1987 Marlboro Claud Butler Majestic 2 tandem FINISHED pg13

[Peachy!]

Right, given up (for now) on getting a Jack Taylor Tandem as all the ones our size (me & our Jimmy) are all pretty pricey. So I thought we might start out with something a bit cheaper.
The Marlboro groups version of the Majestic Tandem available in 1987, was the first Majestic Tandem to have Shimano indexed gears. It also has 700c wheels, giving me more scope for tyres.
I thought this might make a good platform for something that might be also able to run along quite happily on a gravel path/tow path/green lane as well as road.
This one has the Deore mechs swapped out for DX, and the owner believes they were original so maybe this one got built up a little later? Maybe late ‘89 or early ‘90?
Anyway, first question as this bike doesn’t have any wheels is; if I build up a set of 36h 700c Wolbers on some DX MTB hubs with straight spokes, will this be tough enough?
PS I’ve got a set of Specialized 700c suspension road forks I thought I’d use, just to smooth out the bumps.

 

[The History Man]

I always thought tandem wheels were specially built?

Tandem Bikes and Parts: Everything You Need To Know - CyclingAbout

This article is designed to answer any technical questions you may have about tandem bikes and components with a focus on bicycle touring.

www.cyclingabout.com

 

[Peachy!]

I always thought tandem wheels were specially built?

Tandem Bikes and Parts: Everything You Need To Know - CyclingAbout

This article is designed to answer any technical questions you may have about tandem bikes and components with a focus on bicycle touring.

www.cyclingabout.com

Excellent, well then if the Rigida/Ryde Andra30 rims are good enough for them. they're good enough for me! Cheers THM..

 

[Peachy!]

Well it’s home...
Strip down came to a stop with stuck seatposts (both) and stuck crank bolts dust covers. All have been treated to a liberal application of GT85. Will have a crack tomorrow. Fingers crossed all goes well as I want to drop it off for a strip a powder coat ASAP.

 

[mk one]

...the only thing worse than a stuck seatpost...

 

[Peachy!]

Now then.. it’s 1:45am and I’m thinking about brakes. With this frame having canti studs I was planning on using Magura hydraulic rim brakes with double boosters. But as I’m building the wheels from scratch do I add one of those clamp on rear disc brake mounts so that the rear has an extra “anchor” with a disc brake hub?
And I’m thinking this could be operated by the stoker as I can’t double up the hydraulics in one lever as would be possible if I was using cables. Good? Bad? Pointless? Opinions anyone?

 

[mk one]

Messy, and not needed in my opinion.

 

[Peachy!]

Messy, and not needed in my opinion.

I think you might be right... the Ryde Andra 30 super tough rims have arrived and they have a stonking great 15mm brake surface! So plenty for some upgraded Maggies to get a hold off.

 

[Peachy!]

Next decisions to make are what I’m going to do with the frame.
Paint colour will stay the same as I quite like it. HLloyd have very close stickers but not exactly the same; their red “CLAUD BUTLER” has a black outline rather than a white & the Top-tube “Majestic Two” name is in script not block although is available in red.
I could draw them up but it would be a lot easier & cheaper just to use what’s on the shelf..
Also I’m thinking of removing the rear drum brake series of braze-ons, I’ve got no use for them and there are quite a lot to just have hanging there empty.

 

[Takingabreak]

...the only thing worse than a stuck seatpost...

thanks for that comment, nearly caused death by coffee choking