Hi,

I'll be looking to buy one or two 26" rear wheels that can fit a 9 speed cassette. I don't object to "standard" MTB wheels except that I want to know they can handle a tandem weight.

Options?

Thanks,
Charles

I just had Rodriguez (www.rodcycle.com/‎) build me out a 26" wheel set (White Industries hubs and Velocity rims) and I am very pleased with the result.

The rear dropout spacing of most tandems is 145 or 160 mm. Most rear MTB dropouts are 135 mm apart.

I would like to tag along on this thread. I am fixing up my tandem for spring commuting and social rides. The bearings and spokes had trouble on the 26" wheel that came with the bike (used). I'd like to get a wheelset that can support a total team+bike+gear load of 450-500lb depending on the day. What recommendations are out there? I struggle to find 26" wheel options suited for that kind of load.

Not sure of your budget but a good custom wheel builder should be able to fix you up. Small wheels are stronger than a otherwise similar larger wheel.

Rod Bikes mentioned above is one of many that can be ordered over the web. I have also had good experience with Peter White and Joe Young Wheels. Google any of these and you will find their web sites. They will use a strong hub that will fit your frame and design a strong wheel they can handle that weight.

Same builder, same hub, different year (2012), different rim (Alex), but same smile on this customer's face.

That is a good point. Because of the build I'm doing, I was hoping to get the bits and bobs ahead of the frame, but that won't work without better measurements...