Smart Helmets

[Cathryn]

So whilst procrastinating from lesson planning by surfing Cycleblaze, I found out about Sena Smart helmets - helmets with inbuilt mics/speakers so you can chat in a normal voice whilst cycling. This feels ideal for a family tour! Anyone tested these things?

https://www.sena.com/cycling/smart-helmet

 

[Blue Hills]

No

I can see their uses for families.

Otherwise a no.

A few times on a group ride I have taken advantage of variable gradients, apparent or bluffed variants in fitness/gearing/holy winds etc to drift away from an annoying person.

Enjoy the fresh air/smells/natural noises/views.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

So whilst procrastinating from lesson planning by surfing Cycleblaze, I found out about Sena Smart helmets - helmets with inbuilt mics/speakers so you can chat in a normal voice whilst cycling. This feels ideal for a family tour! Anyone tested these things?

https://www.sena.com/cycling/smart-helmet

I've never used such a thing and if I did mine would need a swear filter for any climbs

I can see it being useful for families and groups, especially those of a nervous disposition. Simple communication like "I have a puncture" to "dogs up ahead".

Thinking of using it with kids, though, makes me wonder if a little of their independence might be lost? I'd imagine that a bike tour with youngsters would be a great opportunity for them to stretch their wings in a variety of ways.
The flip side is that your ears may be filled with a repetitive "are we there yet?"

I've limited internet and didn't look at the link but my first practical thought with these things is range. A leader could easily be unaware of chaos back the road if the range is poor or interfered with by trees, hills etc.

Technology can be great in many areas but a dependence on tech can be detrimental.

 

[classic33]

Which would do the job best,
The smart helmets linked, or
a set of walkie talkies that could also be used off the bikes?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If it’s hands free I’m not sure what you are meant to touch the button with.

“Sena’s Mesh Intercom™ allows riders to communicate hands-free with other Mesh users (R1 EVO, M1 EVO) within a half-mile (900 meters) with the touch of a button.”

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I think it’s a bit like using a phone when driving.

It may distract them from concentrating on hazards ahead of them. If it’s safe enough to chat you can do that with normal voices. If it’s not safe enough then the radio may distract.

I have used walk-in talkies on mtn bikes. One guy was really annoying. So we all changed channels without telling him. Peace at last!

 

[classic33]

If it’s hands free I’m not sure what you are meant to touch the button with.

“Sena’s Mesh Intercom™ allows riders to communicate hands-free with other Mesh users (R1 EVO, M1 EVO) within a half-mile (900 meters) with the touch of a button.”

Swapping channels, otherwise it's voice control.

They also allow the group to spread out slightly further than shouting distance.

 

[Sharky]

Anybody seen a price mentioned in the blurb?

 

[classic33]

Anybody seen a price mentioned in the blurb?

Not in the blurb but elsewhere. They retail at £80 and above.

Which is why I suggested the walkie talkies.

 

[slowmotion]

One of my reasons for riding a bike is to escape from technology. Yes, I carry a mobile phone in my saddlebag in case I have some crisis, but apart from that, I have nothing, not even a simple CatEye on the bars.
Instant communication is over-rated unless you are an addict, and then you are beyond help.

 

[Sharky]

I've paid close to £80,for a helmet for myself, but for it to work, you would have to finance the whole family. Say family of 4. This would mean £320, compared to 4 basic helmets from aldi, say £20 each. Total £80.

And if you are a club rider, I can't imagine persuading all my club mates to fork out.

So although, could be a good idea, I don't think there would be sufficient take up to make them usable.

 

[Cathryn]

I guess it depends on your goals for riding. I still think that if you’re riding with a family and you like them, these are a great idea and £80 for a helmet isn’t unreasonable. I’ve been looking for a helmet for a while and can’t find any I like under £100 really. But if you want some peace and quiet.,,probably avoid 😆

 

[Time Waster]

What is behind the "mesh" technology they keep mentioning like we would know what it is or like it's a magical technology only belonging to them? Is it Bluetooth to your phone? Push to talk tech phones used to have? Is it walkie talkie tech?

I only ask because if it works through your phone then you will need a phone for all users obviously. Which may add cost and inconvenience. A phone bought if this is needed gets used for other things your kids might be too young for. Plus they have to carry them safely.

Also if it is a phone connection then you can get less obtrusive bone connection headphones that might offer better solution. Iirc you can get them with communication function plus they're BT to your phone for calls or music that doesn't interfere with you listening to what's around you. Plus I think crash detection is an option with some similar smart tech for cyclists.

Perhaps there's a better, headphones based option that's cheaper so you can use your normal helmet or no helmet as per your choice.

 

[Time Waster]

Nearly forgot. Helmets I find don't all fit comfortably. It might be you're a specialised brand if helmet normally for comfort and these fit more like giro helmets. You might not get a comfortable fit or the rest of your family might not. Half with, half without isn't a good idea I reckon.

They're a good idea if first they fit, second you wear helmets, thirdly they have good safety design (some helmet standards and tech I think are better than others), fourthly you can stand for your cost for full family. Fifthly you want to hear incessant chatter from your family and sixth you all like them.

I'm not a fan because touring as a family has worked very well without them so far. Communication hasn't been an issue. Solution looking for a problem that's not as big as you think, not £80 per family member big?

 

[markemark]

What is behind the "mesh" technology they keep mentioning like we would know what it is or like it's a magical technology only belonging to them? Is it Bluetooth to your phone? Push to talk tech phones used to have? Is it walkie talkie tech?

I only ask because if it works through your phone then you will need a phone for all users obviously. Which may add cost and inconvenience. A phone bought if this is needed gets used for other things your kids might be too young for. Plus they have to carry them safely.

Also if it is a phone connection then you can get less obtrusive bone connection headphones that might offer better solution. Iirc you can get them with communication function plus they're BT to your phone for calls or music that doesn't interfere with you listening to what's around you. Plus I think crash detection is an option with some similar smart tech for cyclists.

Perhaps there's a better, headphones based option that's cheaper so you can use your normal helmet or no helmet as per your choice.

https://community.sena.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021571831-What-is-Mesh-Intercom-

Bluetooth. You can talk to the others if you are in Bluetooth range. You can talk to people far way if there are are people in between who are in range as it leapfrogs between them. I think they Bluetooth between themselves so no need for a phone.