From a purely sport-scientific perspective, mountain biking is an individual sport. In reality, bikers communicate constantly. Photos of the trail and new best times on the climb are shared with the community every second. Direct communication on a ride together is also fun: in a group, bikers can cheer each other on, share joy, make silly comments or reflect on the big and small things in life. Cycling together even has a socio-educational relevance. But what if one rider wants to go somewhere else than the other? What if one person turns into the blue trail while the other takes the red line? Then the flow of speech can only be maintained with one of the new electronic communication systems.
How useful are communication systems for mountain biking?
Under optimum conditions, a human scream can be heard up to ten kilometres away. Without aids, conversations can be heard up to 50 metres away. Whether you need to communicate continuously on a mountain bike is an almost philosophical question. Some people enjoy the tranquillity of nature and the chance to reflect on themselves, while others prefer to share all their experiences immediately. Constant accessibility has advantages and disadvantages. One thing is certain: Biking together is also possible without electronics. Intercom devices have been used on motorbikes for years to communicate with each other despite engine noise and helmets. Racing bike teams also use the systems to communicate with each other while riding. With the help of the technology, speech remains audible despite high speeds without the riders having to turn their heads.
For biking, the manufacturers mention two further areas of application: communication between parents and children and between coaches and athletes. So if the offspring are pushing forward exuberantly on the family tour, but mum or dad still want to get directional instructions or motivating words, the devices could also be useful for mountain biking. The communication systems could also be used to enhance the support provided by a trainer, for example if the trainer monitors data such as heart rate or cadence from a distance.
Intercoms: Limited reach but high added value
With intercom solutions that use a so-called mesh network for voice transmission, the biggest drawback in terms of application range is the range. In everyday reality, more than two devices are rarely interconnected in a mesh network. In order for the communication systems to make sense, both parties would always have to be within a defined distance of each other. This is a maximum of one kilometre as the crow flies for the devices we tested. It is therefore not possible to drive separate routes and chat to each other. The only exception: one of you can ride relaxed on the cycle path down in the valley, while the other takes on the trails parallel to you on the slope.
On the descent, the gadgets offer added value when eye contact with the rider in front is lost. Warnings and route information can then be exchanged, while cheers remain audible. The systems are therefore attractive for anyone who wants to avoid riding slowly or stopping, or for bikers who simply want to communicate in every situation. Absolutely sensible: In the event of a defect or a fall, fellow riders can be informed quickly.
Never be speechless on the trail again thanks to Intercom
In our opinion, the communication systems could best be used when visiting a bike park. For example, if a group wants to split up into two groups with different riding abilities, route information and the next coffee break can be easily communicated. In the bike park, users stay within a defined radius and, thanks to the devices, can also talk to each other when one is on the lift and one is rocking the trails. But why go to the bike park together at all? As long as there is a mobile phone network, devices with mobile phone use do not have these range problems. In theory, you could even use them to communicate with your mate or partner who stayed at home during the ride.
In addition to the general question of usefulness, intercom solutions for mountain biking also raise the question of legality. Devices with earbuds or in-ear headphones are not generally prohibited in road traffic, but must not influence the perception of the surroundings. Devices with near-ear technology, such as the Aleck Punks or the Sena Pi, would be unproblematic with normal loudness. However, these have to compete with equally well-functioning bone-sound headphones that are not tied to the helmet mount. If you don't care about having your ears free, you should also consider whether conventional headphones with hands-free telephony function already cover all your needs.
Conclusion
"Whether a biker wants to spend a few hundred euros for a communication range of a few hundred metres is something everyone should decide for themselves. The area of application is narrow and the gadgets are expensive. The systems make the most sense when several devices are used in a group. Anyone who is confronted with communication problems when cycling can find a specialised solution with intercoms. All the systems we tested work well in their niche. However, bikers should ask themselves a few basic questions before making a purchase. What am I prepared to pay for independence from the mobile phone network? How important are free ears or privacy? The purchase could be most worthwhile for multi-sport enthusiasts, as the communication systems can also be used when skiing, climbing or on a kayak tour." - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
