike which was a $500 addition when I was getting the frame custom built for me. Performance is everything they say, I simply don't notice them and I'm a clydesdale to say the least. However, I don't think they're really worth it. I've flown with my bike 2x and broke it down for a car trip once in about 3 years of ownership. You have to completely disassemble the bike to get it folded up into that suitcase. The assembly/disassembly time really discouraged me from taking the bike on weekend trips and whatnot. (Do note that I'm not a mechanical whiz and the reassembly is most likely more difficult for me than for most)

I wound up getting a folding bike (bike friday) that I can put in a smaller suitcase. It also breaks down and reassembles both quickly and within my very limited mechanical capabilities.

I don't mean to dissuade you as I don't know all your needs, just relating my experience. (I will say, on that car ride I would have been #@$@#$ if I didnt' have them. I biked 200 miles to meet a friend who was going to drive me back home. Turns out my bike didn't fit on her rooftop bike rack since it was made for MTBs. With all the stuff in the car, I had to break down the bike just to get it to barely fit in her car.)

ronjon10

I just checked their website since I was curious and indeed, they don't do retrofits on aluminium bikes:

https://www.sandsmachine.com/rtro_alm.htm

guruguhan

Thanks!

Bacciagalupe

Another vote for folding bikes over upgrading the Trek to S&S. If you're looking for a good touring machine, check in with Bike Friday.

chimblysweep

i have couplers and love 'em. but i have them on a singlespeed bike, so there are no shift cables. which makes it alot easier.

for me it's worth it because i fly 1-2x a month and I want a bike with full size wheels. Works out great.