Originally Posted by
RCMoeur
I think the "massive rear" disc is intended to be a drag brake for long descents, not for everyday stopping (although it seems more than adequate for that purpose as well). The extra-large disc is intended for heat shedding, not performance. As I recall, these super-sized discs replaced the Arai drum brakes with large heat sinks found on older tandems.
Although the original cantilever brakes are good, replacing the front brake with a properly-adjusted V brake should be strong enough to skid the front wheel. That being said, testing it in such a manner with a stoker on board can result in strong words and possible violence from the back seat, along with involuntary nocturnal relocation to the couch (don't ask me how I know these things, but being able to skid the front wheel briefly seemed cool at the moment).
My very first tandem experience was on an antique Columbia... it had a skip tooth drivetrain... It was missing the timing chain. I got the rest of the bike operational (props to Monkey Grip Patches!) but no front chain was installed.. i conned my best pal, and owner of the bike, into steering while i stoked... i went my normally insane pace as he screamed bloody murder and issued threats by the bucketload... As we careened from Boones Ferry Rd. past Tualatin Valley Lumber onto (?) Lanewood, all he could muster was one long, loud, continuous scream.... i can clearly recall that tone to this day.... and that was the LAST time that old rusty tandem was ridden..... 1967.