I took all the water bottle holders off - and trashed them - grungy and corroded. Also tossed all the corroded screws, and put new stainless steel screws in the all the holes.
Went over to Wheel Away for a Presta to Schraeder converter - my pump doesn't do Presta
; pumped up the tires to 125psi, did a wheel and brake check, and took it for a spin.
First impressions:
* These tires are way too narrow and short for both the bike and the rims.
* The derailleurs are adjusted perfectly; and the shift levers (Shimano index for the rear) are nice; but in a very bad position for me - my knees hit them.
* The frame is incredibly rigid.
* The drop bars have to go, and need a 50 - 75 mm longer extension.
* This bike is fast, and light. It is less than 15lbs heavier than my red bike. It does not feel that much heavier; but it is way longer.
Ordered some Kenda Kwest 35-622 (700cx35) tires, due this week. The OEM tires were 38-622; and most people on tandems seem to go for 28 to 35.
A previous owner swapped out the 38 and 48 T middle and large chain rings. The big one is now 54T - which I like, I couldn't see the marking on the middle ring, and did not count the number of teeth. It looks like it is around 44T. The smallest chain ring is 28T (original). Out back, the original 12-30 seven speed cassette looks good. The derailleurs are excellent.
Brakes are okay. They have very large Kool Stop pads. I think that the levers on the drop bars are clouding my impression of the brakes - I expect that I will find them much better with flat bars and Tektro levers. If not, I'll get Avid or Tektro V-brakes. My red bike has Tektro levers with Tektro R559 dual pivot brakes.