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• #7
That's lovely dude.
I might place an ad in the lonely hearts column, so that I actually have a need for this. -
classy to the max! GLWS!
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Good question, which reminds me that the bike comes with drum brake pads (if I can find the box) that came with the bike when I got it, but that I didn't need.
The rear hub being virtually new, I'm confident it has plenty of life. The front hub (original I think) seems fine too, the pads seems to have a good thickness still (2/3mm at least), but I'm no expert in drum brakes.ON THE SUBJECT OF BRAKES, IT'S WORTH MENTIONING THAT THE BRAKING POWER IS QUITE LIMITED... IT'S ALL ABOUT ANTICIPATION AND APPROACHING JUNCTIONS / POTENTIAL DANGER / HIDDEN CORNERS CAREFULLY. I WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ON A STEEP DESCENT FOR INSTANCE...
Saying that, and things put back in context (this is a bike for short / local recreational and slow paced rides,) I / we never had any problem, accident or crash... If you've only ever ridden disc brakes I your life, you'll be surprised! The rear brake is actionable via both handle bar brake lever and foot pedal. When using the foot pedal (which needs getting used to, to find it, and is potentially accessible by both riders) you get a lot more power.
Back to servicing of the bike:
-the headset is fitted with new cones and cups (100 miles max since fitted), I'd be surprised if you had any problem anytime soon, and if you did, last time I checked these Brampton parts were available via tandem.org.uk (haven't checked since purchasing those a few years back)
-the drive train is quite standard as far as I can tell. Cotter pins cranks with replaceable rings (probably no longer made but likely sourceable on eBay / salvageable on old bikes). Again, as far as I can tell, cup and cones BB are British standard. The eccentric bb insert would certainly be hard to find, but being steel not alloy, unless you're a brute, it should last a long as the bike.
-when re spraying the frame, I did not spot any cracks or dents, or any aggravated rust. I can't confirm structural integrity, I'm not a frame builder, but I rode it with confidence... No crash since I got it (the off road incident I mention in OP was just spokes collapsing, we didn't fall... 12 spokes in one go after hitting a massive deep pothole), and the bike was mostly kept indoors or in shed.
-the original rear wheel, which is at BC at the moment (Sorry Jim) needs new Sturmey Archer internal parts. It's the standard AW shell, but, due to drum brake making spacing wider, it requires a longer axle which I failed to source. I left the wheel at BC, and we think it's serviceable. It would be a good thing to do, and I would certainly do it if I was to keep the bike. Stronger wheel (40 spokes) and perfect hub match work front)
-can't think of anything else, but I'll try to answer any question...
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About
Sun Wasp Tandem, refurbished, £150 [prov. sold]
Posted by
@veLLo
Hello!
Moving onto a more modern and lighter tandem, this is no longer needed.
Bought on here a few years back as a project for £90, this has required quite few parts sourcing and effort to bring to its current state (neighbouring £300, included original cost). I'll try to find a picture of what it looked like before refurb, it is quite self explanatory... For sale at £150. [PROVISIONALLY SOLD]
What was done:
-Fully stripped, cleaned, re greased
-Painted (sprayed) with mat black anti rust paint, and gold lug lining.
-New cup and cone set for the original Brampton headset, made as per original parts by The Tandem Club, this completely solved brinelling which was advanced in the headset, now perfect...
-New rear wheel, built with a period hub with drum brake (purchased NOS at HH jumble, I was told this was tandem specific, although 36 spokes only) laced to a Westwood steel rim, matching the front one in shape. This was first built with re-used spokes, it was ok for couple of years until several spokes collapsed after a little off road adventure. I recently relaced using brand new stainless steel spokes). This wheel is single speed, whereas the original one had Sturmey Archer internal gearing with drum brake. The hub had been transformed (this used to be a thing) from a 3 to a 5 speed, but maybe badly and wasn't working. It is included in the sale, new owner could get it serviced for fully original matching wheelset.
-Both front and rear tyres are near new and have only covered little mileage.
-The original mudguards were broken, fairly period stainless steel ones that really complement nicely the bike were sourced, they came with a sturdy rear rack and 2 sweet little carriers for a repair kit.
-Handlebars (original) were wrapped with cotton tape, then finished with shellac. This has aged a little, but blends nicely with the look of the bike.
This is a heavy machine, a perfect Tweed Run bike really, mostly for London "intra muros" use... Not good for hills or long countryside rides, obviously. I did use it a fair bit with friends visiting London from France, and recently more with Louise for weekend local-ish trips, and for that it's just perfect.
Of course, this is an old, sturdy but delicate thing; if you can't stand a little rattle now and then, and understand it will need a bit of fiddling from time to time, this isn't a bike for you.
Best thing is to come and look at it, this is a London collection only sale, I don't mind meeting further than my postcode if that helps.
Pm for any questions.
Cheers
Loic
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