What is your planned build list?

You may recognise my forum name from the weightweenie forum as I spend too much time there. Our tandem has thus morphed towards weightweenieism gradually, but isn't extreme at all as it pretty much works how I want it to and the parts haven't worn out so haven't been replaced.

I have stepped back from building the as light as possible tandem as you get into diminishing returns and durability issues more quickly than on a single bike. Better to get fit right then go for a good balance between lightness, durability and price. On the tandem I go for durable and moderately light rather than super light every time. Also, thinking about it, the tandem goes best on flat to rolling roads, meaning weight isn't a big factor and aero wheels are a better investment IMHO as you play to the bike's strong points rather than weak ones.

Some thoughts on the build - Edge 68mm rims would be my must-buy investment unless you ride in the rain, coupled with an out of the box Shimano or Campag system so that it all shifts perfectly. I have the 38s on my road bike and they are really nice to ride. Then add an Alpha Q fork, Thomson masterpiece seatposts, Rotor stems up top plus your favourite carbon bars and you have a nice bike. Finally carbon cages, i-links, Powercordz, Veloplugs, anodised bolts and so on for the details to shave that last 2lbs. Ours is basically heading in that direction, but minus the big $$$ parts. Another thought could be to wait for triple DA7900 brakes and shifters as the 7900 brakes on my single bike are extremely good and well worth the extra weight over typical weightweenie KCNCs or ZeroG.