Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
The tubing looks pretty thin in diameter...I'm betting you'll get some flex in the rear position.
I believe the Taylor brothers were the only builders to which Reynolds supplied the special 531 tandem tubing. They were skilled and known for their tandems (pretty much the best during this time period) so I'm not worried about it in the least. Those BB shells are just gorgeously brazed.
Originally Posted by
photogravity
And with a tandem you'll definitely get some high speeds, that's for sure! Since it doesn't have a drum brake, if you can find one you might want to think about one for fast descents.
I'll buy an Arai if one comes around, but I've spoken to several vintage tandem riders and they tell me I'll be fine without one. Note that there's a cable stop brazed on the non-drive side chain stay for the actuator cable so if I find one that's nice. My wife is 5'5". I'm not going to replace the cranks and the difference is too small for a child stoker crank, I reckon. She'd seldom ride with me anyhow.