E2 upgrades?

[roundey]

My wife and I just bought a used E2 and have enjoyed it so far. A couple of thoughts have crossed my mind about some upgrades and I would appreciate input from this group: From my previous experience with tandems I am used to seeing larger timing rings. Has anyone tried converting their E2 to a 42 tooth timing ring? Second - I am not 100% sure that my bike has the new fork, if not I was wondering about the possibility of installing a 20 inch suspension fork. Anyone tried that?

Thanks

Will Roundey

[tgentry]

Will,
Welcome to E2 world. My wife and I have had our E2 for a few years and have ridden about 4000 miles on it, including two RAGBRAI's. They're great bikes with a few upgrades and we've found ours to be more than a match for a few Rans Screamers.

I'm not sure what you hope to gain by using larger timing rings. I can't imagine it being a problem to change them to 42's, but we've never had a problem related to them.

We haven't gone to a 20 inch wheel, but find some tires add plenty of front "suspension"; see below. Lately I've been thinking about the 20 inch front, but I haven't worked out the numbers yet to see how it will change the steering geometry. Keep in mind it will also raise the seat height a bit.

The stock wheels were a bit on the weak side for us, and ditto for the rim brakes, so we upgraded to a set of stout disk brake wheels with Avid BB7 calipers and 203mm rotors (the big rotors are probably overkill). We're very happy with the wheels we got from www.gaerlan.com.

He also has good selection of tires in our sizes. We tried a few, but found Schwalbe Big Apples to be comfortable and efficient. The Big Apples add a bit of suspension and seem to soak up rough pavement without absorbing our momentum like the higher pressure tires did. I think we'll stick with the Big Apple on front, but try a Schwalbe Marathon on the rear soon. Since the rear has suspension I think that may be even better.

We found the bent, top load handlebar riser at an old Bike E dealer. I don't recall which Bike E this was standard on, but it brought the bars back a bit and added a touch of tiller to the steering, which improved stability.

If you ever ride in the rain or on wet roads you will both appreciate a set of fenders. If you don't have the Bike E fenders already, Planet Bike has fenders that fit and I believe are even better.

Those are our main mechanical upgrades. We also really enjoy our Tandem-Com, but that's another story.

Tom
Life is too short for boring rides!

[wprogers]

We purchased a used/new E2 last week - fantastic
Couple of questions from the folks who have ridden them for a while [We also have an AT and an NX, so we're used to the BikeE]
Independent Pedaling - Lyn like to rest occasionally, so I'm looking into it [checking with Bicycleman about the system he sells] - Anyone tried it ?? Comments
Tiller effect - always thought less was better. How does it improve stability ?? Agree the wheel under design takes some getting used to and scares me anywhere near sand or gravel.
On Lyn's NX we installed a BMX handlebar, she preferred the hand position over the factory bars, so that might be the one it came from as the connection was very standard.
How difficult was the change to disc brakes ?? - the NX has Hayes Hydraulic - wonderful
Looked at a Rans Screamer, nice but for the price - Lyn like the Drag Brake [feels it gives her a warm fuzzy in case I get more crazy than usual]
Has anyone ever added something like that to an E2 ??

THANX

Wes & Lyn Rogers

[alanmushnick]

I put schwalbe Big Apple tires on my E2 and the ride is a million times smoother. The maxis hookworms are like riding on concrete tires.
The ride is smoother, much faster, and I have not flatted at all.
will never go back to the hookworms.