Author Topic: Bike to Bike Communications  (Read 970 times)

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Alwayssmilez

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Bike to Bike Communications
« on: June 04, 2010, 05:02:04 AM »
Hey everyone.
Ive been on line searching for a good bike to bike communication system. I have read so many reviews my head hurts and I have NO idea what to look for and what not  :P

I dont necessarily have to have a system that works through a phone, just something to be able to communicate with another rider would be extremely useful for long trips.

Any suggestions?!?!


Offline morgal

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2010, 09:01:43 PM »
Goldwings and other large bikes often have a CB radio option. Surprisingly the CB bands are fairly empty.

If i was to get a bike to bike system it would use this system as there is a good chance other riders would have this.

Also for the goldwing i know it has the ability to play music from an MP3 (or anything with an audio jack) and thus could conceivably be hooked to a specialized system like a phone if required with no additional installation. In addition it would mute the music automatically when someone or yourself spoke. I also found the "push to talk" or mic toggle very nice.

I know this does not solve your brand issue but from using the goldwing I really liked it's system. It worked very very well, Hope this helps.

I would be interested in seeing your research though as i also would be interested in it as it would make the ride much more social.
:)

Alwayssmilez

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2010, 05:25:40 AM »
Thank you for replying.

I don't ride a Goldwing, I actually have a cruiser. My bike is fairly ... beefy... shall we say and I will need something that I can mount inside my helmet because of the noise.

I did do some research and found some good recommendations. One system that seemed to stand out was a Cardo Scala Rider G4 Powerset Communicator System. It might be more along the lines of what I need. I read some awesome reviews on it but I was wondering if anyone out there has ever tried it and what they thought about it.

Thanks again! ;D

Offline Ryan

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2010, 09:37:26 AM »
I don't have experience with these but thought I'd chime in since I too would be interested in something like this.
"Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead." - Hans Christian Andersen

Alwayssmilez

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2010, 09:19:22 PM »
 ;D So Im happy to report that for ONCE I bought something that actually works the way its supposed to and does what it claims YAY!

After a ton of research I decided to buy the Cardo Scalarider G4 Powerset. This is an incredible product let me tell you!!!.

The Pros: The clarity between riders (up to 1 mile apart) is like you are sitting side by side. I have a very loud bike and yet my voice came across without background noise or wind noise to my partner. Now heres the cool part..... these can be used with an Ipod, GPS, FM radio (which it will scan for local stations) and Bluetooth compatible phones! Yup it does it all hands free. It installs 2 ear buds inside your helmet and a mic. I have a fullface helmet and it was easy to install. The powerset comes already set up to use meaning no frequency searching or trying to figure it out. You install it on the outside of the helmets and you are ready to roll. The instructions were easy to follow. You can buy individual ones by the way for the single rider anddddd if there is a group, you can all buy single ones and set them all to communicate together. Its a very cool and well worth the money, system.

The Cons: I guess if there is one.....is the price. They are in the $400 - $500 range for the set. (Shop around but I bought mine online @ Riders Discount).

To say Im impressed is an understatement. We are heading out on a 2 week bike trip next week using these and Im sure this will make for a way easier and enjoyable time.

Happy Riding everyone :D

Offline Durak

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2010, 08:21:18 AM »
Thank you for the review and information Alwayssmilez!

I would be interested in knowing how the earbuds work for keeping wind/road noise out while riding?  Are they similar to the standard earbuds that come with an ipod (or similar device)?

Have a fun on your on extended bike holiday!

Keep the shiny side up  :)


Alwayssmilez

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2010, 12:40:45 AM »
Hiya Durak
I guess I shouldnt have said "ear buds" they are more flat disc type buttons that velcro on to the inside of your helmet by your ears. They work great as far as reception but no not as far as say an actual ear plug would for keeping noise out.

There are also volume control buttons on the outside attachment that you can volume up or down even with gloves on!

Thanks for the well wishes, and yes shiny side up is BEST lol. ......see you on the road!

Offline Comet650

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2010, 07:44:45 AM »
Warning post hijack

Can anyone recommend a less expensive alternative. I've seen some gmrs based systems and others use Bluetooth. I don't need high end although it would be nice. I'm heading down to Montana with a friend and I would be nice to have some thing we could use to chat along the way. Especially because his gas tank is smaller than mine so he always has to wave me in when he is low.
Anyone got a set they don't use anymore and willing to sell?

Offline Syn

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2010, 10:10:50 PM »
I saw a pair of ones at Canadian tire, Sure they wont be the best, but they will get the job done right? And if they suck to the point where they are unusable, just return them after the trip and tell the person working the suck.(Not the person, the radios haha (: )
Because life is too short to be anything but happy...
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Offline morgal

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #9 on: July 14, 2010, 09:15:46 PM »
Not really no topic but GPS nav systems are great for trips in unknown area's. they often have a distance to next gas station feature and on smaller tanked bikes this is important.

Also interested to see what lower end systems people find. I mean there walkie talkies that only need a range of a few meters... i had $15 set when i was a kid...should not be rocket science to get a walkie with voice activation or a big push to talk button.
:)

Offline Comet650

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #10 on: July 15, 2010, 08:36:53 PM »
Ordered a chatterbox frs multisport. HJC's "entry level" bike to bike communication. I'll up date soon.

Offline GravityMike

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Re: Bike to Bike Communications
« Reply #11 on: October 31, 2010, 07:27:59 PM »
Thank you for the review and information Alwayssmilez!

I would be interested in knowing how the earbuds work for keeping wind/road noise out while riding?  Are they similar to the standard earbuds that come with an ipod (or similar device)?

Have a fun on your on extended bike holiday!

Keep the shiny side up  :)


Durak,

The post may be a bit stale (out riding, you know how it is), but check out Earfuze http://www.earfuze.com/about.html
I don't own a pair, but I've reads good reviews.

Cheers

Mike