While I was waiting for this, I hoped for someone to post some pics of a Calfee with simple
clearcoat. Well no-one did, so here's ours, hope you like it as much as we do. 9-speed
antique build with some newer touches. The frame is slighter larger than large at the front
with extra stiff top tube. I really like the lines and it rides nicely too!

front_(Large)..JPG
You can just see the hole where the payments go (actually it's the drag brake stop)
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54, 44, 28 9-speed Chainwheels came in silver, which matches the FD6503 nicely.
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Brake cable line a bit convoluted, but stops fine. SRAM FORCE brakes work really well after V's
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Yes it has a belt and lightning cranks. I'm not that retro... Oh and a Lezyne minipump.
stoker_l_(Large)..jpg
Hard to see the N-stop jump stop, but it's there. 3 brake options just in case.
stoker_r_(Large)..jpg
Had to use some side load cages in places, but they look solid
Hope the Rolfs hold up to our weight!
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Looks good. Can't see anything antique on it though.

Unfortunately Shimano quit building 9-speed road systems many moons ago. If it wasn't for ebay, this build probably wouldn't be possible - and it's the best shifting system I've ever had on a tandem.

BTW I wanted to say thanks for all the info and insight I picked up here on the forum. There are a lot of decisions
to make when you buy a Calfee.

Weight?

V-e-r-y nice!!!
We have the 'antique' 9-speed Shim on our c/f Zona tandem. 30,000 miles on it so far, but gave up on STI after 3,000 miles and switched to barcons.
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Nice build. We really enjoys ours.
Wish I could afford the Lightning cranks.
You might try it without the Thudbuster, we had one on our Santana but don't need it on tha Calfee.

Mrs. R agrees that she has no problems on the Calfee with a conventional seatpost. Specialized seatpost with Zertz insert might be something to try.

Sorry, it hasn't been weighed... We can more than make up for any deficiencies in weight by carrying more spares and water if necessary. Seriously I just wanted a bike that rides well - weight was never a big issue.

The thudbuster was the stoker's choice - and I have to keep her happy! I do have a vague promise to try a conveniental post down the road - noting jnbrown and ritterviews positive experience. But she's very used to the shockpost for now, and likes it.

Yeah, and the Lightning cranks, Gates drive and Rolfs help make sure weight never becomes an issue.



Is that an AlphaQ fork? Did you find a secret cache?

The huge cassette suggests climbing is in store. Do you have plans on using the disc brake dropouts soon?

retro

Retro CF is an oxymoron

Here is our antique.

I was after weight and ride comfort. I have to say after riding it for a few months the comfort is what stands out. It just glides over roads that used to beat us up and I have more control on downhills which results in higher speed.

very nice tandem, IN for more specs and details

Sweet!


.

This quote WILL be used at work. Kinda funny.

PK

Our carbon fiber Zona tandem currently has 30,000 miles on it.
Weight 26 1/2 lbs (without our 'junk' on it).
Stoker has never had suspension seatpost on any of the tandems we've owned; yup, she has tough little butt!Quality pay$ off in the long run!!!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

That was the theme of Rue's Retro Grouch carbon retro bike at NAHBS 2008. It was all carbon, but was made to look like a vintage steel frame.

^i can dig that!

We did get an AlphaQ.... Back when we ordered in January Calfee still had them available for new bikes. Now I
just have to make sure I never break it!

The 11-34 cassette is our go anywhere/everywhere gearing. The 44/34 combo dispatches all the hills around here, usually with aplomb. That leaves the 28/34 for the really steep stuff - but it has been used. We're both pretty big heavy diesels and don't seem as sensitive to cassette gaps as a lot of teams are. In fact I usually like not having to double shift.

I was planning on checking out a rear disc brake soon, but I've been really impressed with the SRAM caliper, especially the modulation after V-brakes. So for serious hills/touring, we will probably still go with the rim/drum combo.

What are the team weights and sizes? Totals to protect the innocent if needed.

6'00'' 210 front + 5'7" 140 rear (+camelbacks etc) on a good day

Hate to dampen the enthusiasm and excitement about the very cool/lucious new ride, but I'm compelled to suggest that you stock a set of more reliable wheels. There are plenty of reports of failed Rolfs. Our 320-350 lb team (depending...) suffered failure of Rolf rims part way through a deluxe tour in Italy. We loved them right up 'til they failed. If they fail anywhere but where you can quickly get Rolf service/parts, you are in trouble, and I guess they WILL fail. Failure in Italy doomed our tour. We now ride Phil Wood/Velocity when critical, Rolf only when close to home. Must ask what kind of wheel is that?

Thanks for the advice. I totally agree - our experience has always been iffy with spokes/rims and we know all about how hard it can be get parts from some Bike Friday tours. My risk assessment is that it isn't worth it to take Rolfs or sweet sixteens on tour. So I have a 40H deep-V Phil Wood rear wheelset ready to go before we start packing. The plan for the Rolfs is to ride the heck out of them closer to home - if the durability is an issue, I'll consider some White/fusion/36H wheels as a lightweight set.