Tandem Cycling - Tandem Communication Systems

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first tandem. We've test-ridden several and communication is the biggest challenge, especially in the wind. On RAGBRAI (ride across Iowa) I've seen tandem riders with communication systems. Does anyone on here use them? What should I look for in purchasing?

I recently wrote a comparison review of the various units available. See our tandem blog at:
http://billnmaggi.tandemrides.com

I would just like to thank "Onegun" (Bill & Maggie) for doing the research on this; I hope to go to the next step and get rid of the neck band entirely (attaching to the helmet instead), but haven't started on that project yet.

... I hope to go to the next step and get rid of the neck band entirely (attaching to the helmet instead), but haven't started on that project yet.

A fellow on another tandem list that I frequent has done this for his particular helmet brand. After reading my review, he posted this:

"Along with a few others here, we've been using Blue Ant Bluetooth
intercoms on our tandem and utllity bikes, and find them an order of
magnitude better than anything else currently available.

Compared to the two units reviewed by the NYT, the Blue Ants have the
advantage of being totally waterproof and designed to deal with wind
noise of up to 80 mph.

We developed a much simplier mounting system. We clip the Blue Ant
power units on the reflector bracket on the back of our Bell Metro
helmets, which is an ideal location, and makes use of the helmet clip
that came with the two units.

Then we use a three inch by one inch oval piece of plastic, which we
velcro at the top to right inside of the helmet, and velcro the Blue
Ant boom unit to the bottom. It's simple, it works perfectly, it puts
the weight of the boom unit on the helmet rather than on the ear, and
it took all of five minutes to construct."

In a second email, he elaborated that "What we used to attach the boom mike to the helmet was
that plastic piece that Blue Ant included for gluing the power unit to the helmet. Just took off the adhesive, added velcro and that was that."

I've asked him for pictures and he said he'd get to it as soon as possible but that this was his busiest time of the year. So ... none yet.

If you get around to designing your own, we'd love to see it!

If you get around to designing your own, we'd love to see it!
Me too! This is probably a winter project, after I get my hands on the units, I will see what I can do, what the loads are, etc. But thanks for posting this, and do let us know when you get any pictures.

What's the name of the tandem where the front rider sits in recumbent position, rear rider in normal upright position? That design would seemingly eliminate the need for a communication system.

--J

We find that talking loud works well.

Stoker Malkin and I experimented with intercoms for a while and finally gave up. For us, the benefits never exceeded the cost in terms of either money or fuss and bother.

Good luck with your first tandem, and welcome!

Cheers!

Thanks, all. We did make our purchase... a Trek T1000. We'll do some riding without an intercom to start, but I'm sure we'll be using Onegun's suggestion soon. Looks like a great set-up.