Interbike 2015: Santana Cycles Drop Fat tandem
While it may be disguised as a fat bike tandem, the new Drop Fat Prototype is intended to tackle gravel roads and touring (click to enlarge).
Over the years we’ve seen fat bikes dipped in gold or raced across Antarctica, but the latest creation from Santana Cycles might be the strangest fattie we’ve seen.
Dubbed the Drop Fat, this prototype tandem is designed for gravel grinding and touring. Built more or less on a whim, it could be just the right vehicle for an adventurous couple looking to tackle a multi-day adventure.
The Drop Fat is a one of a kind build that required several one off components (click to enlarge).
There are two current prototypes in existence and both have been welded and re-welded multiple times in order to experiment with the geometry. Due to the nature of this beast, several components also had to be custom created. In order to get the appropriate amount of rake for the fork, Santana created a custom fork from spare chain stays.
The headtube on this prototype has been modified and reworked several times before arriving at its current geometry (click to enlarge).
Other components that had to be custom built for these frames includes the eccentric bottom bracket. In order to tension the chain between the captain and stroker, tandems generally utilize an eccentric set-up. But since no manufacturers currently sell a BB wide enough to accommodate fat bike spacing, Santana created its own.
These two prototype Drop Fats were built before the recent proliferation of 27.5 plus wheels and tires, but the company has plans on experimenting with that platform in the short term future.
For more information visit www.santanatandem.com.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2015 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. For more from Interbike CLICK HERE.
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