Old 09-11-10 | 05:29 PM
  #5  
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zonatandem
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20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 11,013
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From: Tucson, AZ

Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single

Beautiful condition for a vintage Bob Jackson!
The Phil Woods discs were the first disc for tandems. A bit problematic and hard to keep adjusted.
We owned a custom 1977 Assenmacher with similar desgn features, including bent rear seattube and toeclip overlap. But no disc brake; we had Mafac cantilevers front and rear. Also Suntour barend shifters and TA triple crankset. . . and the frame was also Reynolds 531 tubing. Put 64,000 miles on that bike.
Looks like maybe about a 63 inch wheelbase . . . current tandem wheelbases are around 69+".
Frame could be (from seeing the photos) about 23/23". May be a bit tight fit for stoker, but saddle can be pushed back a bit if more room is needed.

Big thing in tandeming: COMMUNICATE! Pilot (person up front) has to say out loud (not just thinking!) what he is about to do: coasting, pedal, shifting, braking and call out the road hazards/bumps.
Pilot also calls out turns,slowing, stopping . . . but stoker does the actual signaling. And, yes,stoker can be the navigator when you gety into unfamiliar territory. Pin map/directions onto rear of pilot's jersey and tell the pilot 'where to go!'
Develop a compromise pace . . . one that suits both riders. Don't try to overpower the other rider!
Stability and ride quality should be good, responsivenes could be a little twitchy due to the very short wheelbase and you-2 still developing your tandem technique.
Patience . . . it get's a whole lot better after a couple hundred miles TWOgether!
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem



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