[Steves3000]

My wife and I are replacing our tandem after 25 years. One of the many innovations since our last purchase is the advent of gps bike computers.
My question is what is the optimal setup for a tandem? My wife (stoker) does most of the navigation, but I (captain) like to have at least gears and speed constantly visible.
Should we both have computers, or is there a better way to solve for this?
Thanks!

 

[Catmandoo]

I am unaware of any models that have dual displays. A big caution on "gears". That would mean a Di2 or SRAM electronic shifting system that can via BlueTooth send a signal to the head unit as to what gear you are in. No mechanical system does that. As well if desiring a Hammerhead Karoo 2 unit, know that Hammerhead (owned by SRAM) is in a dispute with Shimano who has essentially told Hammerhead they can no longer allow the BT connection from the Di2 system to the (newly purchased) head unit. Garmin and Wahoo computers can still connect and you can get gear and battery info.

Be aware these things ain't cheap. A basic navigating GPS with a decent sized touchscreen is the Garmin Edge Explore. Designed more for touring amd doesnt have a Di2 connection or do performance stuff like workouts, intervals, etc.... runs $250. A GPS that does Di2 in a smaller form than the Explore is an Edge 830, I think the run about $400. Or a 530 at $250 or so, or a Wahoo Bolt. The"Cadillac" of them all is the new Edge 1040 Solar, big screen, has solar charging, latest software, 45 hr. battery life (twice anything else), and runs $750.

 

[tlg]

My wife and I are replacing our tandem after 25 years.

My wife (stoker) does most of the navigation, but I (captain) like to have at least gears and speed constantly visible.

Are you saying you've been displaying gears on your current tandem? How?

There's no GPS that offers dual screens. So you're going to need two units. You could do a nice large navigation unit for your wife.
And for you just to see speed details, there are cheap units with standard bike details. Speed, Distance, Time, etc for $30 - $50

Amazon.com : XOSS G GPS Cycling Computer Wireless Bike Speedometer Odometer Cycling Waterproof Road Bike MTB Bicycle Bluetooth (combo2) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : XOSS G GPS Cycling Computer Wireless Bike Speedometer Odometer Cycling Waterproof Road Bike MTB Bicycle Bluetooth (combo2) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com

If you really need to see Di2 gear info as mentioned above, I think the LEZYNE Super Pro is the cheapest unit that'll do that. $150

Amazon.com : LEZYNE Super Pro Performance GPS Bicycle Computer, 28H Runtime, USB Rechargeable, ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, Mountain & Road Bikes : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : LEZYNE Super Pro Performance GPS Bicycle Computer, 28H Runtime, USB Rechargeable, ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, Mountain & Road Bikes : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[rgauss1813]

Are you saying you've been displaying gears on your current tandem? How?

There's no GPS that offers dual screens. So you're going to need two units. You could do a nice large navigation unit for your wife.
And for you just to see speed details, there are cheap units with standard bike details. Speed, Distance, Time, etc for $30 - $50

Amazon.com : XOSS G GPS Cycling Computer Wireless Bike Speedometer Odometer Cycling Waterproof Road Bike MTB Bicycle Bluetooth (combo2) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : XOSS G GPS Cycling Computer Wireless Bike Speedometer Odometer Cycling Waterproof Road Bike MTB Bicycle Bluetooth (combo2) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com

If you really need to see Di2 gear info as mentioned above, I think the LEZYNE Super Pro is the cheapest unit that'll do that. $150

Amazon.com : LEZYNE Super Pro Performance GPS Bicycle Computer, 28H Runtime, USB Rechargeable, ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, Mountain & Road Bikes : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : LEZYNE Super Pro Performance GPS Bicycle Computer, 28H Runtime, USB Rechargeable, ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, Mountain & Road Bikes : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

this is how I read the gearing on my tandem. I don’t think that they are made any longer but might find some on e-bay. Mine is a 10spd group, works on 9/10spd.
for those unaware: captain can’t really see the gearing way back there, so for efficient shifting and to keep your stoker happy, you can’t afford to lose track of where you are on the cassette.

 

[rgauss1813]

this is how I read the gearing on my tandem. I don’t think that they are made any longer but might find some on e-bay. Mine is a 10spd group, works on 9/10spd.
for those unaware: captain can’t really see the gearing way back there, so for efficient shifting and to keep your stoker happy, you can’t afford to lose track of where you are on the cassette.
View attachment 487344

Also Shimano Flight Deck computer used to do that (gear display) but now I’m really showing my age.

 

[velodog]

this is how I read the gearing on my tandem. I don’t think that they are made any longer but might find some on e-bay. Mine is a 10spd group, works on 9/10spd.
for those unaware: captain can’t really see the gearing way back there, so for efficient shifting and to keep your stoker happy, you can’t afford to lose track of where you are on the cassette.
View attachment 487344

Shux, if one needs to know what gear they're in to keep the stocker happy, the stocker's close enough to look see for his/herself. All ya gotta do is ask.

Or, don't worry about it till the lever don't move, then just move the other.

 

[rgauss1813]

Shux, if one needs to know what gear they're in to keep the stocker happy, the stocker's close enough to look see for his/herself. All ya gotta do is ask.

Or, don't worry about it till the lever don't move, then just move the other.

Some people do indeed have their stoker call out gearing, “3 to go“etc.
Ain’t happening with my wife though.