Originally Posted by R900
I would at least test ride a R900. Our Tandem is full Ultegra and I like the Veloce much better, more crisp and positive, the Ultegra is smooth, but I wish more tandems had a Campy option. I didn't think the brakes were that bad on my R900, although I did replace the C-dale brakes with some Chorus. About the only change I might make now is wheels. The stock set are fine, but I get itchy for a lighter set when I read the forums too much. If you really must have a Shimano bike I would get the R1000.
John
I would love to test ride the R900 but I haven't found anyone with it in stock. I will check a few more stores though. However I do like the Ultegra brifters. They are nice and large and I also like having the brake lever shift.
The brakes on a stock R900 are supposed to better than the brakes on a R700 but I thought the R700 brakes were pretty bad after I rode the R1000. If I bought the R900 I would probably do as you have and upgrade the brakes but not the wheels.