S and S Machine
Bicycle Torque Couplings (BTCs)
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Retrofitting an existing bike or frame:

Can my steel or titanium bike be retrofit?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Frames made from steel or  titanium can almost always be retrofit it they are built with round tubes and if we make the coupling to fit your tube diameters. We rarely have a problem supplying the correct diameter but if you have an accurate method of measuring your tubes, you can check for the correct size for yourself at this page: coupling specifications. . With retrofits, the builder must first determine what type tubes were used when the frame was built. Occasionally, due to the shortness of tube butting etc., a tube or two may need to be replaced. Tube replacement can be expensive, therefore, retrofitting may be impractical. In addition, repainting or touch-up will be necessary. The ideal time to retrofit is when frame repair or paint is needed anyway. 
Retrofitting is very popular and some builders do them on a continuous basis. We have never had a single complaint or problem with a bike that was retrofit and builders have been retrofitting for almost 10 years now. Some builders prefer not doing retrofits for some of the same reasons they don't like to do frame repairs or rework of any kind. Some will even tell you that it's not a good practice due to frame alignment issues. Our findings don't support that opinion. A skilled bicycle framebuilder can install couplings without changing the frame alignment. If alignment was being changed by doing a retrofit, it would seem logical that over a period of 10 years of doing retrofitting, a customer would have voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcome and that hasn't happened. We haven't had even one complaint. On the contrary, we have heard nothing but positive feedback regarding how well the bikes turn out and how well they ride. Read some of the comments and testimonials from people that have had their bikes retrofit and you will know that retrofitting is a practical and reliable solution in many situations.  Comments page 1   Comments page 2

If you get your bike retrofit, please write us to tell us how you like it. It's not unusual for people to have reservations about cutting a bike in half and it would be great to add your comment to our list to help others take the plunge. Likewise, almost all framebuilders that use our product for the first time feel like the bike they were building might be compromised regarding strength or rigidity. It's not uncommon for them to contact S&S once the frame is built to tell me that the couplings really do work. We're not surprised even a little that the couplings are stronger than the tube itself. Review our test data and see for yourself why we are so confident.

Can you retrofit my aluminum bike? 

Unfortunately, aluminum frames can't be retrofit. For an explanation of why they can't, visit our page regarding aluminum frames. 

Can  my carbon fiber bike be retrofit?

Currently only one framebuilder, Calfee Designs, does carbon fiber retrofits and he only does retrofits on bicycles he originally manufactured which include:

• Carbonframes Inc. 1988 thru 1996
• Lemond carbon frames manufactured 1991 thru 1993

Can my recumbent frame be retrofit?

Recumbents made with triangulated style frames can be retrofit. Monotube recumbent frames can not be retrofit. More information regarding monotube bikes

Does it make a difference who made the bike?

Some builders will only retrofit bikes that they manufactured but most builders that do retrofitting, will retrofit any bicycle made by anyone. Be sure to look for the words "yes" or "no" located under "Any Brand" in the framebuilder list to determine if a builder will do your frame. 

• Yes means that they will retrofit a bike built by anyone as long as it is suitable for retrofitting. 
• No means that they will only retrofit a bike originally made by them.

Does S and S do retrofitting?

We're sorry but S and S only makes couplings, we don't install them and we don't evaluate frames for their suitability for retrofitting. To determine if you frame can be retrofit, you will need to discuss that with a framebuilder.

How can I pick a builder to retrofit my bike?

The best place to start is the framebuilder list at the top of this page. The retrofitting section will give you an idea which builders can do the job. Although many builders are capable of retrofitting bikes, the bulk of the retrofitting seems to go to a small handful of  builders who specialize in doing retrofits. A good place to start might be to go the S and S photo gallery of single and tandem retrofits and take a look at which builders are represented there. Another good source is the first and second page of comments or testimonials sent to us by S and S Coupled bike owners. These customers tell us a lot about their experience dealing with the various builders. 

How much will a retrofit cost?

Price for doing a retrofit seems to be all over the place but somewhere around $400.00 seems to be fairly common  (parts and labor to install them in the frame) paint, accessories and cases are extra. Several customers have told us that they suspect some builders advertise doing  retrofits so they can try to talk customers into a new bike. We have no way of knowing if that is the case or not so be sure to talk a few builders before you give up on retrofitting.  Retrofitting done by a professional builder is a reliable process. Don't let a framebuilder discourage you from investigating other builders.  Also, it would be a good idea to review the framebuilder comments page for more opinions regarding retrofitting.

How long does it take to retrofit a bike?

Although it's a fairly simple job to retrofit couplings to an existing bike, it may take anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks to get you bike back depending on the builder. The number of weeks wait for a retrofit is listed on the framebuilder list but those times are only estimates. We suggest that you contact the builder for a more accurate estimate when you are ready to do your bike. The time of year and the builders workload will have a lot to do with how long they need to keep your frame.

Can I buy couplings from S and S and install them myself?

We're sorry but due to the technical nature of installing couplings, we only sell them to professional bicycle framebuildes. We don't sell to amateur bicycle framebulders, welding shops, retail bike shops or other shops that do welding or silver brazing..

To purchase a bike equipped with S and S Couplings, have S and S Couplings retrofit to an existing bike or purchase cases and accessories, please contact a retailer or framebuilder listed on this web site.

 11-06-2009

The framebuilders appearing on this list have informed our company that they are currently incorporating the bicycle torque couplings into their products. All of these framebuilders are independents. The furnishing of their names and addresses is done as a courtesy to our customers and shall not be deemed to be a warranty or guarantee of the quality of the products or services provided by these dealers

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S and S Machine, 9334 Viking Place, Roseville, CA. 95747
TEL. 916-771-0235 FAX 771-0397
e-mail: steve@sandsmachine.com