Hi everyone,

I am looking to build a fast road tandem, this will be ridden on road by 2 strong male riders going up and (quickly) down hills (location = Pennines / Peaks), brief specs as below

Lightweight frame - likely alloy (due to budget)

203mm disks front and rear - non-negotiable

Thru-axles - non-negotiable

35mm clearances ? more +/- mudguards (primarily will be used without mudguards, I'm currently running 35mm GP5000 tyres which we like a lot)

Will not carry luggage

Looks like a modern road bike / road tandem - drop bars, stretched out, etc.

Finishing kit is yet to be decided, likely be running 2x12 Shimano

My price-point for the frame is £3000, a heck of a lot in the world of solo, mid-range in tandem world.  I don't think I can afford Carbon (8K looks to be baseline), I did enquire about steel and was quoted £4500 and they could not tell me expected frame weights.

Off-the-peg does not appear to be an option at this level, I'm not aware of a frame / complete bike (except Duratec, 3Kish frame plus finishing kit) I can go out and purchase at this price point.  Options all appear to be (?semi?) bespoke apart from Dura-tec which I have ruled out due to max. rear disk = 180mm.

I might be putting in the wrong internet search criteria, hence my question here

My current preferred option to the point that I am likely near to making an order, is Landescape based at Tandems by Design in Ironbridge.  I've seen a frame and complete bikes, had a long chat to Pete Bird, seeing the bikes up close I am seriously impressed.  Front end and the frame in general looks very well engineered, the frame will be made to measure, I can specify what I want in terms of fit and finish.  They are made by Duratec who appear to have pedigree, supplying several Paralympic teams, they are importantly a manufacturer who specialise in Tandems alongside their solos.

My question is, am I at the end of my search?  3K (shockingly:-) looks to be good value, or am I missing something?

I have ruled out second hand as getting what I need (want?) (see non-negotiables) appears difficult.  Some nice frames and bikes out there, but generally tech is older or not what I'm looking for - no front disk, narrow clearances, touring focused, etc.

Thanks in anticipation of helpful advice and taking time to read this long post,

Steve