Performance Wheelset Decision on New Tandem?
04-14-24, 01:53 AM
#51
Newbie
It has been 6 years since this thread about tandem rims started. The world has changed a bit since then, including recently finding our 1998 Co-Motion stolen from our locked Explorer in our driveway. We found a nice used Carrera, but want to upgrade the wheels since they were optimized for a heavier couple.
Just like Woodcycl, we are right around 290lb to 300lb. Six years after he posted the question, we have the same question regarding today's high-end tandem wheelsets. We run 32m tires and are looking at Spinergy and Rolf. We are a bit shy about the Rolf limiting inflation for 32 tires to 80lbs. We have found that around 88 to 89 is great on the old rims. We would love to get your input on Rolf vs Spinergy for modest speed paved roads and trails.
Just like Woodcycl, we are right around 290lb to 300lb. Six years after he posted the question, we have the same question regarding today's high-end tandem wheelsets. We run 32m tires and are looking at Spinergy and Rolf. We are a bit shy about the Rolf limiting inflation for 32 tires to 80lbs. We have found that around 88 to 89 is great on the old rims. We would love to get your input on Rolf vs Spinergy for modest speed paved roads and trails.
04-14-24, 08:57 AM
#52
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,305
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
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Personally, I do not like the Rolf paired spoke design. It requires higher spoke tension raising issues with both hub and rim failures.
We had the Aluminum Rolfs, and over a few years, both rims and both hubs failed. All were spoke pull throughs resulting form the higher spoke tension.
Admittedly, I haven’t ridden the carbon Rolfs, and the rims may be stronger but I’d still worry about the hubs.
Also if you break a single spoke on Rolf it’s going to likely be unrideable. Whereas with a conventionally spoked wheel you can get home one or even two spokes down.
We had the Aluminum Rolfs, and over a few years, both rims and both hubs failed. All were spoke pull throughs resulting form the higher spoke tension.
Admittedly, I haven’t ridden the carbon Rolfs, and the rims may be stronger but I’d still worry about the hubs.
Also if you break a single spoke on Rolf it’s going to likely be unrideable. Whereas with a conventionally spoked wheel you can get home one or even two spokes down.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
Last edited by merlinextraligh; 04-14-24 at 09:01 AM.
04-14-24, 09:00 AM
#53
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,305
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
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We’ve had good luck with custom built lightbicycle wheels. Ours are 65mm Falcons, 28 spokes, Dt240 hubs, and the extra strong rim option, which adds 100 grams of carbon to the rims. ( which is likely over kill)
6 years, 20,000 miles on those wheels, team weight 350lbs, and zero issues. Also cheaper than the Rolf’s.
6 years, 20,000 miles on those wheels, team weight 350lbs, and zero issues. Also cheaper than the Rolf’s.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
04-14-24, 11:08 AM
#54
Newbie
Just cleaned the tandem after finishing the New Forest Sportive yesterday, I found the rattle that started halfway round was a chunk of wheel broken where two spokes go into the rim. (Rolf tandem) We did hit a couple of big pot holes, they were hard to spot under the dappled sunlight. Any way, has anyone used a gravel or mountain bike wheel on their tandem I am thinking they would be stronger.
04-19-24, 08:07 PM
#58
Newbie
Still successfully running our Rolf carbon 60mm wheels(3 years), we’ve had great luck with other Rolf wheels over the past 10 years with our other tandems also. The hubs have been bullet proof(White Industries supplies them) and share components with our other WI/Zipp 404 wheels. We’re about 280lbs and typically use these wheels when we travel and are lighter than the Zipps, currently using 28mm conti gp4 season tires, will change to 32mm soon.
04-27-24, 02:23 PM
#59
Junior Member
So, just adding a bit more information and familiarity with wheelbuilder.com. I have know the owner for about 20 years. He is a great guy and knows more about wheels than anyone I have ever met. I have purchased 3 sets of tandem wheels from Rich over the years they have been flawless. I have also purchased parts to build wheels for my 1976 Jack Taylor restoration. Again Rich was very helpful. Got the last set of Phil Wood hubs that would take a freewheel for the Jack Taylor.
04-29-24, 04:56 AM
#60
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NY, NY and Lisbon PT
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Still successfully running our Rolf carbon 60mm wheels(3 years), we’ve had great luck with other Rolf wheels over the past 10 years with our other tandems also. The hubs have been bullet proof(White Industries supplies them) and share components with our other WI/Zipp 404 wheels. We’re about 280lbs and typically use these wheels when we travel and are lighter than the Zipps, currently using 28mm conti gp4 season tires, will change to 32mm soon.
