PJ
Question:
I just bought a mountain bike tandem and I plan on using it on the road. I tried some slick tires but I really would like to go faster on the bike. Have you ever heard of anyone putting road wheels on mountain bikes or mountain bike tandems?
Answer:
Great question. The answer is yes. We designed a full suspension custom mountain bike for a client that had both road 700 wheels and mountain 26" wheels. Interestingly, the actual diameter of both wheel types is pretty close. The big problem is braking. Your tandem has cantilever brakes which are designed for 26" rims. Your frame is set up for a rear disk brake but the front fork is not. Therefore, you will have to get a front fork that supports disk brakes plus wheels that have disk brake compatible hubs, and then convert your braking system to disk. You then can get custom built wheels with mountain tandem hubs and road rims and you are in business!