Originally Posted by
TandemGeek
Campy suggests a maximum rider weight of ~180lbs for it's components and therein lies part of the problem given that even lightweight tandems team will tip the scales at 230lbs - 280lbs.
... Campy drive trains.... subject to the more recent weight related cautionary / warranty-voiding language applied to the newer carbon cranks which bleed over to their alloy cranks whether or not it's really a true limitation for the alloy models.
What is the source of this supposed Campy weight limit? Not from the Campy web site. The term "weight limit" does not search, nor does "80 kg", nor do
11 Google pages of "weight" at the site reveal a weight limit. I've looked over their Catalog .pdf's, and no weight limit. If you Google weight limit and Campy you'll see reference to a supposed 80 kg (176 lb.) weight limit, but no viable links.
This blog had what appears to be a quote from the Campy site.
Q: Last year I weighed 80 kg and now I weigh 83 kg. Can I still use Campagnolo products, or am I too heavy?
A: "There is no clear dividing line defining when someone is "too heavy" for Campagnolo products."
But
his link no longer works, and searching the term 'heavy' at the Campy site doesn't turn it up.
So it appears at one time Campy might have had some sort of CYA legalese about recommended weight limits, but this not of real-world engineering or cycling import. Campy components overall have a reputation for robustness that recommends rather than disallows their products for heavier usage.
Moreover, for tandems, a team weight limit would apply to wheels, forks, etc. which bear the burden of two riders, but not for individual rider items such cranks, seatposts, saddles, bars, etc., for which the load is that of the captain and stoker respectively, not cumulatively.