Originally Posted by
TandemGeek
When dealing with tandems in general, it's best to look at component manufacturer specifications as guidelines not absolutes.
Moreover, if you ever ask for anything in writing or via Email, don't expect to get much more than a restatement of the approved specifications and uses. The latter is why I tend to call and search out technicians who are willing to have a practical and throughful discussion that "can't be used in a court against them".
Frankly, if all of the various specifications and incompatibility issues were real and endorsements for use on tandems were required, you'd be hard pressed to find enough parts to build a tandem.
Just my .02.
I got a phone call from Salsa and they again told me their chainrings are not 10 speed compatible and they could not recommend using them with 10 speed. I explained to him it had been done successfully and he said it could work, they just don't recommend it. So now I find myself in yet another dilemna ordering parts for this tandem I could get TA which is definitely 10 speed compatible or Salsa which isn't, but in reality might work as well or better and costs less. While I highly regard Marco's advice we don't do 20% grade hills and don't put out that much power. If there ever was a torture test for a tandem he is it and I did take his advice on the Mavic SSC brakes.