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Fast Road Frame options, opinions sought

Stephen Carson2025-04-03 11:45:39

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

Stephen Gray2025-04-03 12:33:37

Have you tried JD Tandems?

They are very well respected in the Tandem world.

I am sure they used to have carbon offerings but also do a pretty lightweight orbit.

Don't just look at their website as you might not find what you want there.

Give them a call on  01756 748400

They will be totally honest with you about whether they can help and will also let you try out anything they have in stock in some nicely hill countryside (Gargrave, N Yorks)

Peter Herron2025-04-03 12:40:02

Given your needs I think you have come to the right conclusion. You will have limited options with the budget. I would always recommend either JD Tandems or Tandems by Design. Both will offer good advice.

 

Peter Herron 

Peter Herron2025-04-03 12:40:02

Given your needs I think you have come to the right conclusion. You will have limited options with the budget. I would always recommend either JD Tandems or Tandems by Design. Both will offer good advice.

 

Peter Herron 

Stephen Carson2025-04-03 13:08:36
My first tandem was from JD so totally agree with comments about this being a great shop.  They do sell carbon but Cyfac is it out my range / willingness to spend that much money.  As far as I am aware, they haven't got a midrange frame, they could probably get something if I asked but I'm guessing it would be from one of the brands I'm already aware of (I could be wrong).  I would very happily buy from JD again as they offer great support.  Transitioning from the Orbit to the Dolan, I was aware I was taking a side step in terms of price point.  Despite this, the Dolan offered much more of the style / build of bike I was looking for, so this proved an economically sensible decision.
Stephen Carson2025-04-03 14:07:46
Not sure why, 1 thread has become 2 threads, how do I merge?
Graeme Knott2025-04-03 17:12:03
You could try burls for custom options. Not sure of the pricing but worth an ask.
John Saunders2025-04-03 18:01:12
Hi Steve  I have a Santana Beyond Carbon and Titanium for sale on the Tandem Club Website, at present it is electric conversion bu can reverse all this and go back to original, if interested drop me an email  John
Richard Smith2025-04-03 21:30:21

It sounds like you're sorted. If you wanted to upgrade a lightweight racing machine with discs here's the spec of one that's for sale on here. 

Trek T1000

 

 

Richard Smith2025-04-03 21:30:21

It sounds like you're sorted. If you wanted to upgrade a lightweight racing machine with discs here's the spec of one that's for sale on here. 

Trek T1000

 

 

Paul Mckeown2025-04-03 21:47:22

Many years ago I did some tandem racing as the pilot on a T1000, mainly crits at Lancaster and Preston. Front was quite good, however it would drop the chain every time we tried to attack and we would promptly go backwards in the group.

I was rubbish and had a sprinter on the back so we inevitably got lapped eventually when the talent decided to put the hammer down.

Michael Chowaniec2025-04-04 08:41:15

Hallo Stephen,

we own a Duratec Big Bang Racing Tandem. Duratec is located near Pilzen in the Chech Republic. These bikes are driven by some Paralympics national Teams. They ship worldwide and also have a large variety of options. For a small additional amount they build to measure (what we did). Our frame (medium size) is made of alloy. The weight of the Bike is about 15 Kg with a Shimano Ultegra 11Sp and no Carbon parts.

We did 16K Kilometers with this bike and still love it.

Best Regards Michael

Stephen Carson2025-04-04 18:05:23

John Saunders - I had looked at your Santana with great interest, I'm guessing that this is a really nice and probably expensive frame. Unfortunately it doesn't meet two of mice essentials which are through axles and discs front and rear. As a frame only without a fork I could probably build it into what I am looking for. Would need to study some measurements and geometry charts :-) 

Paul McKeown - I'm sure that Trek is a really great bike but it's missing through axles, disks and likely tire clearance judging on the caliper breaks. 

 

 
Stephen Carson2025-04-04 18:11:40
Michael Chowaniec - this is exactly the sort of info I am looking for. The lander escape tandem is basically Peter birds design built up by Duratec using the same tubing and the same fork. I correct in thinking that you can only get a 180 millimeter rear disc on the Duratec? What are your tyre clearances like? Are you using the standard supplied wheels which I think are DT Swiss hoops and rims? 15 kg is a great weight I think in terms of multiples of solo bikes so that is 2 7.5 kgs bikes. Could easily shave another kilo after that with some Rolf wheels and a few choice parts. I'm not a total weight weenie that's all but just want a light responsive fast bike that climbs well and descends like it is on rails. Our secret mission is to amaze solo riders with what a tandem is capable of uphill and downhill smile
Stephen Carson2025-04-04 18:17:23
Please everyone forgive the typos I am type talking
James Gill2025-04-04 18:43:37
We bought a Landescape tandem from Pete last year. We previously owned the Dolan road frame, and the new one is a vast improvement in geometry, specs, and frame stiffness! We have 203mm rotors front and rear if that helps. My favourite game is railing around roundabouts on ours, the handling is excellent. We specced ours for going fastish, but very far (ultra racing), but I'm sure Pete can help you with a spec for what you're describing.