Do intercoms for cyclist exist (at sensible prices) ???

[Dave7]

Speaking to a friend who I cycle with we were saying how useful it would be to have a lightweight method of communicating while on the move. We always ride single file and its very difficult to hear.
I have googled it and seen some at £100s
Is anyone aware of an inexpensive system?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

For chatting throughout or for occasional "where the chuff are you?" use?

 

[ANT 666]

Bean tins and string.

 

[Rob3rt]

Ride 2 a breast... it's free!

 

[Mr_Kipling]

When with the wife, we use hands free kits and I phone her before we set off. When we stop for a bite to eat I charge our phones with my laptop.

 

[Custom24]

This is something that motorcyclists do use. I think they call it "bike-to-bike" rather than simply "rider-to-pillion" systems, which are also available.

I am not a motorcyclist myself, so best of luck with your search. I remember that Lidl/Aldi had some in a while back.

I did find this.
http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/IntercomFAQ.htm

 

[slowmotion]

The guy who runs the cycletourer.co.uk website mentions them. Here's a link...
http://www.cycletourer.co.uk/cycletouring/radios.shtml

I have no experience of them personally.

 

[Drago]

Something such as the Binatone terrain 550 pmr walkie talked is wot u need. They come with ear pieces and can be programmed for VOX (voice operated transmit) so you're sorted.

 

[Dave7]

For chatting throughout or for occasional "where the chuff are you?" use?

Well.............as an when needed really e.g. to point out potholes, "where the chuff are you", "b^%$y hell that wind is strong" sort of thing

 

[Dave7]

Bean tins and string.

Tried that......doesn't work. Maybe I should have taken the beans out first

 

[themosquitoking]

Calling @Nomadski, he was trying a system out. Can't remember what it was though.

 

[Bollo]

It sounds like you're after a PMR radio (with a slight TMN to Drago). Maplins it your friend here, although other online suppliers are available.

I ride with someone who's partially deaf and we're considering getting a set to make general communication on the bikes a bit easier for our next tour. VOX seems to be the way to go as you don't need to press buttons to send, but I've no direct experience beyond the bit of research that I've done recently.

 

[Sittingduck]

I don't think they will help you when pointing out potholes. You have to be riding close enough to hear a raised voice to be in peril?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Well.............as an when needed really e.g. to point out potholes, "where the chuff are you", "b^%$y hell that wind is strong" sort of thing

In that case. Wot @Drago said innit.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

We have similar for the boat. Useful at locks, where you need your hands free but need to be able to communicate.

Yep. Used 'em, well similar, on narrowboats.

Useful when mtb'ing and you drop your riding buddy on the downhills. But not quite so useful if those downhills are on real mountains cos the terrain really affects performance.