cajunpedaler

I have a tandem. It presently is equipped with rim brakes. I'd like to build a front end, new fork with a disc brake. Of course, I am always trying to economize.
I have found a surly LHT fork that looks about the same rake and is compatible with disc brakes. Of course, I would build a new disc brake wheel.

two questions for now...How absolutely critical is the rake? and I think i understand that a fork on a tandem needs to be beefy because of the instance of a quick stop, that the weight of the tandem and it's riders doesn't fold the front fork because of double the weight going forward.

I'm thinking the LHT fork would be pretty sturdy.

Any ideas?
Has anyone ever brazed or welded disc tabs to a tandem fork and it worked ok?

Thanks.
Perry

OneIsAllYouNeed

Don't use an LHT fork on a tandem. It could break. Your stoker would never ride with you again.

If you get the rake within 3mm and the length within 10mm, you're not likely to notice any difference compared to your current fork.

There's a very short list of tandem-rated disc forks. On a budget, your best bets are buying one directly from Co-Motion or R+E Cycles. When I last checked, you could get these (all with a non-tapered 1 1/8" steerer) under $400:
Co-Motion 390mm a-c, 50mm rake
Co-Motion 396mm a-c, 50mm rake
R+E Cycles 408mm a-c, 55mm rake
Co-Motion 418mm a-c, 55mm rake
Surly Instigator 447mm a-c, 43mm rake (only $100)
You might be able to find a used or old-stock Cannondale Fatty tandem, too.

oldacura

You say you want to "upgrade" to a disc brake from a rim brake but you want to economize. What problem are you fixing?

waynesulak

I would not do it.

LV2TNDM

I happened to be the lucky recipient of a free Fox fork for our tandem, which required switching over to a disc front brake. I was upgrading from Magura rim brakes and I couldn't be happier with the results. I've always been frustrated with the bewildering lack of power the Magura brakes have. You'd think full hydraulic rim brakes would be perfect for a tandem, especially the rear brake. Compared to all my other rim brakes, these have always lacked proper braking force at the rim. Sure, they have NO sponginess, but man I'd have to clamp the lever way too hard.

I'm running a Hayes hydraulic disc with a 203 rotor and I am now enjoying one-finger braking in the front on the steepest terrain (think Slickrock). And I'm still a big fan of v-brakes and still use 'em on most bikes. But upgrading to hydraulic disc in front was a very, very worthwhile upgrade.

So if you want this type of upgrade reward, then forge ahead... but be aware that this was a high-quality upgrade and not done on the cheap. If you're on a tight budget and opt for a lower end cable-actuated disc brake, you may be VERY disappointed!

Good luck.

bockwho

I've found travel agents and V's work great. But I do like the feel of the Disk especially the TRP and its dual action.


KHS is V and travel agents front and rear
Cannondale is V front on a wound up carbon tandem fork Avid single digets
Custom Travel Ti is presently a rear disk and V (XT 4link) with travel agents on a Ti fork

however I've wanted a different fork because its not a crowned fork and the metal bend into the steer tube is adding too much vertical on the front end for my desired fit.

... i have a few options I've considered


option 1 Carbon Cross fork disk or Vbrakes
option 2 Fourche Tandem route X-peria 5200 disk
option 3 spend 500.00 on a new wound up fork.... i don't have the money right now.


I ordered the X-peria fork today for 103.00 usd... deep breath...

OneIsAllYouNeed

Those prices are pretty awesome for tandem hardware. I'd be interested in hearing about your experience with the X-Peria fork. From what I can tell, that fork is 396mm a-c, 48mm rake, 1 1/8 to 1 1/2" tapered headset, compatible with post-mount disc caliper for 160/180/203mm, and claims 58mm tire clearance. It's that last point that intrigues me. I'm not sure if they mean it clears a 58mm tire (2.25") or if it measures 58mm internally, which would safely fit a ~44mm tire.