Discussions
Fast Road Frame options, opinions sought
Hi everyone,
I am looking to build a fast road tandem, this will be ridden on road by 2 strong male riders going up and (quickly) down hills (location = Pennines / Peaks), brief specs as below
Lightweight frame - likely alloy (due to budget)
203mm disks front and rear - non-negotiable
Thru-axles - non-negotiable
35mm clearances ? more +/- mudguards (primarily will be used without mudguards, I'm currently running 35mm GP5000 tyres which we like a lot)
Will not carry luggage
Looks like a modern road bike / road tandem - drop bars, stretched out, etc.
Finishing kit is yet to be decided, likely be running 2x12 Shimano
My price-point for the frame is £3000, a heck of a lot in the world of solo, mid-range in tandem world. I don't think I can afford Carbon (8K looks to be baseline), I did enquire about steel and was quoted £4500 and they could not tell me expected frame weights.
Off-the-peg does not appear to be an option at this level, I'm not aware of a frame / complete bike (except Duratec, 3Kish frame plus finishing kit) I can go out and purchase at this price point. Options all appear to be (?semi?) bespoke apart from Dura-tec which I have ruled out due to max. rear disk = 180mm.
I might be putting in the wrong internet search criteria, hence my question here
My current preferred option to the point that I am likely near to making an order, is Landescape based at Tandems by Design in Ironbridge. I've seen a frame and complete bikes, had a long chat to Pete Bird, seeing the bikes up close I am seriously impressed. Front end and the frame in general looks very well engineered, the frame will be made to measure, I can specify what I want in terms of fit and finish. They are made by Duratec who appear to have pedigree, supplying several Paralympic teams, they are importantly a manufacturer who specialise in Tandems alongside their solos.
My question is, am I at the end of my search? 3K (shockingly:-) looks to be good value, or am I missing something?
I have ruled out second hand as getting what I need (want?) (see non-negotiables) appears difficult. Some nice frames and bikes out there, but generally tech is older or not what I'm looking for - no front disk, narrow clearances, touring focused, etc.
Thanks in anticipation of helpful advice and taking time to read this long post,
Steve
Currently using GP5000 32mm not 35mm
Current bike - Dolan TDR, Shimano 105 12speed, Hope Pro5/Mavic A719, Alpina (Dolan) finishing kit. I'm quite impressed by this bike, groupset is impressive and may be transferred or replicated to new build. Downsides to this bike are probably obvious to most - max. rear disk 160mm (does have additional rear rim brake which is only used at junctions), quick-release drop-outs, comes in 1 size only (fits us so not a problem but does sort of shout compromise), could do with being a bit longer in the top tube. The bike is reasonably light at 16kg - all in all a good bike for the money and does appear to be more that the sum of it's parts in value terms.
Hello Stephen,
Another endorsement for Pete Bird in Coalport. Im sure he can advise and tailor something to your precise needs. It is well worth the journey. His workshop is fantastic, and the surroundings are marvellous.
Regards,
Neil Frowe