Originally Posted by
TandemGeek
That sounds backwards.... I would think they'd want you to use a disc brake instead of a rim brake given the amount of heat that a tandem with rim brakes can put into the wheels. In fact, Rolf offers tandem-rated carbon wheelset that can ONLY support a dual-disc configuration. Rolf, Co-Motion and Advanced Composites collectively developed this carbon wheelset and a disc-compatible Wound-Up carbon fork for tandems. I'm not sure if it has been a hot seller or not.
Here is what he told me, The torque loads on the wheels in a disk brake are much greater than on a rim brake wheel, by an order of magnitude, no other explanation or supporting data. He also dismissed the heat issue with the proviso that it would apply if we were in the habit of riding down mountain grades. he did say in that case that a drum(drag) brake would be acceptable as a secondary means of controlling speed.
I know I have read accounts here and elsewhere of heat induced tire blowouts, they were all clinchers as I recall. Have you had or seen any of these reports on tubulars. There are a plethora of new tubulars in wider widths with the rise in popularity of cyclocross. It could be a viable option for a tandem team. On my single bike I ride tubulars 100% of the time with no reservations, nor have I lacked any confidence in their ability to stay on the rim through the toughest riding situations