Just got back from PEI Canada, where lots of time on crushed stone bike trails made we wish for much fatter tires/ wheels on the tandem. Anyone know of a source for fairly modern, 40 or 48 hole drilled 650b rims for a new tandem project? The Rigida Sphinx is available in 36 hole, Velocity Synergy in 32. Given a team weight of 365 plus pounds (mostly me, my stoker weighs a whispy 125 pounds), a 36 hole rear rim would make me nervous. Should I worry? I know a smaller diameter wheel is stronger, and 650b tires tend to be big and puffy, but still a 40 hole rim would be a comfort. If I can't find a rim, alternative is to go with a 26 inch MTB rim (Sun rims like the CR 18 and Rhyno lite available in 40/48 holes), but that makes it hard to get a high enough gear on the downhills. Suggestions/advice appreciated. Frame will be KOF fillet brazed, with Brooks saddles, so on topic, I hope!
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
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