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• #2
36h, 135mm would seem like a more mainstream and therefore easily/cheaply available way to go. Would 4 spokes really make much difference?
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• #3
Who knows?! 10% difference I guess? We tend to tour quite heavy, I'd be more inclined to go 48 on the rear than 36 - but I might not have a reasonable choice
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• #4
Pick deep section aluminium rims to compensate for fewer spokes. They also give better heat capacity and dissipation when using rim brakes on long descents.
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• #5
Quite interested in this conundrum also as I guess converting to 650b will be the way to keep my 650a tandem on the road when the current wheels give up the ghost.
This implies shiny silver hubs with 40 or 48 holes, 140 mm OLD and drum brake threading are at least available:
https://www.tandems.co.uk/m17b0s90p900/JD-TANDEMS-rear-wheel-700c-40-hole-disc-or-drag-brake
Doesn't seem like it would be a big deal to get them built with 650b rims instead of 700c.
Can't comment on the quality/value of these.
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• #6
Yeah I'm converting a 27" to 650b so that I can have nice clearances for 40mm with fenders.
I've seen a few hubs around, but really am struggling to find anything midrange. It's either £400 including taxes and shipping for a white industries hub, or £60-£100 for a hub from a brand that I've never heard of that either relies on a freewheel or has a freehub that will 100% strip within the first 5000 km
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• #7
£240 seems like rich rich money for that wheel.
You could build a 36h XT M756 hub to an Andra or Sputnik rim with those Sapim Strong spokes for a little over £100 in parts.
My experience of tandems is more from the track but given that I know wheelbuilders that say the g force loading in the corners on the track gives wheels a harder time than road cycling does and I've never seen a tandem specific hub used on the track then I'd go out on a limb and say a sturdy 36h hub and rim like the XT/Andra combo would be more than sturdy enough.
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• #8
I used a Suzue rear, Shimano front on our 26r, with Cliffhangers. 48. Rear Hub probably a bit basic. Not sure if there’s a drag version around - our bike has only rimbrakes. No dramas yet.
So are you moving Canti bosses on the frame/fork?
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• #9
There's a 135mm 48h Suzue rear hub on ebay at the moment. Definitely considering picking it up in the hope that its compatible with the axle sold by SJS.
Yeah I'm moving the Canti bosses - planning to keep the orignial mafacs which are still excellent
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• #10
I'm sure you're right and they'd be plenty strong enough for the road. The trouble is when we take it off road - even on parts of the national cycle network. Going over a tree root at any speed on a fully loaded touring tandem takes its toll
So, I need a new wheelset for my 70s touring tandem. Ideally 650b, 140mm OLN with 40 spokes on front and rear. I'm currently running rim brakes only which has never been a problem but I'm aware that I'll probably have to get a rear hub with ISO disc fitting or drum brake thread. I've been keeping an eye on ebay for a period correct set for years and nothing has come up so I've come to terms with the fact that I'll probably have to build new.
I want to know what you'd do!
Money is certainly an object. I don't want to spend £1000s but I also don't want to cheap out. There's nothing worse than stripping a freehub up a hill in the middle of a tandem tour.
Ideally i wouldn't have to be stretching my frame out to fit a 145 hub but it's not the end of the world if that's the best way. Happy to space out a 135mm if it's feasible. Also, ideally, it'd all be shiny silver and in keeping with the rest of the bike.