I usually go riding with 3 friends. Does anybody have and suggestions as to what would be the best radio mic system for 4 riders. We are all pensioners so the budget is pretty limited. TIA.

I usually go riding with 3 friends. Does anybody have and suggestions as to what would be the best radio mic system for 4 riders. We are all pensioners so the budget is pretty limited. TIA.

Some mobile phones can talk to other local mobile phones, without using the normal methods, just directly I have read, but how many, I haven't a clue.

Or all buy cheap digital WalkiTalkies, ones with a phone socket possibly.....

Look on this page for starters:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=walki+talki+long+range&_sacat=0

regards

Andy

If all your phones have a data connection and Whatapp:

 

https://faq.whatsapp.com/android/voice-and-video-calls/how-to-make-a-group-voice-call/?lang=en

 

You could talk continuously for the duration of your ride together - depends on data network coverage...

Edited December 8, 20214 yr by guerney

I would not consider doing this because if you are going to stick ear buds in, then that would reduce your awareness of traffic sounds, which increases your vulnerability. Im a pensioner and I ride with a similar group. Those who like to constantly chat seem to me to be less aware of their situation than the silent riders.

I would not consider doing this because if you are going to stick ear buds in, then that would reduce your awareness of traffic sounds, which increases your vulnerability. Im a pensioner and I ride with a similar group. Those who like to constantly chat seem to me to be less aware of their situation than the silent riders.

 

If you connect your phones to powerbanks and mount them onto the handlebars with holders, you could use speakerphone throughout the ride, keeping chat to a minimum? Some holders have space available for slim power banks - I use one for navigation and can still hear traffic while hearing spoken directions, the power bank lasts for many hours. Alternatively pair bluetooth speakers with microphone function, some of them are quite small and can also mount onto the handlebars (or have clips/nylon loops). Whether Whatsapp works seamlessly with whatever bluetooth speakers you try, would have to be tested. Bluetooth can be a little hit and miss, less so with newer phones with more recent versions of bluetooth.

Edited December 9, 20214 yr by guerney

It's not a low cost option but the Sena R1 EVO Smart Helmets that my wife & I have are the best cycling accessories we have ever purchased. The intercom works beautifully even 100m apart & the clever noise-cancelling microphones ensure there is no wind noise. There is no need to push buttons or do anything other than just chat naturally at normal volume. The group intercom works with up to four headsets.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07FM22N9W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

the clever noise-cancelling microphones ensure there is no wind noise

Doesn't the noise cancellation also seriously limit your road awareness, or is it clever enough that traffic sounds come through?

Doesn't the noise cancellation also seriously limit your road awareness, or is it clever enough that traffic sounds come through?

There aren't headphones. There are speakers built into the helmets so there is no restriction on traffic sounds. It's the microphones that don't pick up wind noise. You really have to use them to appreciate how good they are.

I don't know about the product nigelbb has mentioned, but directions spoken by my phone (speakerphone) don't distract me - voice frequency range is quite different to that produced by vehicles, beyond the frequencies that small speakers produce. Vehicles rumble low mid to very low (plus higher), humans largely mid to high, humans through speakers high mid to high; quite distinct and easy to differentiate the two. It's also easy to distinguish music played through small speakers from traffic, if it's at low volume and played through small tinny speakers - makes miles fly by.

Edited December 10, 20214 yr by guerney

I would not consider doing this because if you are going to stick ear buds in, then that would reduce your awareness of traffic sounds, which increases your vulnerability. Im a pensioner and I ride with a similar group. Those who like to constantly chat seem to me to be less aware of their situation than the silent riders.

That is also very true for drivers of cars IMHO! But they have more protection.....

The proper answer to that problem is to say/shout "SHUT UP AND DRIVE!"

regards

Andy

We use these walkie talkies complete with extension microphone / speaker

 

Retevis RB637 Wireless Bluetooth Walkie Talkie, Portable PMR446 Radio, Bluetooth Headphone, Wireless Copy, 2000mAh USB Rechargeable Long Distance Walky Talky for Hunting, Skiing(Black, 2Pcs)

by RetevisDirect

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R1CTQ5K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0BPYJB0TV7CRVS2Q6PGD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

Retevis RS111 Walkie Talkies Speaker Microphone 2 Pin Compatible with eSynic UV-5R Baofeng UV-5R BF-888S BF-88E RT24 RT27 Two Way Radio (2 pcs)

by RetevisDirect

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077JXQ3BS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0E2K7MNQ0NGH6RJPT64R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

It came with Bluetooth earpieces, but much easier to use the extension microphone / speaker.

 

These might work .

Nedis Portable Megaphone 15w Pistol Grip Loud Speaker Siren Handheld Mic Hailer 5412810283965 | eBay

These might work .

Nedis Portable Megaphone 15w Pistol Grip Loud Speaker Siren Handheld Mic Hailer 5412810283965 | eBay

 

I can see that working if they're all riding old racers, hunched forward with those megaphones mounted centrally onto the handlebars. You'd hear them before you saw them.