Originally Posted by
exploring
Does anyone have any comments on the suitability of a Lippy tandem for a heavier Clydesdale/Athena couple, new to tandems? The wheels can and will always be a weak point but I am asking specifically about the frame and tubing. Did Lippy use a variety of tubing to match his individual customers or was there commonality in his tandem frame materials? Does the ovalized top tube make much difference from a conventional round top tube? Does the longer length of many of the Lippy tandem frames make for greater weight bearing capacity? Would a Lippy even be worth our consideration? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
We knew of at least one super-Clydesdale captain with a petite stoker who put many, many miles on their Lippy and it never flinched. The ovalized tubes were used to provide additional lateral stiffness while still allowing for some veritical compliance for comfort and can be found on Erickson, Lippy, Rodriquez, and perhaps a few other Pacific Northwest builder's tandems. The longer length simply provides the stoker with more room and is, again, something of a Pacific Northwest tandem feature. Lippy's are outstanding examples of hand-built custom steel tandems.
Best way to get specific info on this Lippy is to ask the owner for the serial number and then to contact Keith or his wife Pat. I believe this web page may have their current contact info:
http://www.all-oregon.com/city/salem/recreation.htm