Originally Posted by jrisles
I always thought that the '02 & '03 RT3000 models were much better than the '04 RT1000 model??
If it's an '02, then his asking price is a bit high. As for "much better"... that's tough to quantify:
"Downgrades"
Different derailleurs: 105 FD vs Ultegra FD (-$10), XT RD vs XTR RD (-$50)
Front derailleurs all work the same, although the XTR is a bit better RD than the XT but even the '03 RT3000 had the XT RD. That said, I think the only place the XTR's better performance shines is in off-road applications.
Different cranks: Truvativ Tandem vs Ultegra Tandem (-$150?)
The Ultegra's look nice and are a few grams lighter, but they work the same.
"Upgrades"
Different Brakes: Avid Dual Disc vs rim brakes (+$200)
No comparison.
Net difference is ~$50. Everything else is pretty much the same in the big scheme of things; frames haven't changed since '99.
As for sizing, I have never been able to figure out how folks got it into their minds that a road tandem should be fitted any different that a road bike that was ridden under similar conditions. If you road your single bike hard but kicked-back on the tandem for touring, that would justify having a more upright riding position, but that's about it.