Originally Posted by
TandemGeek
The Calfee's definitely exhibit the Cannondale effect, i.e., not exactly an aero-optimized design. Even with the Rolf's, the Calfee has never been as fast on the downhills or flat-out when time-trialing as our Erickson was.
The Spinergy wheels, as others have noted, also aren't the most aero in the world; same story on the Topolino's.
But, the comfort qualities trump the aero handicap. I just stay in the draft if someone's able to descend faster.
Interesting that TandemGeek sees the fat tubes as a big factor. It seems the racing teams using either Calfees or Paketas are probably giving up some slight aero penalty due to the fat tubes but that is trumped by the big engines. Also an interesting herd dynamic here in that if all the really strong teams are using fat tubed tandems then any differences due to that aero penalty would not show up. I suppose any technology if uniformly accepted is unlikely to be challenged.