System comparison: Three intercom systems from Aleck, Cardo and Sena put to the test

So-called intercoms were previously known primarily to motorcyclists. Nowadays, both renowned manufacturers and ambitious start-ups offer special communication systems for mountain bikers. We asked Aleck, Cardo and Sena, the three latest electronic assistants, to compare their systems. The systems are "new" in the truest sense of the word: while the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor is already available to buy, BIKE was the first in the world to test the devices from Aleck and Sena. The Aleck Punks began their market launch as a Kickstarter campaign and will go on sale in August 2023. The Sena Talkie will be available from spring 2024. Our test devices are prototypes, fresh from the Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt.

>> We clarify in another article: How useful are intercom solutions for mountain biking? <<

Riding together without riding together - this is how it works

The developers at Aleck, Cardo and Sena have come up with an electronic solution to keep mountain bikers connected with each other - even if they are physically separated. All three intercom systems can be paired with a mobile phone via Bluetooth. You won't get very far setting up the devices without a smartphone, as each requires its own app with a separate user account. This can then be used to make basic settings and create communication groups. If enabled, group members can also view the location of other users on a map. As with all modern, wireless electronic devices, the communication systems must first be connected to the cable. The integrated batteries charge via USB-C interfaces and provide between six (Sena) and 19 hours (Aleck) of battery life.

The manufacturers use different technologies for communication between the devices. Aleck is the only one to use the mobile phone network. Once paired with a mobile phone, the punks can be used to communicate with any number of people and have an unlimited range. However, the connection can sometimes be interrupted in remote valleys and dense forests. As soon as network reception is restored, the punks automatically reconnect with the call partners. To avoid the mobile phone problem, Cardo and Sena use a so-called mesh system, which interconnects the radio signals of individual devices in a common network. These mesh networks also have the ability to "repair" themselves. Several devices on the same frequency are automatically able to communicate. The more users are interconnected in a network, the better the transmission quality and range.

Hearing without headphones thanks to communication system

Each manufacturer has a different solution for how the spoken word reaches the ear. Cardo relies on conventional headphones with a cable and microphone. The intercom specialists even include two different sets in the Packtalk outdoor bundle: one set of classic in-ear headphones and one set of microphone and headphones for helmet integration. These can be installed in a full-face helmet using Velcro and adhesive pads. While this option is ideal for ski helmets, for example, there was not enough space around the ears in our test with full-face enduro helmets. The device itself can either be glued to the helmet using various brackets or attached to the straps of a helmet, trousers or rucksack using a clamp. Either way, the problem of cable routing remains.

The talkie from Sena can be worn either on the wristband supplied or on a cord around the neck using a strong magnetic holder. Although the loudspeaker and microphone are on the body, they are a little way away from the mouth and ears. Aleck solves the problem with near-ear technology. The intercom devices can be attached to both sides of the helmet straps and sit directly behind the ears. Unlike the Shokz Open Run Pro bone-sound headphones that we also tested with Aleck, the sound reaches the ear canal by conventional sound transmission. However, due to the proximity to the ear, only a relatively low volume is required. The auricles remain free and can also pick up ambient noise in parallel to the sound from the headphones. This is also the biggest difference between the Aleck Punks and "normal" Bluetooth headphones with hands-free function.

Three communication systems in the test

Aleck Punks

• Price: 149,90 Euro
• Weight: 16 grammes
• Battery life: 19 hours
• Transmission via: Mobile network
• Maximum number of users in a network: Unlimited
• Maximum range between two devices: Unlimited
• Maximum total range: Unlimited
• Audio playback: near-ear technology

At first glance, the Aleck Punks appear as minimalist as possible. Compared to the two other intercom systems, they are significantly smaller and lighter. As they are two separate devices, both need to be charged first. The clear Aleck app guides you through the setup process. The fact that this doesn't turn out to be very easy after all is due to the fact that the Punks have one button per side, which is assigned different functions. Which one is currently being operated depends on which side is pressed and how often. Although Aleck provides a list of the functions, it takes some getting used to at first. Especially when the devices are not attached to the helmet, as there is no labelling with "left" or "right". The usability of the otherwise convincing Punks is also the biggest shortcoming while riding. To avoid getting confused, bikers have to practically memorise the button combinations.

You can switch between two modes via the app. In the "Push-To-Talk" setting, two users can talk to each other in walkie-talkie style at the touch of a button. In "Party" mode, the conversation is maintained permanently. All kinds of friends can then join in via the app and talk to each other regardless of the distance. The call quality over the mobile network was consistently good in our test. However, the problem of dead spots remains. The near-ear communication of the Punks is fascinating. Despite free ears, the sound quality is convincing. However, outsiders can also hear quietly. Music and conversations can still be heard discreetly a few metres away from the wearer in a quiet environment. Unfortunately, the Punks cannot be used as an intercom for sports without a helmet.

Cardo Packtalk Outdoor

• Price: 249,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 50 grams (without headphones)
• Battery life: ten hours
• Transmission via: Mesh network
• Maximum number of users in a network: 15
• Maximum range between two devices: one kilometre
• Maximum total range: five kilometres
• Audio playback: headphones with cable

At 249.95 euros, the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor is significantly more expensive than the other devices tested. For two users, this means a whopping 500 euros. However, as soon as you unpack the Packtalk Outdoor, it becomes clear that there is a lot inside. The nested packaging contains various mounting brackets, adhesive pads, cables, an adapter and two high-quality headphones from JBL - good for anyone who wants to use the system as a multisport device. However, with many parts comes complexity. It takes a bit of experimentation to find the right setup in terms of device positioning and cable routing. The Cardo Intercom also offers more than the competition in terms of usability. The system is easy to operate using several buttons with pictograms, an LED display and a rotary dial. Voice announcements in a customisable language provide information about the connection to the smartphone or the battery status, for example. Together with the clearly laid out app, the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor has no weaknesses when it comes to handling and is also easy to use on the move.

Communication between two users worked smoothly in our test. However, Cardo's mesh network has the shortest range in this comparison. When re-entering the communication radius, the system reconnects quickly and automatically. The use of in-ear headphones means that the Cardo doesn't look quite as futuristic as the competition from Aleck. However, the headphones offer undisputedly the best sound quality and the highest maximum volume. As is often the case in Germany, the legal situation regarding in-ear headphones on the bike is unfortunately quite opaque. Hearing must not be impaired in road traffic. A brief verbal exchange via a communication system should be unproblematic even with closed ear canals. Listening to music via in-ear headphones could be a different matter. In any case, penalisation remains a matter of interpretation by the inspecting officer or, in cases of hardship, by the court. In terms of dust and water resistance, the JBL headphones offer a lower protection class than the Cardo device itself.

Sena Talkie

• Price: approx. 100 euros (prototype, available from spring 2024)
• Weight: 80 grammes
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Transmission via: Mesh network
• Maximum number of users in a network: Unlimited
• Maximum range between two devices: 400 metres
• Maximum total range: two kilometres
• Audio playback: Loudspeaker

With the Pi model, Sena has a similar near-ear solution in its portfolio to Aleck. However, this intercom system also relies on a helmet as a mounting point. The talkie tested here is the latest innovation from the communication experts and takes a different approach. It can easily be taken anywhere and used for many different sports. The device feels compact and robust in the hand. It is noticeably heavier than the competition. On the other hand, operation on one device and with three buttons is much more intuitive. The uncomplicated usability is fun right from the start and is perhaps the talkie's greatest strength as an intercom solution compared to Aleck and Cardo. The device connects to the Sena Cycling app via Bluetooth. With this app, you realise that Sena has had intercoms for motorcyclists in its range for many years. It makes a more mature impression than the Aleck application and has more functions than Cardo. From here, users also have access to instructions and FM radio.

In audio terms, the Sena Talkie is a kind of portable, intelligent loudspeaker. The obvious disadvantage is that anyone can listen in. Depending on your sensitivity to the undisturbed peace and quiet of nature, the system could therefore be ruled out for listening to music. Sensitive information is rarely exchanged when cycling, but in the lift queue at the bike park, for example, you need a certain amount of self-confidence to withstand the questioning or annoyed looks of other bikers. Pairing two devices in intercom mode is simple. As with Cardo, voice prompts guide you through the process. Although the device, and therefore the microphone, sits further away from the head, conversations are transmitted clearly and distinctly. The built-in noise cancellation works well. Nine different channels can be used. The number of users is therefore virtually unlimited. However, the maximum range between two devices is clearly limited. With a 400 metre radius, the Sena system is only recommended for use in less extensive areas.

Conclusion

The latest communication systems are certainly interesting. As the expensive devices offer limited added value compared to other headset systems, bikers should carefully consider whether the narrow field of application of these intercoms appeals to them. All three systems work well for visits to the bike park and as a solution for loose family groups. Cardo and Sena are limited in their range. The use of in-ear headphones (Cardo) and the ability for third parties to listen in (Sena) can be exclusion criteria. Despite shortcomings in handling and dependence on the mobile phone network, the most convincing system comes from Aleck. Without range problems and with open ears, it is easy to communicate on the bike.