Team Niobium

CroMoly, the typical steel alloy that's been used for decades, is commonly drawn to 9/6/9 gauges. The seamless CroMoly used by Santana can be drawn to a higher-performance 8/5/8. Some tubing manufacturers harden their tubes in order to achieve 7/4/7. Problem is, because hardened tubes are brittle, a frame built from these tubes is more easily damaged and has a shortened fatigue life. While hardened tubes aren't a bad choice for a (more disposable) single bike, a good tandem should endure for decades.

In concert with Europe's leading car manufacturers, Columbus has developed a lightweight alloy tube to protect passengers against side impact intrusion. Columbus' amazing Niobium is not only an achievement in automotive safety, a double-butted version of this tube heralds a new era of bicycle design. Because this new steel alloy gets its strength from rare elements instead of risky heat treatment, dependable impact-resistant tubes can be butted to 6/3/6 gauges. If you want the planet's lightest, strongest and fastest steel tandem, insist on a Team Niobium from Santana.

• NEW frameset features Columbus Spirit-Niobium 6/3/6 tubing.
• 1kg lighter than traditional CrMo, 278g lighter than last year's Noventa.
Team Componentry plus
• 30 speed mega-range drivetrain, FSA Carbon Pro crankset.
• Sweet-16 wheels, Carbon-V fork, Chris King headset.
• Beyond-style seatstay bridge allows touring tires with V-brakes or racing tires with side pull brakes.
• Add $299 for 10" rear disc - or - Reynolds Ouzo Pro tandem fork and two Dura Ace calipers.
• S&S stowaway version includes Santana's oval bottom tube couplers.
• Perfect-10 shifting.
From: $6295