Need help with our potential first tandem.
I've found a 96' Santana Arriva L/M that I'm considering purchasing. It's the original owner and it is equiped with XTR deraileurs and Deore cranks/brakes. Not sure about the wheels yet, looks to be in great condition but have requested more pictures. The owner wants $800 "firm".
I ride a lot now (race cat 4) and my wife rides once or twice a week. Speed is the name of the game, not that we don't like just cruising, but speed is definitely a big part of it.
Sooo, immediately I'm thinking complete overhall and new parts, disc brakes being the biggest consideration.
Given it's a steel frame I'm sure having disc tabs welded on is no biggie and then having it powder coated. But wheels and hubs? 36 hole Velocity deep V's? What kind of hubs, 36h XTR disc hubs? I'm not sure of the front and rear spacing.
Cranks, is a triple really necessary? Wife runs a compact double and I run a standard double.
I'm sure I'll have many more questions, thanks in advance for any help.