Many? The only ANT+ non-Garmin computer has been the Bontrager Node. A new search, however, reveals the ANT+ endowed VDO line, including the new, feature-rich and pricey Z3 PC-link.

I also thought that the Garmin Edge 200 looked like an interesting product, and could be ideal for a stoker computer. However, when I learned a bit more about it, I realized it was way too simplified. According to BikeRadar's first ride review, the only data fields that can be displayed are speed, distance, elapsed time, average speed, total ascent, and calories burned. This misses much of the information that is available in the most simple bike computers. It also won't receive the signal from Garmin's cadence/speed sensor.

I think they've dumbed this one down a bit too much, and only the Edge 500 is a realistic option.

I haven't looked for a year but Sigma 1609 is ANT+ and that is a mid-priced bike computer. VDO as you mentioned.

Most bike computers that claim to use digital transmitters are probably based on ANT. I haven't considered Garmin because I am too lazy to charge the thing after every ride.

The Sigma 1609 STS wireless uses the proprietary Sigma Transmision System (STS), rather than ANT+.

As far as I know, the only mid-priced ANT+ computers are the Node, VDO, and soon, the Edge 200.

I just upgraded to the Edge 800, so I installed my old Edge 305 for my wife and she loves it back there. Not only does she now know the MPH, but she has the grade and cadence info too (plus a whole lot more!). The only problem I have is.... she now can monitor my heart rate too! LOL

I stand corrected. But then I don't really care which protocol it uses as long as 2 computer can run off one transmitter. My needs are pretty simple. I don't need to get a Garmin to co-operate with Sigma.

What is your source for saying that the Edge 200 will receive a signal from any other device? The stuff I read made it sound like it will work on GPS only, but I'd be happy to be corrected.

Geez, here I was being all pedantic about ANT+ not being on the Sigma, while I just assumed ANT+ would be on the Edge 200. Come to find (as Garmin doesn't make it that clear) the Edge 200 works only on GPS, without a wheel magnet. It has no cadence function. Neither a HRM. Thus no ANT+.

The Edge 200 has little to recommend it as a stoker computer for an already Garmin-endowed tandem. The captain's Garmin will record the ride and have GPS, so that is redundant with the Edge 200. Things the stoker might want to know are not included, such as cadence, grade %, HR, wheel-accurate speed, temperature, and barometric altimeter. And it still needs to be plugged in.

The Node is a much better choice for a Garmin-supplementary stoker computer, IMO. It costs less, and has much more.

I have a Garmin 505, which is excellent for me - but i have often wondered about our relative outputs. We bought a cheap (€30) watch style heart rate monitor (incl strap) from Decathlon and my wife attached it to the bars - works a treat and lets us both have a conversation about the big thing - are we both working equally hard! - which can easily be gauged via heart rate. Works well in long alpine climbs where keeping a consistent heart rate is key - and gives the stoker something to ask you about for a change.

We have two refurbished Garmin Edge 500 units on the way. We plan to run both units using satellite acquisition for all of our data. For others running this setup, have you experienced any satellite acquisition issues for the stoker computer related to satellites' signals being blocked by the captain's derrière?

For those who are surprised the Edge 200 doesn't read cadence/HR/power, look at history: in the early days of Edge, the 205 was the sensorless sister to the 305, and later it was the same thing with the E605/E705. I'm surprised it took as long as it did for them to release the 200.

As far as the captain's posterior interfering with reception, not a problem. I have an Edge 705 on my bars, and she has an Edge 800 on the top tube, so it's under my butt etc. She has occasional HR dropouts which I can't seem to resolve (scary when the tandem-com tells me "I'm dead!"), but all other data seems fine.

For relative outputs, we just blinged out our rocket with twin powermeters. I'm showing 145W average and peaks to 850W, while she's showing 95W/390W so far. However, both of us are experiencing newfound improvements thanks to a summer of good riding and better positioning, so who knows what's ahead.

Bontrager has a new version of the Node about to be released, the 1.1 and 1.2. It remains the cheapest, lightest stoker option for the Garmin equipped tandem, that will allow use of the Garmin ANT+ cadence/speed sensor, and avoid having to put redundant wheel magnet/sensor. With my Node 2, we find it doesn't pick up the cadence/speed signal as avidly as the Garmin, and neither are the controls as navigable. Maybe with the Node 1.2 & 2.2 there will be improvement.

Node 1.1 / Node 2.1

I set up a Cateye Double wireless for Darlene when we first bought our Speedster and it's worked out fine for her. Trouble free as well. If it does get replaced, it'll be with a Garmin 800.