Cycling UK Forum

beardy wrote:

I'm not sure why the two large rings are such close ratios

It is called a half-step.

viewtopic.php?p=155184#p155184

Very interesting Beardy, thanks. I must say it works quite well. We use the middle ring for approaching junctions and pulling away, and then straight back up into the outer ring for the majority of flat and lesser gradient roads. I can't say we've made a conscious use of the intermediate ratios though, I think it would be a bit of a faff trying to make the change on down tube shifters while piloting the tandem!

Ok, the BCD is actually 86mm and chainrings aren't impossible to source. Smallest available is 28 tooth and largest seems to be 52.

So, back to the freewheel...

Ok, so existing setup is a Shimano MF-HG20 14-28. OLN appears to be 135mm.

I've got no issue with the existing freewheel but having tackled a hill or two at the weekend we'd like to improve our range of gear ratios. We managed a sustained 7% but if we were laden or the surface was less favourable we'd have been defeated. Also we have run out of gears at the high end a few times. I was considering a MegaRange 13-34 7spd as an upgrade but having read your advice I'd be interested in refurbishing what I have if it's possible with new sprockets.

I normally do all my own bike maintenance but the tandem has some technologies and mechanisms which I'm not familiar with (a freewheel being one, where I'm used to freehubs and cassettes).

Our existing triple chainset is a Stronglight (85mm BCD) with chainrings 29-42-48 so perhaps there is scope there? I'm not sure why the two large rings are such close ratios, is this normal on a tandem? Looks like a Stronglight 80, 99, or 100 on Sheldon Brown's site when I compare the BCD etc in his table.

Seems I have generated more questions!

Thanks again, Sam

Thanks both. Very comprehensive Brucey, as I've come to expect from reading your past contributions on here. I'm guessing OLN is the width between the dropouts, but what does it stand for please? I will check the details of the existing setup, and probably return with further questions

Sorry for yet another question, as you can probably tell, I'm gradually working my way through our new (to us) tandem.

We currently have a 6spd freewheel fitted to a Suzue hub. 6spd replacements seem limited so I'm wondering if I could fit 7spd or more?

Thanks again, Sam

Thanks Brucey. They are indeed the same

Hi all,

Did Suzue hubs have standard axle threads, or did they vary? I'm looking to renew the wheel nuts but need to know the size. Our hubs are marked SUZUE 8 K front SUZUE 1 B rear.

Thanks

Thank you all. Brake cable it is then The question formed in my head when I thought the cable was stretching under load, but all of your reasons are also valid.

Hi all,

My drag brake is currently operated by a friction type gear lever via a standard gear cable. Is this sufficient or do people use brake cables?

Thanks, Sam

Ok well I took a gamble while passing Halfords today. They had a pair of plain Marathons in stock and their price was actually very competitive with my British Cycling discount. Having got them home I'm pleased to report that they fit! There isn't much room for error so require good wheel alignment but having whizzed up the road on them briefly I can also report that they are a huge improvement on the old crusty ones that were on there. I cleaned the Arai brake and nipped up the axles while I was there which I think also helps. Thanks again everyone!

That's what I was thinking. So the Marathon or Marathon Plus should work in 35mm?

Again, thanks for all the help everyone. The Dureme seems only available in 40mm. Would this fit my frame?

Thanks very much Jardine. I forgot to mention this is our first tandem and we're loving it! Do you know what width Marathons you have fitted? Arai brake and rear hub inspection is next on my list... Thanks

Thanks both. I'll have another look at the Marathons and the Rimbo. Does anyone know what the load rating is for the Rimbo, or how to find it?

Hi all,

I'm brand new on here and have recently bought an old Dawes Super Galaxy tandem. I've been using it with the other half at weekends and been tweeking/servicing bits as I familiarise myself with our new machine.

We intend to use it for camping/touring and pub trips and I've been looking at renewing the tyres. Shwalbe Marathon Mondials have the greatest load capacity and a good combination of other qualities and I'd like to fit the widest tyre possible. Does anyone have experience fitting them to a Super Galaxy tandem or know how wide these tyres really are when fitted? The additional stay (between seat stay and chain stay) looks very narrow.

Here's some photos to help identify the age and any other useful distinguishing features. By all means comment on anything else you see, any advice/tips would be gratefully received.







Many thanks for any help.

Sam