Any question answered...

I am struggling with my tandem rear wheel (drum brake + 3 speed SA hub): I can't find a long enough axle (need the 164mm one I think, for AW 3 speed hub)

Whatever, in the hypothesis I give up with this wheel, I have another tandem hub (I believe it's a tandem one) which I would like to lace to a suitable rim (26X1 3/8). It only has 36 spokes, when the original wheel is 40.

Would that be OK for tandem use? Not planning to go touring, just going short distances, not luggage, just the riders weight...

Ta

L

Why do you want to use old fashioned 26x 1 3/8 rims? I cannot imagine any of the tyres that would fit handling tandem loads very well.

36h should be ok, but use a strong MTB rim.