Communication systems

[e.z.nightrider]

Help!! Getting ready for spring and planning some two bike rides with SWMBO (she just doesn't want to be a passenger). What type of bike to bike communication systems are you using, what are the pros and cons of each. Thanks Much.

Ed Z.

[81xsproject]

I too have been thinking about this for a possible spring ride once my buddies KZ is up and ready. Our issue is that we don't want special helmet or anything that involved or $$$$$$.

[Ken Talbot]

SWMBO and I have been using the FRS style Chatterbox units for a few years, and find them quite useful. The first Chatterbox we tried was disappointing because of its very limited range, but the FRS style easily gives us a few miles of range. The Chatterbox comes with a mount that attaches to the lower edge of your helmet. It has a single plug that connects a microphone and two earphones, all of which have velcro fasteners for sticking to the inside of your helmet. I would expect by now that someone has come up with a helmet to helmet unit that offers Bluetooth wireless connection between the radio unit and your mike and headphones. That would be very sweet. Even our now fairly old model offers an input jack for plugging n an iPod if you like to ride with music.

SWMBO and I find we do not actually use the communicators very much, only really when we're getting close to a course change point, or navigating into and out of gas stations, restaurants, etc. When we're cruising, we each prefer our own headspace for enjoying the ride, although once in a while one or the other will comment about something special along the way.

[e.z.nightrider]

Ken,
That's pretty much how I see our communication. We both pretty much enjoy our own point of view while riding. Has anyone tried systems like this based on motorola or similar radios? http://www.bikeintercom.com/products...et_package.htm

[planedick]

I do

E.Z. nightrider, I have a set like that only they're Midland or Cobra, (don't want to get up to look) and have a range of over 10 miles. The VOX works great if you don't have a loud exhaust, but if you do there is a PTT button on the cord to the headset. Got them from a catalog that offers factory refurbished goods and they only cost me $29.95

[fredintoon]

Plan ahead

A safety feature on a bike that a car don't have is that nobody can yabble on in your ear about stuff and distract you. Don't give that up! Get a map and plan stopping points where the lead bike will wait for the follower if they lose visual contact. Then you can discuss this and that over coffee while sitting safe & static in a filling station cafe before moving on.

[Pat Kelly]

I have a pair of the Chatterboxes like Ken described that I/we don't use and would like to sell. How does $100 for the 2 radios, chargers, headset/mic, mounting brackets sound?
PM me if interested

[e.z.nightrider]

Thanks Pat. There're just what I was looking for and all arrived in good shape SWMBO is a happy camper.

Ed Z.

[Pat Kelly]

Glad they will work out for you. I wish we had used them more.

[Bigfoot]

Has anyone used the Scala rider? I was thinking of getting one. Being out of communication for work usually makes me take a cage.