Airzounds.... the good and the bad?

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gaz

Cycle Camera TV
Location
South Croydon
I have mine fitted like this after following the official instructions and it works very well as you can brake and still hit the Airzound..
http://www.airzound....use-and-set-up/

hand_on_airzound.jpg

That isn't an official site, it was built and is maintained by Thomas of this forum.
 

Tinuts

Wham Bam Helmet Cam
Location
London, UK.
I had a really close overtake at a pedestrian island, despite being in Primary, the guy actually clipped the island in his desparation to get by. He then stopped and accused me of being dangerously positioned....

Pointed out the video camera, that I had given a loud and audible warning, and called his bluff by phoning the Police, saying that he wanted to report a dangerous cyclist, then handed him the phone.

He was reluctant to do so, but the Police asked for hid details anyway. I kindly completed the call on his behalf.

After correspondence with the Police and a copy of the video he was paid a courtesy call, and his error was explained.

I love your approach. Great result too.
 

Tinuts

Wham Bam Helmet Cam
Location
London, UK.
I've used AirZounds for years. I use the plural because they tend to wear out - build quality isn't that great. I've just had to repair one which has under a year's use. It is, however, the loudest, most effective way of getting attention on the road. Shame you have to keep pumping them up!

Personally I don't use them on pedestrians as I discovered quite early on that you tend to get a "rabbit-in-the-headlights" effect; the peds, quite understandably, tend to freeze on the spot. A verbal alert is certainly preferable in such situations and, if done right, can appear not unfriendly.


Motorists are, of course, a different matter. I find that they tend to respond a bit better to the sound of a horn than to a shout. I've had more aggressive responses to shouts than to the horn but, I admit, I have quite a loud shout.

I find the AZ great for alerting, say, the motorist who is about to pull out in front of you because they haven't seen you. Like BentMikey I do use it to convey my displeasure after a stupidly close overtake. Who knows, perhaps the overtaker concerned may learn something........

All things considered, it's highly recommended.
 

BentMikey

Rider of Seolferwulf
Location
South London
I'm not really trying to convey displeasure with close overtakes, more that I'm giving feedback that it was too close, and not to come so close next time. Following drivers tend to be very good at taking the advice too. :biggrin:
 

XmisterIS

Purveyor of fine nonsense
I've used AirZounds for years. I use the plural because they tend to wear out - build quality isn't that great. I've just had to repair one which has under a year's use. It is, however, the loudest, most effective way of getting attention on the road. Shame you have to keep pumping them up!

Personally I don't use them on pedestrians as I discovered quite early on that you tend to get a "rabbit-in-the-headlights" effect; the peds, quite understandably, tend to freeze on the spot. A verbal alert is certainly preferable in such situations and, if done right, can appear not unfriendly.


Motorists are, of course, a different matter. I find that they tend to respond a bit better to the sound of a horn than to a shout. I've had more aggressive responses to shouts than to the horn but, I admit, I have quite a loud shout.

I find the AZ great for alerting, say, the motorist who is about to pull out in front of you because they haven't seen you. Like BentMikey I do use it to convey my displeasure after a stupidly close overtake. Who knows, perhaps the overtaker concerned may learn something........

All things considered, it's highly recommended.

I think the 'zound is probably gives a more "neutral" message, and the message is clearer - shouting could be interpreted as general abuse, whereas the 'zound just says, "watch out!"

As regards peds and horns - I have fitted the loudest horn allowed by law onto my motorbike - it actually makes dozy jaywalking peds jump and give a little shout of surprise! Then they stop and give me the goggle-eyed look of fear that says, "Oooo! I was nearly mown down by a big nasty motorbike!"
 
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