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Which Orbit?

2023-01-05 16:25:31

Hello, I’ve recently been ‘gifted’ an Orbit tandem by a good friend. She’s in good condition although needs a bit of work get her up and running again. Hopefully I’ll get all sorted so me and Mrs M can start our tandem adventures. 

I was wondering if anyone could possibly identify my tandem? Obviously she’s an Orbit but I would love to know which model. Made of Reynolds 531 and mid 80s componentry. I’ve contacted Ruth at Orbit but she says it was before her time! Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

 

David Gray2023-01-06 08:45:49

The only help I can suggest, is to turn the tandem over and see if there is a serial number stamped into the frame.(usually where the cranks are mounted  most bikes have one there). If there is a number stamped  somewhere on the frame Orbit might be able to tell you from their records.

good luck.

David Gray2023-01-06 08:45:49

The only help I can suggest, is to turn the tandem over and see if there is a serial number stamped into the frame.(usually where the cranks are mounted  most bikes have one there). If there is a number stamped  somewhere on the frame Orbit might be able to tell you from their records.

good luck.

Kevin Bolton2023-01-06 14:23:22
We got our Orbit Twin in early 1993 from the workshop in Dudley, West Midlands. Reynolds 531 built to order as I'm 6' 6"" and my wife is 5' 7"! Similar componentry to yours, by the look of it. It's been a reliable runner for 39 years with minimal upgrades. Still running on a freewheel , having upped from 7 to 8 speed Sunrace. The bar end shifters (original) work with both speeds
2023-01-06 17:45:55
Thanks guys. I know a fair bit about Shimano, Campag and SRAM but Suntour was a bit before I got into proper cycling. I understand XCT group sets were generally a MTB group set from about 1990. 
I love the simplicity of both downtube shifters and bar end shifters plus I'm going to try with the 6 speed freewheel for the mean time and see how we get on. I've also found a huge length of single speed chain in the garage from when I did BMX - so that'll come in! 
im looking forward to getting out there. 
Mike Dunning2023-01-06 19:44:31
Your tandem looks similar to an Orbit Twin I bought a couple of years ago. It was in very clean condition and was probably built around 1992/1993 when Orbit were based in the West Midlands.
Kevin Bolton2023-01-06 20:38:43
Canal du Midi 2016
Kevin Bolton2023-01-06 20:41:53