Bicycle Helmet Speakers (O-tus and Cardo BK-1)
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Bicycle Helmet Speakers (O-tus and Cardo BK-1)
Has anyone used either the O-tus Safe Sounds Helmet Speakers (https://www.o-tus.com/helmet-speakers...ontinental-us/) or the CARDO SYSTEMS BK-1 (https://nastore.cardosystems.com/cardo-bk-1-p174.aspx)? They make me a bit nervous but I'm wondering if anyone has any actual experience with them.
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They seem to be a good idea. I have a decade-old stereo radio that attaches to the helmet, with speakers ending by the ears. When I was trying it, the sound delivery worked fine. I turned to another radio for everyday riding, but not because of the sound delivery, but rather flawed tuning in that helmet radio.
Personally I was wondering why there was no such sound option on the market and am glad to find out that there is. The only deficiency for me in practice would be in the lack of sound without the helmet - I sometimes do short errands without a helmet.
Personally I was wondering why there was no such sound option on the market and am glad to find out that there is. The only deficiency for me in practice would be in the lack of sound without the helmet - I sometimes do short errands without a helmet.
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There are a couple of bluetooth and intercom threads on the tandem forum, check them out
R
R
#4
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I'm been very happy with my headphones. They don't seal out ambient noise, and it's extremely easy to attach it to only one ear and leave the other ear naked. Another nice feature is that it's easy to put it on and take it off with just one hand. It clamps to my neck when I'm not using it. I wear it all day long, and I barely feel it.
They work with my phone for phone calls and for music or any other audio.
One downside is that they catch a lot of wind when riding, so they increase wind noise. It's a problem when I exceed 15 or 20 mph.
They work with my phone for phone calls and for music or any other audio.
One downside is that they catch a lot of wind when riding, so they increase wind noise. It's a problem when I exceed 15 or 20 mph.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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#5
Idealistic Troublemaker
I just bought some O-tus safe sounds - we'll see how it goes. I'm just this hour off to the Dr's office becasue my earbuds have left me with no hearing on one side due to clogged earwax :/
Tom, how do those headphones of yours deal with helmet straps?
Tom, how do those headphones of yours deal with helmet straps?
#6
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Very well. I guess I should take a picture of me wearing them. I can put the headphones on over the straps or under. I have to remove both things from my head in reverse order than I put them on, so it's much better to put the headphones on second so I can take them off quickly and easily. I'm often putting one ear on or taking it off.
You can't beat them for $28. I've bought many pairs for friends and family now.
You can't beat them for $28. I've bought many pairs for friends and family now.
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On our tandem we use a slightly modified version of the F5 Interphone. I've seen the Cardo system installed in a helmset and if I understand the functionality correctly the true voice actuation is a very nice feature if you need an intercom mode, the advantage being that your use as an MP3 player can be interrupted by incoming voice on the intercom channel - nice feature on a tandem.
#8
Idealistic Troublemaker
Trying the Arctic's now... not bad for being 100% wireless! Heavier than using a Jabra Street2 "dog tag" with wired small headphones, but they do very well so far. An amazing value, to be sure.
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Curious on your thoughts on the Otus speakers, now that you have had some time with them.
Last edited by utarch00; 01-22-13 at 01:34 PM.
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Bumping this up. Can someone send bjorke a PM asking him to reply to this thread, Since I don't have 50 posts yet.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
#11
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Will do. It's a silly limitation, if you ask me.
Bjorke, if you're reading, I'm glad you're happy with my recommendation. I use these headphones A LOT though not usually on the bike. I use them for listening to music and for talking on the phone. I have them with me wherever I go, all day, every day. They are a bit bulky, but the weight doesn't bother me at all. They are also extremely efficient with the battery. I rarely discharge it. I give it a partial or full charge once or twice a week, and I've only got a low-battery warning about three times in the year I've had it.
I've paired the headphones to my cell phones and to my computers. I switch the connection around often. Best toy I've had in a long time.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#13
Idealistic Troublemaker
the truth is, i have not used the o-tus speakers at all. I have them in my "cycling electronics" box but I am happy with using the Jabra & the sony sports phones. The o-tus has some issues for me: mostly that it's connected to the helmet. So the jabra portion (or mp3 player) would be on the back of the helmet -- where I have a light, and where it's awkward to use.
If I don't mount it that way, but instead use a longer cord, then it might be okay but that seems awkward too. The phones are working & they keep my ears warm
I might try the o-tus phones later in the season, when I can do more non-commute-hour riding.
If I don't mount it that way, but instead use a longer cord, then it might be okay but that seems awkward too. The phones are working & they keep my ears warm
I might try the o-tus phones later in the season, when I can do more non-commute-hour riding.
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Thanks. I like the way they are attached to the helmet and I plan on using a small iPod Shuffle clipped to the back of my helmet. Having something in a pocket somewhere with long cords that can get tangled in the helmet straps gets annoying in a hurry. This is the same reason I use a small contained light and battery setup all mounted on my helmet, so when I take it off everything goes with it.
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That's smart. I found that having little cords ensured that I'd have a tangle or two, which can make it hard to get off the bike or take my helmet off or some article of clothing. Not good.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.