8.9 Tyres
Quality tyres are vital for good traction and control while accelerating, turning and braking. Each brand of tyre has its own
individual mix of puncture protection, rolling resistance, pressure rating, and durability. Finding the one that suits your riding
style best is the challenge. Tyres should always be inflated according to the range marked on the sidewall, never above the
maximum recommended, and they should be checked regularly. Worn tyres should be replaced. Lower pressure results in a
more comfortable ride, but at the expense of higher rolling resistance. Balloon tyres are now available that combine relatively
low rolling resistance, puncture protection, and a smooth ride; they are well worth considering. With two adults on the tan-
dem we recommend having the tyres inflated to the upper limit of the marked pressure range. See tyre pressure table.
NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT BOTH TYRES ON YOUR TANDEM ARE INFLATED TO THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE AS PER
THE TABLE.
Tyre Model
Pressure range
Recommended with two adults on
tandem
Schwalbe Big Apple
30-70PSI (2-5 bar)
70PSI (5 bar)
Schwalbe Marathon
45-70PSI (3-5 bar)
70 PSI (5 bar)
Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
50-80PSI (3.5-6 bar)
80 PSI (6 bar)
8.10 Wheels
The wheels on your tandem are made up of three components; the rim which holds the tyre on, and provides a braking
surface, the spokes which support the hub in the middle of the rim, and the hub around which the wheel rotates. All three
parts should be checked regularly (as per maintenance table), rims should be checked for wear and straightness, spokes that
they are all at correct tension and none are broken, hub for play in bearings and signs of damage to flange.
8.11 Steering Linkage
The steering linkage transfers the turning force from the handlebars to the forks, it is therefore critical that all the bolts which
hold the linkage in place are correctly tightened. A general check of the steering linkage for play should be done BEFORE EVE-
RY RIDE, as any play in the steering may lead to a loss of steering when riding the bike. Picture 1.2 shows correct torque values
for each bolt in the linkage. Correct adjustment of the steering rod itself is needed for the handle bars to be straight relative to
the front wheel and should be carried out with the front seat removed. Once the correct adjustment is achieved, the locknuts
should be tightened against the steering rod to prevent the rod eyes from coming loose.
Steering lever
16 Nm
Steering lever
Steering
rod eye
Fork mount lever
18 Nm
18 Nm
Steering rod
Locknut
Picture 1.2
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