Safety and comfort are top priority when using two-way radio on two wheels. With this in mind, accessory manufacturers are constantly developing products specifically designed to help cyclists and motorcyclists communicate. Where do you put your transceiver on your bike or motorbike? Do you hang it around your neck or wear it around your waist? Do you let go of the handlebars when you want to press the PTT button? We'll show you some tips for safe and comfortable use, so everyone gets home safe and sound!
Haven’t bought transceivers yet? Check these out!
Try not to rush out to buy a radio in the last hour before departure. Before choosing, check (or ask us) which type is best for the purpose you want to use it for. For example, do you plan to connect a headset, do you need hands-free (VOX) mode (useful with small children), vibration function, maybe a built-in flashlight (camping), water resistance (sailing, jet skiing). You can also use this table to compare the features of Motorola Talkabout walkie talkie models.
Then, of course, leave some time to set up and test the devices. If you're in a rush, make sure you shop where you can also get advice. Be sure to test the transceivers after you've bought them! Not only to find out about any problems before you set out (hopefully, you won't have any), but also to get to know the operation, buttons and functions of the device a little better. Batteries should be charged before use! In addition, charge the battery for at least 12 hours before first use. If you don't have time to charge the batteries, put a long-lasting battery in a suitable device and use it to start the transeivers.
Transceiver accessories for safety
Once you've got the transceivers, you might want to think about accessories too. These can increase safety during use, not to mention comfort. Holding the device in your hand on two wheels may be more accident-prone than using it in a car, as you need both hands on a motorbike or bicycle, but you need to be able to press the PTT button to communicate. In addition, the helmet would make it difficult to hold the device up to your ear, and your hearing is limited when wearing a helmet. Also, the attachment of the device is not the last consideration, so let's look at some accessories. Let's start with the ways of mounting.
Transceiver mounting on motorcycles and bicycles
Both for convenience and range, it is important where you keep your device on the move. You can fix the transmitter to your belt or bag with your own belt clip, or you can attach it to the handlebars with a mounting frame. If you want to get the maximum range from your transceiver while you're on the move, you may want to mount it with the antenna hanging over your side or shoulder to maximize the antenna's coverage.
If the design of the vehicle allows, there will be a secure place for the transceiver in a mounting frame. A steering rack is most useful if you mostly just want to listen to the communication of others, but you will be transmitting less often. For example, if you're hiking with children, a handlebar-mounted device is ideal for them, so they can follow instructions comfortably, even if they're several metres ahead on the trail, as a family of five can develop a long column.
But this solution can also be useful if you have several people cycling in a group, or if you are leading a bike tour; because 90% of the tour participants just follow the instructions and rarely talk into the transceiver.
If you prefer to keep the transmitter on your body/clothes instead of the handlebars, you can also use the belt clip, which allows you to put the transmitter on a belt or backpack strap. A more secure solution than a belt clip is a carrying case. The safest and most comfortable is a harness. This has the advantage that you can strap the device to your shoulder or chest at three points, or put it on your belt without straps. This way, you don't have to fiddle with the device and cables when getting off the bike/motorbike, as the device is attached to your body. You can even strap it over your shoulder so you don't block radio waves.
In addition to the above, a neck strap is also an option, but in this case it is not recommended. It is not comfortable and, above all, it is not safe! In the event of an accident, it could wrap around your neck and have serious consequences.
Communication without letting go of the handlebar
On two wheels, the use of a headset is an essential safety and comfort feature. If you don't have an earpiece and would like to use the headset for communication while cycling, for example, be sure to stop to talk; get out of traffic, so park on the side of the road and start using the radio safely. To avoid having to stop all the time, buy a comfortable headset or, in the case of a helmet, cushioned speakers. Also, remember that at higher speeds on a motorbike, the noise of the traffic can interfere with the speech coming into the microphone.
Over the last few years, we've been working to offer audio headsets for both open and closed helmets that is comfortable, reliable and of good quality. Thanks to the external PTT button on our helmet sets, you can conveniently start your radio communication without letting go of the handlebars. The open helmet set is suitable for both adults and children. Read more about this in our test: Radio ear sets for both work and leisure!
Some helmet sets can be fitted into a closed helmet, have comfortable flat speakers and a detachable harness. Attachment is provided by a strong self-adhesive on the back of the Velcro fasteners, so you don't need any other tools to install them. The wiring is long enough so no one should have any trouble wearing them comfortably under their clothes.
The microphone and speaker cables are fitted with a waterproof connector. If you need to take the helmet off, you can conveniently unplug them while wearing the gloves and plug them back in again when you pick up the helmet. You can either press the PTT button with two fingers, or press the finger-mounted button on the throttle to start transmitting immediately. It's important to note that these audio sets are specifically designed for closed helmets, and are less suitable for open helmets, as the microphone has no noise protection.
Anico ear sets for closed helmet use:
Full faced helmet earpiece for Motorola walkie talkies / Talkabout, TLKR, XT185
Full faced helmet earpiece M1 / R2, DP1400, XT420, FT-65E, FT-4XE, CLR
Unlike riding a motorbike, we predominantly use an open helmet on a bicycle. As we are travelling at much lower speeds than on a motorbike, the microphone of an external headset can be used comfortably. For open helmets we recommend the Anico ATH6600-M2 microphone headset with finger PTT button / Motorola Talkabout T62, T72, T82, T82 Extreme, T92 H2O, XT185
If you can eliminate the noise caused by the wind again, then a set of laryngeal microphones is your choice. This has the advantage of VOX (hands-free) use, because when there is no driving wind or noise, you can talk without pressing the PTT button (like on a mobile phone). The device only switches to on-air when you speak, otherwise it will wait in standby mode.
Anico ATH9274-M1 earhook ear set with laryngeal microphone: Anico ATH9274-M1 throat microphone
Put together the right kit for a comfortable bike or motorbike ride, then head out for a ride around Lake Balaton or a longer motorbike tour, but safely! With our recommended accessories you can comfortably communicate with your companions, depending on the terrain up to 1 km without any danger.
