Largely true. However, the dispersion between an entry level tandem, and the high end, on weight, quality, aerodynamics, and rolling resistence is significant, probably more so than between an entry level single bike, and a high single.

I guarantee you that for any two given riders, they will be measurably faster on a Co-Motion Robusta, or Santana Beyond, or Calfee, than they'll be a Burley Zydeco.

1) there will be almost a 25 lb weight difference,

2) the wheels will be measuarbly more aero, worth in the 25 watt range,

3) 25c tires will have substantially lower rolling resistence,

4) the aerodynamic position of the riders with drop bars instead of upright bars will be worth in the 100watt range.

the collective effect will be measurable.

Making some rough assumptions on Kreuzotter, The high end tandem with aero wheels is going to be about 3 mph faster on the flats, assuming each team puts out 400watts.

On an 8% grade, the speed advantage drops to about .5mph, but the high end tandem puts 30 seconds into the entry level bike each mile.


Bottom line, we'll spot you 75 watts if we get to ride the Robusta.