"Some trouble getting into the 30" . . . On a tandem, especially when hill climbing (gee, that's why we have a 30!), anticipate your shifting a bit more; shift into the 30 'before' it's actually really needed. Also, must let up a bit on the pedal pressure when shifting while under extreme power pedaling power.
We always spin the wheels to give a quick 'visual check' of tires and trueness of wheels before going on a tandem toot.
Just some of our observations though the years . . .
Sounds like you've got a 'real keeper' in your LBS!
Pedal on TWOgeyther!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem