Phil (ascentale)22h ago

@skyfaller asks:

Q3. What communications systems do people use for talking with other bicyclists while riding?

We used these Bluetooth helmet "radios" by Sena, and they were extremely helpful on long rides where we couldn't bike side by side, such as when we moved house by bike. But these were mediocre helmets, if either the Bluetooth or helmet dies you must replace both, and annoyingly you had to pair the helmets every time.

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Show threadEllie Kennard21h ago
@ascentale @skyfaller @bikenite
A3.
We use the Sena Bikom20's and love them. They work well for quite a distance. Really good noise cancellation for the wind unless it's extremely strong.They're even pretty good going around corners and bends, but going around corners where there are buildings will, of course block the transmission. They were quite expensive, but when we had a few issues, tech support was extremely good and helpful in sorting out what might be the problem. We only bike the two of us, so I don't know how well they work with groups of people, but apparently they're supposed to do very well. They clip to the helmet strap, with the only issue we've encountered so far being that we've each lost one of the wind noise foams. Although they come with spares, I can see those won't be enough, and they're impossible to buy as replacements within Canada. When we called support in the USA, they actually sent us two replacements. I would have actually liked to have bought more. But that wasn't an option. Now that we're aware that this can happen, we take extra care.
They are really lightweight at 20 GM.
You can listen to music with them, but of course it's not great, as it's only one ear. That's fine for podcasts or audiobooks.
They charge quickly and last for up to 8 hours.
We'd but them again.
More info here:
https://www.sena.com/product/bikom-20/
I hope this helps.
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Show threadNelson
@elliek @ascentale @bikenite The Sena Bikom20's are what we were intending to try next, so it's good to hear you had a positive experience. Thank you for the details :-)
Mar 28 at 12:19amWeb
Show threadEllie Kennard20h ago
@skyfaller @ascentale @bikenite
Let us know if you want any more info. Also @StevenKennard will be happy to help.
Show threadKinetix 5h ago
@skyfaller @elliek @ascentale @bikenite The Sena helmets that have mesh intercom on them (R2 Evo, M1 Evo) are pretty good - like you say, they wouldn't get around the issue of dead helmet or dead electronics requiring a replacement (though, Sena will certainly deal with issues under warranty quite easily). It's tough to beat having everything together in the helmet, though. These mesh versions work comm-wise like the Bikom - a bunch of riders can all join together on the same channel and they just work. No bluetooth or pairing required.

I was curious if the Bikom 20 mesh works with the helmet mesh, and in finding one discussion thread, there's conflicting information - which would seem crazy to me if Sena didn't make them work together. More investigation required.

I ride a recumbent trike, btw, and use an R2 Evo - it's a godsend when riding with others. Oh, as others will note as well, the range that Sena claims on their (at least cycling) devices is nowhere near correct. We can get about a short city block between a pair of devices in not-super-ideal conditions.

#BikeNite
Show threadEllie Kennard5h ago
@kinetix @ascentale @skyfaller @bikenite
We'll test on our next ride and report back.
Cities will be different, with buildings interfering. We're in the country.