Need input on first tandem

[I'mnotdeadyet]

Hi,
I've been looking around for new, new old stock, and used tandems. We'll be an experienced road/mtn riding captain and a minimal experienced stoker. 395lb team. Based on what I've been reading, seems like I should have a great braking system, and I'm happy with the idea of 203mm discs. I've been thinking of a new old C'dale Road for $2500 (or a used one if I can find one and can wait) or a new old Raleigh 05 Coupe leftover at $900 and I'll modify to the 203mm rotors. (I'm an experienced wrench) Obviously, there's a great difference in components and pricing. And the Coupe is a morph of road and mountain positions/components.
Since we are a new team, I hope that there would be a love for riding faster and longer develops with my stoker than just farting around the neighborhood. But that might not happen.
In addition, I'd like to ride with my 14 year old daughter, to help her develop in strength and others that unfortunately she's been 'challenged' with since birth. I understand from reading that this is great for kids with these issues. The Coupe also has a lower step over in the rear which would be easier for her. She has ridden tandems before, btw.
I'm sure you guys are a little more familiar with the C'dale spec........

Frame Road Tandem
Fork Fatty R Tandem
Rear Shock N/A
Rims Mavic A719 w/eyelet and machined sidewall, 40 hole
Hubs DT Swiss Tandem Disc
Spokes DT Swiss Champion
Tires Continental Ultra GatorSkin, 700 x 28c
Pedals N/A
Crank TruVatiV Elita Tandem, 30/39/52
Chain Shimano 9-speed (drive), SRAM 9-speed (timing)
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-970, 11-34
Bottom Bracket TruVatiV Giga X Drive
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT
Shifters Shimano Ultegra 9-speed
Handlebars Cannondale Fire, 31.8mm front, stoker rear
Stem Cannondale 3-D Forged
Headset Cane Creek S-1
Brakeset Avid BB7 Disc
Brakelevers Shimano Ultegra
Saddle Fi'zi:k Aliante Sport Mg
Seat Post Kalloy SP-248D front, Satori Poise XC suspension rear

but not the Coupe's so here they are:

Size 20"/18"
Frame Atomic 13 Aluminum Tandem
Fork Chromoly Road w/disc mount
Crankset Truvativ Elita Tandem 30/42/52t
Bottom Bracket Truvativ ISIS
F. Derailleur FB FD-443
R. Derailleur 105 RD-5500GS
Shift Lever FB ST-440L
Brake Levers Avid Speed Dial 7
Brakes Avid BB7
Cog Set 9spd CS6500 (12-27t)
Rims Alex DM-21
Tires Vittoria Ranndoneur 28c w/puncture protection
Pedals Mtn Platform w/Alloy Cage, Clips, and Straps
Handlebar Truvativ XR Flat
Stem Truvativ XR / Stoker
Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust / Alloy Suspension
Saddle WTB Speed V / WTB Speed She
Headset WTB Zero Stack
Colors Black
Drivetrain Shimano / Truvativ 27 Speed
Chain KMC Z9000/Z610
Hubset 40h Joytech Tandem Disc
Spokes 14G Stainless Black
Grips Raleigh
Seatpost Clamp MX-30-RT
Extras Rack & Fender Mounts, Water Bottle Mounts

So do you have any guidance for us? Fit is not an issue. We'll ride both.

Thanks
INDY aka Spongebob

[TandemGeek]

If it's within your budget, and unless you're blown away by the Raleigh during the test ride, I'd be inlined to recommend the Cannondale for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is a more robust frame and the better componentry.

[I'mnotdeadyet]

Thanks. The budget is not a concern, except from a pov of non use and therefore a waste of money. I guess the C'dale would then have a better resale value if that happened. I've had singles that I've gone through and upgraded to better frames, so I wouldn't want to do that either. I see that Raleigh doesn't have an equal bike anymore, so that worries me from a warranty point. But then, word is that C'dale is being sold too. At our team weight, a good frame is important. But I guess its the question of better components cost X amount, versus their true upgrade worth in difference in the ride. I know guys with $4k singles and $900 singles, and they both ride the same rocks. Sometimes UGI isn't worth it. Oh well, thanks, and anything else you think of, let me know.
INDY aka Spongebob

[zonatandem]

C'dale: better frame and components; you won't have any regrets!