Who gets the Window Seat?
Because tandems are more aerodynamic when the taller rider captains, with most couples this means the man rides in front. Regardless of gender, stokers need never feel “stuck” in back. To the contrary, cyclists with equal time on both ends of a tandem unanimously prefer stoking—it’s more fun! Unlike their captain (and single bike riders), stokers won’t spend two-thirds of their time staring at that small piece of road directly in front of their front wheel (vigilantly watching for rocks, potholes, glass, rear wheels of other riders and about-to-open car doors). Because stokers don’t watch the road in front, steer, shift or use the brakes, they discover a new sense of freedom. Stokers can ride no-hands, chat with other riders, read maps, study the scenery, point out wildlife and just relax!
