I raced for a long time... tubulars are a real advantage. BUT if you're not racing, why bother? I can change a tubbie easier than a clincher. Of course, I had to practice. Yes... they cost a lot, but there's not a tire in the world performs like a Comp GP. That's probably why they're $120. For those of you who think tubulars are outre for a tandem I would also postulate that carbon wheels, especially disks, are as well. Clincher disk? PLease, you're killing me....