S&S Coupler retrofit on CoMo Speedster
#1
half man - half sheep
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Big Mineral arm - Lake Texoma (Pottsboro, Tx)
Posts: 2,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
S&S Coupler retrofit on CoMo Speedster
In my ongoing quest to figure out how and what to take to Europe for our trip, I'm contemplating getting our tandem retrofitted with the S&S couplers. Anyone know if this is possible? I called CoMo and they do not retrofit. I also saw a thread where the Co-pilot speedster uses a different steel -Reynolds 725, and the one we have is apparently Reynolds 631. Trying to find a company that does retrofit the S&S and wanting to know the cost.
On the other hand, is this something I will end up regretting? Having our CoMo cut up and put back together sounds like a scary proposition. I would hate for it to loose any of its riding characteristics, cause it rides like a dream right now.
On the other hand, is this something I will end up regretting? Having our CoMo cut up and put back together sounds like a scary proposition. I would hate for it to loose any of its riding characteristics, cause it rides like a dream right now.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Bilenky on the east coast does retro-fitting of S&S on *some* bikes/tandems. It'll cost likely around a grand+. Heck for le$$ money you can pack up and ship tandem to Europe. Hear some Euro airlines do not charge to transport a tandem.
Unless you are planning to do a couple flights a year with tandem, it may not be cost effective.
However, don't know the size of your 'wallet', so you decide.
S&S does not adversely affect handling of the tandem. Have ridden Co-Mos with and without S&S and they feel the same . . . just a couple pounds heavier.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Unless you are planning to do a couple flights a year with tandem, it may not be cost effective.
However, don't know the size of your 'wallet', so you decide.
S&S does not adversely affect handling of the tandem. Have ridden Co-Mos with and without S&S and they feel the same . . . just a couple pounds heavier.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
#3
hors category
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,231
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Originally Posted by Doggus
I'm contemplating getting our tandem retrofitted with the S&S couplers. I called CoMo and they do not retrofit. Trying to find a company that does retrofit the S&S and wanting to know the cost. I would hate for it to loose any of its riding characteristics, cause it rides like a dream right now.
About retrofitting in general: https://www.sandsmachine.com/#retrofit
About Co-Motion & Retrofits: https://www.co-motion.com/S&Sretrofit.html
More about Co-Motion: The Reynolds 725 tubeset used to build all of their S&S equipped Co-Pilots and the non-S&S Primera is drawn specifically for use with the S&S couplers with thicker butted zones at the coupler installation points. It's also a better material for brazing vs. the lighter Reynolds 631 that is drawn for use on their Speedster, Cappuccino, Mocha, and Supremo models.
As Rudy suggests, if you only plan on making a trip once in a great while, don't even think about it; the juice ain't worth the squeeze. If you plan to do a lot of travelling, consider selling your Speedster and upgrading to an S&S model. JMHO...
#4
half man - half sheep
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Big Mineral arm - Lake Texoma (Pottsboro, Tx)
Posts: 2,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's what I'm looking for. Sounds like this option is more of a PITA than it's worth. Now it's down to flying the CoMo as is or taking the MTBs ::barf::
Of course I'm still being stubborn and wanting to try pulling a Burley Nomad behind my CF Roubaix Pro against the legalese of Specialized. When the trailer gets here I'll have to try pulling around a 50lb bag of feed.
Of course I'm still being stubborn and wanting to try pulling a Burley Nomad behind my CF Roubaix Pro against the legalese of Specialized. When the trailer gets here I'll have to try pulling around a 50lb bag of feed.
#5
WATERFORD22
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 509
Bikes: Bilenky, Co-Motion, 1969 Paramount, Waterford Adventure Cycle, Waterford rs 22, 1980 Davidson etc.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a quote in hand from Bilenky and yes it's around a $1000 - plus a repaint which they gave me a deal on because the bike itself is a Bilenky. You then have to have time to take it all the way apart, ship it to them which I found rail was cheapest by rail and then have the time to put it back together and oh yes then you need to buy cases! Even after this it is cheaper than buying a new ss coupled bike which was my alternative..
#6
Journey-man
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Posts: 97
Bikes: Custom S&S coupled cross bike and a custom S&S coupled 29er single speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey, I just got here. Too late to put in my thoughts?. I would definetly email/call Stephen Bilenky at Bilenky Cycle Works. I had his crew chop my bike and eventually had them build two other bikes. They understand your pain of sending off your frame to be chopped. They will reward your faith with a beautiful product. There is no downside. It will ride the same. It will look great. It will fit in a suitcase (or two).
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 491
Bikes: Colnago C40 HP, Aegis Trident, Cannondale tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a CO MO 725 and it's great. BUt a compromise after-the-fact setup will most certainly be less so. Why not rent? There are companies that will deliver a tandem to you, set up a route, etc... any or all of that. PLUS: you may only pay a grand for the conversion... I think it will be more and you don't want to scrimp on that. And you'll pay $600 for the two boxes.