First the trike is LONG. I'm guessing at least 10 feet and closer to 12. Tadpole trikes don't normally have a small turning radius but with the extra length, let just say I was looking for that 40 acres at different points.
This test ride was with the Greenspeed GTT. It was set up with the normal gearing & the SRAM internal rear hub. So there was definitely more gears high & low. The captain shifts the rear derailleur and SRAM. The stoker shifts the "front" chain rings (which are actually in the middle). Standard front disc brakes but there is an option for a rear disc brake as well.
The length did have a positive side effect: it smoothed out the ride. Bumps & wooden bridges that are usually a jarring experience on our other trikes were almost smooth on the GTT. In that respect it lived up to the "limousine of trikes" moniker.
Overall we did a 20 mile ride averaging around 10 mph with a maximum speed of 27 mph. A bit slower than our individual trikes but not bad for the first time on the tandem. We found it was definitely important to communicate decisions to shift gears or change cadence. Anything you do is directly transferred to your partner.
There was also another positive/negative issue: your partner is close enough that you can actually talk which is difficult on two single trikes. But then again if you don't want to talk there's no speeding away.
We had an enjoyable ride and nobody had to feel like they were waiting or holding up the other person. So this was a positive experience.
Special thanks to Bikes @ Vienna, www.bikesatvienna.com, for providing the trike. If you are considering a tadpole tandem go see John Brunow <john@bikesatvienna.com>. This is a sweet ride and a clean used trike. The price will definitely be better than a new one at retail!
You can read more about the Greenspeed GTT here: http://www.greenspeed.com.au/gtt.html
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