Originally Posted by
retrogrinch
Yikes! I need to get rid of the tandem!
I typically run 28c tires on the tandem and the combination weight of riders, bike, etc is 350 to 400 pounds. I've also used tires as skinny as 25c but am more comfortable with the 28's. Depending upon the max pressure for the tire, the rear tire is usually 120 to 125 PSI and the front will be 5 PSI less. Note that the rims are a wider (25mm?) heavy duty tandem/touring rim, not the racing 19mm rim. I expect the extra width has helped in supporting the large weight as the tires sidewalls are straighter with the wider rims.
Froze - I second your recommendation for the Panaracer tires. I just put a pair of RiBMo's on the tandem. I've only had one ride but they're fast but have nice sturdy side walls.
If one wants to find durable components for heavier weights, check out the tandem scene. An excellent on-line source is Tandems East.
http://www.tandemseast.com/
Another great source of info is Peter White's tandem parts page:
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/tandemparts.asp
If they sell it for use on a tandem, it'll hold up quite well for most any Clyde.
Cheers,
Greg