So you love your tandem but wish it was more portable.... Many steel framed tandems can be retrofitted with the S&S torque couplings. This is not detrimental to the performance of the bike in any area, unless you count the increase in weight, which is under two pounds in most cases. Bilenky Cycle Works was the first company to use the torque couplings on a tandem frame, and we are still offering more options than anyone else when it comes to tandems and couplers.

Can it be done to our frame?

Tandem frames vary even more than those of singles, but we can retrofit almost any steel tandem frame. It is just a matter of how much modification is involved. Some tandems require almost none, whereas others need to have certain tubes replaced or modified. Please e-mail us or give us a call to chat about the possibilities for your particular frame.

How small will the tandem get?

As with many questions we are asked, we don't have a pat answer to this, and we think that this is one of our company's strengths. The real question is "how small do you want it to get?" Couplings can be installed to enable a complete tandem with captain's seat tube up to 63cm to fit into two 26" square cases. With more complete disassembly such a frame can be fitted into one case, though we do not recommend this as practical for most people. Remember, with these cases there is no need to try to bamboozle any airport staff as to what is in your case. They are not oversized baggage. There are three common configurations of couplings for a tandem, and two different ways to couple the bottom tube. These all have various advantages and disadvantages; we can help you decide the best configuration for your bike.

How do we do it?

Your tandem is treated with loving care as soon as it arrives here. Depending on what kind of paint options you are getting we would probably strip the the paint first. Then the frame is set up in our jig and coupling location is determined. Then any tubes that are being replaced are removed, and appropriate tubes that are being retained are cut to accept the torque couplings. Next the frame is removed from the jig and the couplings slipped over the tube ends. If any tubes are being replaced they are fabricated and fluxed up ready for brazing. Now the whole assembly is replaced in the jig, which, you recall, is retaining the original shape of the frame. Couplings are now tacked, alignment is checked and then couplings are silver brazed. This is a perfect time to have any braze-ons added to your frame. Then we do a final alignment. The rest is finish work and whatever paint options you have specified. As with everything that leaves our shop, the insides of the tubes are treated with a rust inhibiting product.

    
                           2003 Burley Duet Retrofit