Tandem Cycling - 2 computers -> 1 sensor?

I have used a wired system where I soldered two brackets together in order to use only one sensor. I had to add a few feet of wire in order to reach the rear handlebar. Now I want to use two wireless computers instead. What model of computer can work for me?

My wife and I use two VDO C2 DS cycle computers with one sensor on the front fork on our Co-Motion Tandem. I picked this model after doing some research on transmitter ranges of various brands and models. If I recall correctly it is spec'd to have a range of 1.5m It works great.

Here's a thread from '08 with some discussion, might still be useful although there are probably new units on the market by now.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=390793

We have successfully used two Cateye V2C computers with one sensor on the chainstay. It picks up cadence and speed for both computers, and we have not had any problems with it. It has worked flawlessly on our Calfee for 1200 miles, and we successfully tried it out on our steel Co-Motion Speedster before moving it to the Calfee. The only issue we have had is the short "go to sleep" time of about 5 minutes - it makes it easy to start with the computers off after a short break. I painted "wake up" in red letters on the stokers rear view mirror, and this helps remind us sometimes. It also generates some amusing comments at rest stops.

Thanks a lot, you are really helpful. Now I know a lot more.

I have tried doing it with two CicloMaster computers and I can confidently say that it does NOT work with computers from that brand, the wireless transmission range is not quite long enough.

We use the Cateye V3 which gives us our heart rate on screen. It only need s one sensor on the chainstay to pick up speed and cadence. We have found the heart rate a big benefit in balancing the work load. If I see my heart rate going up I'll ask my wife how her's is doing: sometimes I get a sheepish answer and the feel a power surge. It seems she can get lulled into low power output by the scenery.

The Garmin 305/605/705 will also work with a single sensor for multiple units.

We used the VDO and the Cateye V2C products mentioned above. For reasons I could never figure out we had too many interference issues with the VDO that others do not have. The Cateye V2C has been flawless for us and I particularly like the joint cadence/speed sensor mounted on the chainstay.

Bill J.

We have been using two Mavic Wintech's since 2007 on our santana. The sensor is part of the quick release on the front axle. We do not have the cadence accessory.

info from the stoker

Which VDO model did you have issues with Specbill? I've run a VDO 1.0 for a few years with no problems and was thinking of giving this a try with it?

Related to this topic, for those with Garmin Edge's, which use this speed/cadence sensor (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1266):

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/258/4ff/d53/33234/product_page/garmin-gcs10-speed-cadence-sensor.jpg?1227137151

Garmin, along with other computer makers (http://www.thisisant.com/features/proven-apps), uses the ANT+Sport™ 2.4GHz managed network (http://www.thisisant.com/news/stories/antsporttrade-24ghz-managed-network-embraced-by-growing-alliance-of-major-manufacturers). Is there a simpler/cheaper computer from a manufacturer other than Garmin that will provide speed and cadence to the stoker by reading the ANT Garmin speed/cadence sensor?


For example, the $149 ANT+ Bontrager Node 2 Digital (http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-14-24-2767-0,00.html) has speed, cadence, altimeter, heart rate, and grade. It doesn't have GPS (a second GPS not being needed). Would it pick up up the Garmin Sensor, and thus be a second computer for the stoker?


http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/c72/9b4/c7f/45637/product_page/bontrager-node-2-digital-computer.jpg?1258429165

Which VDO model did you have issues with Specbill? I've run a VDO 1.0 for a few years with no problems and was thinking of giving this a try with it?

It was a VDO C4DS... it is a nice computer actually but on most rides here and numerous rides in Bakersfield it would give crazy cadence or speed numbers at random times that would mess up all the average numbers and the distances... not dramatically but enough to just drive me crazy so I gave up on it after a few weeks.
It is just sitting here doing nothing..I won't use it and would not feel right selling it to someone. If you want to borrow it for a few week to see if you have better luck just send me a PM and I'll send it to you.

Bill J.