I want to take up tandem cycling, but are getting very confusing and opposing arguments in regard to who should sit in front or back, the heavier or the lighter rider? I heard several arguments in favour of the stronger rider seated at the back. If this is true then why don't most men (who are heavier and stronger by default) sit at the back when they have a female partner? My opservation is that in the majority of cases I notice the smaller and lighter rider acts as stoker, and that very seldomly the taller, or heavier, or stronger rider, sits at the back. Why is that? What effect does a difference of 15kg's between the two riders have when it comes to handling characteristics and dynamics? Will the bike not sway more when the heavier rider sits at the back, similar to a car with a lot of weight in the boot? Weight distribution must have an effect, but what? Does it matter who the stronger of the two riders are since they are providing the same driving force regardless of where they are seated? I would like to hear from the experienced riders out there in my quest to remain a safe and competitive cyclist! El Toro2009-09-07 06:46:19
