Wheels: just tried out a Topolino ultra light front wheel on the tandem: spoke count 24 with carbon fiber/kevlar 'flat' spokes for 20 miles this morning and no problems.
However, we are rather light (total team 'bout 240 lbs) and older (142 years between the 2-of-us). For a time trial, the Topolino's could be about as good as tri-spokes, in our opinion.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem