Out for a spin on Deuce. Observations after the second ride:
 
The Ultremo Queen is NOT happy with Marathons on that dinosaur. Add the fact that they were too low (60 psi), and I was not a happy back seat driver. Question: are Kojaks heavy duty enough for the weight that a tandem has to carry?
 
We did NOT need the Fellowes back cushions on the tandem. The seats are MUCH more erect and we thought we were gonna DIE with those back cushions on. Back to the house to ditch the cushions. FOR SALE: 2 Fellowes back support cushions. Brand new. Used 20 feet.  
 
Well oiled chains are a MUST. I was feeling MAJOR grinding. Went home and oiled and went back out. TONS difference. I swear I am still feeling a grind. Any suggestions on what to check?
 
Very surprised at the speed we keep on Deuce. Both of us are pitiful we are so out of shape. Add LOW tires, no oil on the chain, a 20 pound Pug on the back -- and we are clipping at 13-14 mph. We are pretty amazed about that.  
 
Something tells me I am going to feel like I am piloting a Stealth when I get on White Knight (my 700) again.  
 
It IS fun to ride. Being in the back means I am able to site see for the first time EVER with my poor vision. I am peripherally blind, so I cannot see ANYTHING to the sides when I am riding alone. Now I can look at everything and am SHOCKED at what I am seeing! It is like I have never seen my neighborhood before!  
 
I don't think I could stomach this tandem if we did not have Independent Pedaling System on Deuce. Greg spins a LOT more than I do. It is GREAT not having to pedal exactly like him! Expensive upgrade, but WORTH IT for us.  
 
This tandem is fantastic conditioning for us. And still FUN and not work (if you have the tires aired up and the chain oiled!).  
 
Love Deuce!!!!!

Kojaks only come in 406-35, not wide enough in my opinion to carry the load on a tandem. I run my Marathons at 80 psi. on both of my trikes.
They are bullet proof. You need this when you are putting that much weight on the ground. Only I wish they were folders, much easy to get off and on.
 
My experience with grinding noise in the drive train has been when loading or unloading the bike.
I have knocked one or more of the idler brackets out of allgnment, so I try the remember to check them before I start a ride.
 
I don't think I would have a riding partner without IPS.
 
I hope this help, Jane

Bob, I guess I shouldn't say grinding "noise" becasue I cant ear when I am riding. But it is a "feel." It just doesn't run smooth. Something is not right. Greg said he does not feel it up front. I sure do back in the back!
 
Vicki, the tandem is a blast! Very different feel from a solo ride, but way fun. Yikes! I don't want to be the cause of domestic turmoil! Deuce better stay home!