We've been very pleased with our T2000, given the wheels and components, I'm glad we went for the 2000. No changes for us either other that tires, we replaced the stock Bonty's with some Conti GP4000's and really like the new rubber. The current frame also allows for a disk option, something ours does not, so another plus. Handlebar with hasn't been a problem, but I'm 6'1", and I think 9 speed makes more sense for a tandem since the chains are a little heavier, and to interchange with MTB components.
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