Ride it like you stole it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Union County, NC
Posts: 4,996
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale EVO Ultegra Di2, Pedal Force Aeroblade, Rue Tandem
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Thanks so far for the answers. I have a similar situation to Mr Beanz, only not as much weight. I have a custom tandem coming, I will not be using tandem specific wheels (145/160 mm axles) Instead using MTB hubs on Road rims 700C and our team weighs 345 pounds (205 for me, 140 for my stoker). So I am curious about long term reliability.
As single riders we are actually pretty easy on wheels and do not have issues with flatting or broken spokes or out of true wheels, but combined that is a lot more weight. A reputable builder suggested 28 spoke wheels on deep carbon rims as a good serviceable wheel set, that is more extreme than I was thinking, also more money.
I would have asked this in the tandem forum, but for the most part they frown on anything not tandem specific, usually saying things like, 'we've always done it this way.... must be a reason... it won't work because... good luck with that... etc.'
Although the responses so far have limited mileage, no one has mentioned catastrophic wheel failure using road wheels at this weight. I am encouraged.