Tandem Cycling - carry all bags

Of course a tandem without a bag to carry tools and emergency equipment would not be complete!!!!!
Any suggestions out there whether handlebars or rear mount is better? Just a personal preference and estetics or is there a maneuvrability issue?
Aren't newbies full of dumb questions?
Thank you all for your help
Andy M.

So far so good!!!! The KHS Sport (although NOT red) is doing just fine and we are still excited. Communication is easier each time we ride because............ "it is never the stoker's fault". (Someone posted that on the Web!!!):D

A RED trunk bag mounted on the rear would be nice.

Get a rear rack and an expanding trunk bag. Handlebar bags are ok but move around some and can change the steering. You probably won't notice a trunk bag. Be careful about size though, make sure it doesn't touch the stoker (they tend to be sensitive creatures). And remember the amount of stuff you carry usually expands to fill the space you have to carry it in plus 10%.

BTW our tandem is polished titanium and our bags are black. The only thing red on it is a rear blinkie.

OK I will scan the web for the redest expando bag I can find (in shiny lycra?) Thanks for the info Once installed I will post a picture. Also I refitted the bike rack for my truck and the tandem fits even with the tailgate closed but I have to spin the handlebars and fork backwards.:beer: so now I am ready to go to rallies too.
Thanks for the help
AM

Fit a Brooks saddle for the stoker, and you can strap on a Carradice 15-25l saddlebag. Some of the saddles have both springs and bag loops, so your stoker will be cushioned against unexpected bumps. Not all brooks are heavyweights, but the combined weight of saddle and saddlebag often beats a lightweight saddle + rack + bag.

Thanks I will search the Web for a RED Carradice. (Just so MB1 is not disappointed)
AM

I agree that the rear trunk bag is the way to go. Its much more usable then the handlebar bags.

Knock on wood, we've gotten by with a small, <50cu in seat pack under Debbie's saddle that carries two tubes, a patch kit with a spare "SuperLink" (in case of a chain break), one tire lever, and up and till recently a Topeak Alien tool. The Alien is being replaced by the much lighter Crank Bros. Mirco 17 multi-tool which is 1/2 the size and weight. There is a second seat pack under my saddle/Debbie's boom that we use for carrying our camera. That's it. As someone else noted, if your bring a bigger bag you'll find a way to fill it. We occassionally hang a seat post mounted rack off the back of the tandem and hang one or two paniers on it when we're touring around on vacation and suspect we may need to haul something home from a crafts store, etc... But that's the exception, not the rule.

Thanks Mark. I am still looking for the "perfect" size. A small pack under the seats for essential and emergency tools may do the trick and certainly with the spring weather I don't see the need to carry rain gear. So I'll keep searching the sale racks at the LBS's in the area.

Since you mentioned carrying rain gear, here's -- in my humble opinion -- the BEST rain jacket that I've found: http://www.rainshield.com/index.html

Very lightweight, waterproof, breathes quite well and can be rolled up and stuck in your back jersey pocket. We've used them quite a few times since buying them over the winter and they are great. In fact, we did about 60 miles of a 70 mile ride in moderate to heavy rain on Saturday with temps in the high 60's and our upper bodies remained absolutely dry and comfortable. Our riding companions had a variety of jackets on -- Pearl Izumi "water resistant", some GoreTex and nylon rain jackets with vents -- and they were either soaked from the rain or from their own sweat. We stuck them in our back pockets for the ride back home today and while they certainly aren't invisible in your back pocket (about the size of a sub sandwich when rolled up), I forgot it was back there until I sat in a chair with a back on it at lunch.

Great product... no connection with the company. About $29.00 MSRP.