The reason the guy is usually on front is because of upper body strength for controlling the bike.

My husband and I can both ride the captain position, but I prefer to be stoker. The stoker can have a lot of fun and really relax. The captain has to control the bike meaning he can't take his hands off the bike, as stoker, I can do whatever I please with my hands, serve refreshments, talk on our 2 meter radio, or call and make arrangements for lunch on the cellphone.

On long rides we do switch, but it is not as comfortable for either of us, this prevents physical pressure problems.

I regularly ride the tandem solo to meet my husband at his office and he rides home with me.

He is a more cautious rider than I am taking roads, while I take sidewalks, and alleys as well as jump curbs.

Before we purchased our tandem we looked for over 10 years until we found the KHS tandemania, which was perfect in all respects for both of us. Later we replaced the saddles and handlebars.

So it is not unfair for the male to apparently always ride the front, plus the captain has to take the blame for hitting bumps and cutting corners to sharpe for the stoker. All the stoker has to do is not wiggle without letting the captain know in advance.

Diane