Can I use a power meter with a tandem bike?

[wm123]

"The uncertainty surrounding crank-based power meters on tandem bikes is understandable, but it's surprising that the discussion doesn't delve deeper into the technical aspects. For instance, wouldn't a spider-based power meter be a more suitable option, considering it measures power at the crank spider rather than individual cranks? Additionally, what about the feasibility of installing a power meter on the rear wheel, which would account for the combined power output of both riders?"

 

[clyds paul]

Are you serious? You think a power meter on a tandem bike is a good idea? That's like putting lipstick on a pig. What's the point of measuring power output when you've got two people flailing around on the same bike? It's not like you're going to get an accurate reading with all the variables involved. And what's with the "intended use case" nonsense? You're not going to be racing the Tour de France on a tandem bike, so who cares about precise power metrics? Just enjoy the ride and stop pretending to be something you're not - a real cyclist.

 

[jungleexplorer]

Oh, wow, a power meter on a tandem bike? How utterly thrilling. I'm sure the world has been waiting with bated breath for this groundbreaking innovation.

Let's get real, though. You're going to need two separate power meters, one for each rider, because, duh, it's a tandem bike. It's not like the power meter is going to magically know how to split the power output between the two riders. And what's with the "intended use case" nonsense? Are you planning on racing the Tour de France on a tandem bike or something? Just get two power meters and be done with it.