Most of our riding I expect will be "road", but we have some pretty extensive old RR-bed trails nearby and we'll certainly be riding those as well. As to what type of single we ride, my wife has a circa 1999 Specialized Hardrock MTB, w/ twistgrip shifters. I have a circa 1998 Gary Fisher Tassajara MTB, t/g shifters. Both MTBs have been recently redone w/ new brake pads, cables, bottom brackets, rear sprocket sets etc. I also have a new -this past April - Surly Long Haul Trucker, w/ barend shifters, low bars, etc. I'm thinking more toward a MTB-type tandem - to handle the RR trails, gravel roads, and dirt bike paths.

Of course, if I can find a prime road tandem.........