To all those on the fence about getting Bluetooth comm unit..

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greenmonster

Well-known member
I've been riding bikes for many years and have never had a Bluetooth system, didn't think I'd ever want one or like one. The noise of the engine and wind were enough for me.
Lately I decided I'd try one to see what I think so Thursday I went to Cycle Gear, picked up a Freecom unit, had them install it and went for a ride up to Lake Berryessa yesterday. Before leaving I found a Youtube channel playing coffee house music (don't hate me), fired up Google Maps and away I went. Let me tell you, it changed my mind forever, I loved it and wouldn't want to ride any other way now. The music was there in the background but not intrusive, and the GPS directions in my ear meant I didn't have to look at my phone as I have had to do in the past. The unit has voice commands which worked well so I never had to touch a button while riding to adjust volume or made a phone call.
I made a phone call on the road to my wife and she came in loud and clear too.

I've been a runner for years and liken the experience to running with music and without, it's really a game changer.

I know some like these devices and others don't but in my opinion - to all of you on the fence about this, go out and do it
 
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dittoalex

dittoalex

Too much lean angle...
I have been running a Sena 10C for 5 years and like the video DVR capability. Now there's one that records in 4K. It could have captured a blue yugo in a 5-car pileup not being the loser:

Feb 28 2021 12:31PM [12] PER DUPE RP PEOPLE WERE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO WHI OR SIL VEH ATTEMPTING TO REACH PERSON INSIDE
Feb 28 2021 12:29PM [10] PER DUPE RP THERE ARE 5 VEHS IN THE AREA
Feb 28 2021 12:27PM [5] PTYS OO VEHS
Feb 28 2021 12:26PM [3] NEG 1125
Feb 28 2021 12:26PM [2] WHI MINI VN VS BLU YUGO VS SIL HOND
Feb 28 2021 12:26PM [1] 3 VEEH POSS 4 VE
 
mayorofnow

mayorofnow

Well-known member
If you're only listening solo and don't care about OK Google, you can just get a set of helmet speakers from Cardo. They have an aux plug, so you can plug them into your phone with an extension cable.

That said, I'm a fan of my Packtalk Slim. I don't ride with friends often, but it's a must have when I do. Amazon has always had the best prices so far as I can tell.
 
berth

berth

Well-known member
Is there any standard for intercommunication among the devices bike to bike?

If you buy Brand X and riding buddy has Brand Y, what chance is there of them being able to link up? (Or do you just call them on your cell phone and be done with it?)
 
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greenmonster

Well-known member
berth said:
Is there any standard for intercommunication among the devices bike to bike?

If you buy Brand X and riding buddy has Brand Y, what chance is there of them being able to link up? (Or do you just call them on your cell phone and be done with it?)
Click to expand...

During my research into best brands, etc I watched a Youtube vid from Chaseontwowheels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-a4lUp8U8U that goes into his attempts to pair a Sena with a Freecom and after many attempts his assertion is that it can't be done. Skip to 5:10 for this commentary. His advice is to check with your friends, see what they're using and go with the brand they have.
There probably is a way but I'm more of a solo rider or I have my wife on the back occasionally so that isn't an issue for me.
 
Tally Whacker

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
berth said:
Is there any standard for intercommunication among the devices bike to bike?

If you buy Brand X and riding buddy has Brand Y, what chance is there of them being able to link up? (Or do you just call them on your cell phone and be done with it?)
Click to expand...

I have a SENA and a friend has a Cardo. It turns out there is a way to get the two to communicate, but it's a bit awkward and eliminates to possibility of chatting with other SENA users (in group mode) while the cross-platform connection is active.

So the answer is yes, but if you have buddies with one system or another stick with what the majority (or at least those you want to talk to) are running.
 
SVsick50

SVsick50

Well-known member
I got a cheap $50 thing on Amazon and I love it. It’s now been swapped between two helmets. Today I rode with earplugs with music playing and it was very faint which is not the way to listen to Run DMC. On my way home, I rode how I normally ride without earplugs and my music going and it was much better.

I don’t think I will ever go without a Bluetooth again. My wife can call me and I can talk while riding. I loaded my “Yacht Rock Essentials” and enjoyed the last stretch home.
 
Kurosaki

Kurosaki

Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
Never had any fancy bluetooth setup up but I've been riding with music in my ears for over a decade.

It's not for everybody, as has been discussed on BARF ad nauseum, but it is right for me.

Before I started working from home, because covid, my office was/is the perfect distance from my home where every morning I would make a playlist I call Russian Roulette. 5 songs I like and 1 song I hate. Hit shuffle and see if I can get to the parking garage before that 1 song comes up. :teeth
 
Tally Whacker

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
Kurosaki said:
Before I started working from home, because covid, my office was/is the perfect distance from my home where every morning I would make a playlist I call Russian Roulette. 5 songs I like and 1 song I hate. Hit shuffle and see if I can get to the parking garage before that 1 song comes up. :teeth
Click to expand...


For. The. Win.
 
N

NoTraffic

Well-known member
Congrats, I've been running a comm system primarily for music and directions for the last 10 years including on my work commutes. Have no idea why there are those so opposed to it.

Ride your own ride.

:cool. When I forget to charge my batteries, I feel like I'm riding naked.
 
mrzuzzo

mrzuzzo

Well-known member
The biggest mistake I ever made was going with a Sena.

Finally switched to Cardo this year and the difference is audible!
 
U

usedtobefast

Well-known member
OK, I be totally ignorant of all these things.

Say I get a CARDO Freecom 1+
... so I need to somehow get the speakers in my helmet, there is room? And they just go with with some double sided tape? And they stay?
... and the unit double side tapes to the side of the helmet?
... and the mic has to be put in the front somehow?

Just seems like one nice 95 degree day and all this stuff start falling off the helmet?

Oh, and one speaker or two? And if two, and playing tunes, you still feel situational aware? And I assume that is illegal since two ear buds in while driving a car is illegal.
 
moto-rama

moto-rama

Well-known member
For years, I listened to KQED on my to work; earbuds plugged into my little transistor radio.

As gear has improved, I've been a fast adopter. Now I use my mobile phone and a Schuberth helmet with upgraded speakers.
Lots of good gear for riders these days.
 
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