pathdoc

Two wheel drive really is an interesting idea. I worry the second drivetrain would add a fair bit of extra weight to the bike. Overall, I think this design is pretty cool and would allow for excellent comunication between captain and stoker.

cat0020

Not upright, but a recumbent tandem with 2wd:

"Hey Folks. I've ridden the new tandem enough to commit to the powder coaters. I'm convinced the 2WD system is better for us than a linked timing-chain RWD like our previous tandems. Bron, the stoker, is much happier being in control of her cadence and I don't feel like I'm pulling her legs around. The jiggling from out-of-synch pedaling is novel but not a problem. It will get better as we pedal smoother.
I have not noticed any pedal-steering tendencies & the bike is quite manageable even in granny-gear (19 gear-inches). FWD bikes draw some criticism for their potential to lose control when the front wheel slips (on gravel for instance). Under our 140kg weight I don't think it will be a problem and seems to be an advantage when piloting solo.
The limits of steering due to the twist-chain FWD set up are not an issue when riding, even in a U-turn. It is a small pain when we use a tight rail-crossing chicane on our commute. The short sections of chain-tube are crucial when using a mudguard & or fat tires. The chain will rub OK on a bare tire, but it snags on the edge of the mudguard. The tubes make this a non-issue although they do lay against the mudguard when using the inner-most cassette rings. Under this condition some chain-noise is transmitted to the mudguard.
Despite the stronger frame and more efficient drive-train the bike is not order-of-magnitude faster like I hoped. It is noticeably easier to push but we don't seem to go much faster yet, maybe we'll get fitter with the resumption of our regular commuting. The stiffer frame makes the bike noticeably steadier going fast downhill. I think I did a better job with the steering geometry on this bike; it's lighter to steer, maybe the offset in the forks contributes here. I didn't calculate rake and trail, there doesn't really seem to be hard & fast rules as far as I can see.
The SRAM dual drive hubs are great, 27 gears each & all under our right hands. They are great for the 20" wheels, I'd have to use big (expensive) chain-rings if I used a regular front derailleur set-up. The just-as-expensive Dual Drives look neater and are nicer to use and maintain. The other big improvement is the BB7 disc brakes, they are amazing especially compared to the V-brakes we had on the previous tandem. I went for the 203mm discs in case we decide to tour with this bike.

honcho

We own two Pinos, a 2013 and a 2017. We also own a now unused upright tandem. For us, the Pino is a superior ride in every way but one--speed. Stable, exceptionally comfortable for the stoker, very adjustable for different size stokers. My stoker and I can communicate since our heads are closer to each other. The stoker has an unimpeded view out front and can easily take photos or navigate. As for the captain position, it is pretty upright and the go fast crowd will probably not care much for that. I will concede that I think most of the benefits accrue to the stoker but a happy stoker makes for happier tandem travels.

Both of ours were purchased from Larry Black at Mt Airy Cycles in Mt Airy, MD.

fooferdoggie 

yes my blind wife would have issues and since she cant see anything. but at least then she could catch more bugs then me.