mikeybikey101

Anybody, have expeience with a Chuck's bike triple frame? He is going out of business and is blowing them out. I'm really wondering about the rear thru axle hub. Sounds like it would really limit things in the rear triangle. Thanks.

Phantoj

Yes, I'm wondering about this, too. (Also, you can get a real cheap carbon tandem crankset...)

WillFam-Reno

Wow, $450 is a blow out deal for the frame. I just put one together in January. I was pleased with the mechanical alignment of the frame, but the paint left a bit to be desired. If you want to spend a lot of time getting all the parts together for it, the final product seems to work well.

Have you piloted a tandem before? The turning radius is like a Mac truck, but my family really likes it.

I will help you get a parts list together for all the items you need if you wish to communicate directly. I spent several weeks getting all the small parts together to complete the build, including the last items which I just added this week, the stoker brake lever hand rests. I also purchased his "pro tool kit" which helped in the build (don't know if he has any left). The frame and fork allow you to go with rim brakes or disk.

Any other specific questions?

WillFam-Reno

I'm sorry - I forgot to answer about the "through axle hub" - which I think might mean the through hub axle? It is very strong. I would lke to upgrade to a quick release in the future, but it works well.

What shifters are you thinking about and what is your mechanical aptitude? This is NOT a weekend build!

mikeybikey101

Thanks for the reply. I have four tandems, but this would be my first triple. I am a fairly competent bike mechanic. How many spokes for the rear hub? What is the spacing in the back? Could this setup be converted to a conventional hub? Any help would be appreciated. I was thinking of Ultegra shifters. MIke

WillFam-Reno

How many spokes for the rear hub?
I got 40 front and 48 rear w/velocity dyad rims. Maybe overkill, but I am also pulling a trail-a-bike and trailer. Placed a

What is the spacing in the back?
145 spacing.

Could this setup be converted to a conventional hub?
I am not sure of your meaning. This is conventional for a tandem!? The hubs I got from Chuck's are both set up for adding a disc. I ended up building my own 4x rear wheel. I think he had I rear he was going to have built up, I just did not want to wait for his wheel builder.

Any help would be appreciated. I was thinking of Ultegra shifters. MIke
I also got the Ultegra 9 speed brifters. Chuck did not know what bolts to add to lock the eccentrics in place, so the ones that he sent me were not correct. I got some bolts from Home Depot, but would have preferred long set screws, but they are hard to obtain without a special order from a supplier. I did not buy them yet because of a high minimum order, but perhaps if we share the expense, I will order them. I think it's around $75 dollars total. So... the bolts are working for now, just looks silly. I think I spent close to $2,200 by the time all was said and done, but that included a child stoker kit for almost $500. Not too bad for a triplet that appears to have a decent frame. Used prices were of course much higher from what I was able to find. I ended up going with 10 speed chains for the synch chains since I needed more clearance on the child stoker setup in the center position (three chainrings at that location). I also got a click-stand off the internet instead of a kick stand or tree to hold the thing up. I like it a lot.

Phantoj

Does it come with eccentrics?

WillFam-Reno

Yes, it comes with two aluminum eccentrics.

WillFam-Reno

I forgot to ask, how are you going to have it shipped? Are you close enough to pick it up? I have relatives in the area, so made a visit out of it.

cornucopia72

Can someone post a site where we can check this triple?
Thanks

WillFam-Reno

https://www.chucksbikes.com/
Search for frames, triple tandem frame.
I got the 700c size. 26" was available also.

mikeybikey101

I wrote chuck yesterday. He says he has only one left with a damaged head tube. He was attempting to get it fixed.

WillFam-Reno

Now is the time to ask him for a certain color if it is repaired and needs to be touched up. What size does he have. The 26 or the 700c?

mikeybikey101

I don't know any details. He gave a very brief answer which seemed to suggest it might not be repairable, or he might not want to go to the trouble. Guess I'll just keep looking.

WillFam-Reno

I assume from your interest, that you are serious about getting a triplet.

If he doesn't want to bother, since it's a steel frame, what about offering him $100 (or offer to purchase other parts from him that you will need anyway) for the frame, plus shipping, and having the headset repaired locally to you? That way you could get the repairs done and since you need to get the front section painted anyway, you could get a custom paint job and get an inexpensive frame? Be aware that the headset is the heavy duty 1-1/2" tubing. The front fork came with the 1-1/2" hardware for attaching the fork.

If there is more I can do to help, please let me know.