Bicycle Communications

I have tried them and found out that they don't have enough range. I also tried the GMRS 1 watt
double the power of FRS still not enough range, plus you have to buy a $75.00 dollar license from
the FCC. I have reverted back to Cell phones, they work much better.

"Michael Blomquist" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides? Are they routinely used by
Bike Patrol during races? I've got two Radio Shack/Motorola brand with nice features and was
wondering what the

concensus

Quoted message said:

was about their use. I have the wired remote earphone/mic accessory which makes them much easier
to operate when riding.

Michael Blomquist '99 VR40 LWB/USS Tucson Arizona

I use them. The two mile range has been tested to pretty good results too.

Derek

In article said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides? Are they routinely used by
Bike Patrol during races? I've got two Radio Shack/Motorola brand with nice features and was
wondering what the concensus was about their use. I have the wired remote earphone/mic accessory
which makes them much easier to operate when riding.

I have a pair of 47MHz radios (pre-FRS) that I've used. The one thing about cycling is that your
ear is pretty much in the airflow. I couldn't get the VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) to work
right. Either I got the squelch down so low that you had to yell just to get it to work (and it
would cut out as your tone dropped), or you kept hearing wind on the downhills. I didn't want to
have to use PTT.

I solved the problem by getting a tandem. Now we're never out of earshot ;-)

Chris Champion 1996 Vision R40 USS SWB 2001 Double Vision R85 USS

"Michael Blomquist" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides? Are they routinely used by
Bike Patrol during races? I've got two Radio Shack/Motorola brand with nice features and was
wondering what the concensus was about their use. I have the wired remote earphone/mic accessory
which makes them much easier to operate when riding.

Michael Blomquist '99 VR40 LWB/USS Tucson Arizona

My guess is the the FRS radios with the 2mi range are being replaced by the slightly more powerful
new 5 milers. The longer range ones are priced at what the now bargain priced 2 milers were when
first introduced. My thought is that I would prefer the added range.

Jude....///Bacchetta AERO St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.. Maryland Wheel Doctor Cycle and Sports,
Inc 1-800-586-6645 "Derek Swift" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I use them. The two mile range has been tested to pretty good results too.

Derek

In article said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides?

Are

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

they routinely used by Bike Patrol during races? I've got two Radio Shack/Motorola brand with
nice features and was wondering what the

concensus

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

was about their use. I have the wired remote earphone/mic accessory

which

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

makes them much easier to operate when riding.

"Jude T. McGloin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My guess is the the FRS radios with the 2mi range are being replaced by the slightly more
powerful new 5 milers. The longer range ones are

priced

Quoted message said:

at what the now bargain priced 2 milers were when first introduced. My thought is that I would
prefer the added range.

Most of the "5-mile range" is no more than marketing hype - save your money. These cheap GMRS
radios generally don't have enough additional power to get anywhere near 5 miles - even the pricey
Motorola T7200. Most of them have the same output power as their sibling FRS radios, just the
additional channels. Also, the ones that do put out a little more power suffer from horrible
battery life (go figure!).

If you're interested in learning more, go wander through the GMRS Forum on Popular Wireless Mag's
site: popularwireless.comforumdisplay.cgiOpen ↗
General+Mobile+Radio+Service+Forum&number=1

You can get "real" 2-4Watt radios that'll work great - just not at Wal*Mart/Best Buy/etc...

And by all means, if you do decide that GMRS is for you, make sure you stay legal and get the FCC
license ($75/5years covers your entire family (except cousins...)) Please don't contribute to
ruining a good thing.

That reminds me, MURS is another option that, like FRS, doesn't require an FCC license. You can find
more about it at that same site: popularwireless.comUltimate.cgiOpen ↗

-RenHoek

The range/power of the FRS is limited by FCC regulation/law. Your guess is incorrect.

"Jude T. McGloin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My guess is the the FRS radios with the 2mi range are being replaced by the slightly more
powerful new 5 milers. The longer range ones are

priced

Quoted message said:

at what the now bargain priced 2 milers were when first introduced. My thought is that I would
prefer the added range.

Jude....///Bacchetta AERO St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.. Maryland Wheel Doctor Cycle and
Sports, Inc 1-800-586-6645

Michael Blomquist I've used them lots, check out my website www.recumbentstuff.com I've written a
short article about their use, just click on "Some recumbent biking tips from Denny" The short is
"Ridie Talkies" The range is somewhat limited, but with headsets or lapel mike's and earpieces they
make keen intercoms for group rides. None of that trying to ride side by side on narrow roads or
over the shoulder hollerin. The over water the range is the two miles easily. UHF radios like the
FRS radio's have 'line of sight" range,.that is if you can "see" the other radio you can probably
talk to it.

"Derek Swift" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I use them. The two mile range has been tested to pretty good results too.

Derek

In article said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides?

Family Radio Service (FRS) Used by family, friends, and associates to communicate within a
neighborhood and while on group outings and generally has a communication range of less
than one mile.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Available to an individual for two-way voice communication
service to facilitate the activities of the individual's intermediate family members Limited to 5
watts max output and requires a license (easy to get, good for 5 years). Most available units are
currently limited 2 watts.

There are now available combo FRS/GMRS. Generally most FRS units are of the 500mw or 1/2 watt
variety some boast a whopping 1 watt. Considering that the FRS/GMRS frequency is
462.5/467.7MHZ....your in the "line of sight" spectrum and terrain will have an impact. I currently
use the older 500 mw 47mhz units and have been able to converse with the ride leader while I sweep
the rear. The best performance I have had was about 2 miles on flat terrain with fresh 9 volts. The
original use for these was to keep in contact with my wife while I was down on the boat. Helpful
also in a Wal/Mart. If you ever have a group of Scouts or Mentorees on an outing I believe a set or
two of the FRS/GMRS radios would be invaluable in keeping track of your group.

Jude....///Bacchetta AERO St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.. Maryland Wheel Doctor Cycle and Sports,
Inc 1-800-586-6645 "Ren Hoek" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Jude T. McGloin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My guess is the the FRS radios with the 2mi range are being

replaced

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

by the slightly more powerful new 5 milers. The longer range ones are

priced

Quoted message said:

at what the now bargain priced 2 milers were when first introduced. My thought is that I would
prefer the added range.

Most of the "5-mile range" is no more than marketing hype - save your

money.

Quoted message said:

These cheap GMRS radios generally don't have enough additional power to

get

Quoted message said:

anywhere near 5 miles - even the pricey Motorola T7200. Most of them have the same output power as
their sibling FRS radios, just the additional channels. Also, the ones that do put out a little
more power suffer from horrible battery life (go figure!).

If you're interested in learning more, go wander through the GMRS Forum on Popular Wireless
Mag's site:

popularwireless.comforumdisplay.cgiOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

General+Mobile+Radio+Service+Forum&number=1

You can get "real" 2-4Watt radios that'll work great - just not at Wal*Mart/Best Buy/etc...

And by all means, if you do decide that GMRS is for you, make sure you

stay

Quoted message said:

legal and get the FCC license ($75/5years covers your entire family

(except

Quoted message said:

cousins...)) Please don't contribute to ruining a good thing.

That reminds me, MURS is another option that, like FRS, doesn't require an FCC license. You can
find more about it at that same site: popularwireless.comUltimate.cgiOpen ↗

-RenHoek

Hi Denny, Very nice page and good hints. Thanks. Your point about not having to ride side-by-side
or to shout to talk is an excellent reason for using the radios. Most beneficially, I could just
turn if off when Wheel Doc Hey Jude starts to "sing". ~~~ Al Kubeluis ~ Bacchetta Corsa ~
Maryland ~ USA ~~~

"Denny Voorhees" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I've used them lots, check out my website www.recumbentstuff.com I've written a short article
about their use, just click on "Some

recumbent

Quoted message said:

biking tips from Denny" The short is "Ridie Talkies" The range is somewhat limited, but with
headsets or lapel mike's and earpieces they make keen intercoms for group rides. None of that
trying to ride side by side on narrow roads or over the shoulder hollerin. The over water the
range is the two miles easily. UHF radios like the FRS radio's have 'line of sight" range,.that is
if you can "see" the other

radio

Quoted message said:

you can probably talk to it.

I've used a MURS radio (R.S.BTX-127) 151 Mhz with 2 watts output. It gave us +/- 1 mile range. Up to
10 mile range when used with an external antenna. Jack 99 Vision SWB USS 96 Linear LWB USS

Mike said:

I have tried them and found out that they don't have enough range. I also tried the GMRS 1 watt
double the power of FRS still not enough range, plus you have to buy a $75.00 dollar license from
the FCC. I have reverted back to Cell phones, they work much better.

Nice webpage and good advice. I hope to get some of our RIDERS group interested communications. It
would be especially handy on long group rides where we get pretty stretched out. I like the
recumbent T-shirt too. Gonna have to get me one of those.

Michael Blomquist '99 VR40 LWB/USS Tucson Arizona

"Denny Voorhees" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Michael Blomquist I've used them lots, check out my website www.recumbentstuff.com I've written a
short article about their use, just click on "Some

recumbent

Quoted message said:

biking tips from Denny" The short is "Ridie Talkies" The range is somewhat limited, but with
headsets or lapel mike's and earpieces they make keen intercoms for group rides. None of that
trying to ride side by side on narrow roads or over the shoulder hollerin. The over water the
range is the two miles easily. UHF radios like the FRS radio's have 'line of sight" range,.that is
if you can "see" the other

radio

Quoted message said:

you can probably talk to it.

"Derek Swift" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I use them. The two mile range has been tested to pretty good results too.

Derek

In article said:

Does anyone else out there use FRS radios for group comm during rides?

While there are drawbacks to this - the radios cost more than the generic FRS models, and you have
to pass a test - think about getting an amateur radio license. With that, you can use hand-held
radios similar to the FRS radios but with more power (usually), not to mention being able to use
"repeaters" that will extend your range considerably. This may lead you into even more adventures in
"ham" radio, not the least of which would be helping out with communications on many of the larger
rides. While more and more are utilizing cell phones, many have found it's hard to beat a roving
bunch of bikers and SAG vehicles using 2-meter radios, all in touch with each other and a central
base station. Quite often the organizer of the event will give you a signifcant break on the ride
fees for being a volunteer. For more info, especially for those in the US, check out the Bicycle
Mobile Hams of America, at lafetra.combmhaOpen ↗ .

--
Larry Varney, KM4ZH Cold Spring, KY home.fuse.netlarryvarneyOpen ↗

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Larry Varney
...This may lead you into even more adventures in
"ham" radio, not the least of which would be helping out with communications on many of the larger
rides. While more and more are utilizing cell phones, many have found it's hard to beat a roving
bunch of bikers and SAG vehicles using 2-meter radios, all in touch with each other and a central
base station.

Yes!!! Hams!!! We use 2 meter and it works for all our recreational fun needs, kayaking, biking, snowshoeing and backpacking. See you on the river, road, snow and trail.... KD7BED 😄

ikayak said:

Larry Varney said:

...This may lead you into even more adventures in "ham" radio, not the least of which would be
helping out with communications on many of the larger rides. While more and more are utilizing
cell phones, many have found it's hard to beat a roving bunch of bikers and SAG vehicles using
2-meter radios, all in touch with each other and a central base station.

Yes!!! Hams!!! We use 2 meter and it works for all our recreational fun needs, kayaking, biking,
snowshoeing and backpacking. See you on the river, road, snow and trail.... KD7BED 😄

You betcha , works great, I plan on mounting a 220MHz radio on my new 'bent that accesses my IRLP
node and remote base, talking to the netherlands while I am riding my 'bent in Spokane County would
be cool ;^)

Wonder if there is a 'bent ham group ? I know there is a "bicycle-hams" group but maybe a more
focused group for 'bent riders ?

Thinking about putting GPS on my 'bent too 🙂

happy pedal-hamming !

--
Douglas Cole N7BFS Spokane IRLP node owner AMSAT#26182 , K2 # 544 users.qwest.net~cdoug3Open ↗
Registered Linux user # 188922

I use a 2 meter handheld for some of the rides that I do. You can't beat them. I'm usually part of
the communications for the ride.

Gary N7HTS

Douglas Cole <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<j6Pga.203 [email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

ikayak said:

Larry Varney said:

...This may lead you into even more adventures in "ham" radio, not the least of which would
be helping out with communications on many of the larger rides. While more and more are
utilizing cell phones, many have found it's hard to beat a roving bunch of bikers and SAG
vehicles using 2-meter radios, all in touch with each other and a central base station.

Yes!!! Hams!!! We use 2 meter and it works for all our recreational fun needs, kayaking, biking,
snowshoeing and backpacking. See you on the river, road, snow and trail.... KD7BED 😄

You betcha , works great, I plan on mounting a 220MHz radio on my new 'bent that accesses my IRLP
node and remote base, talking to the netherlands while I am riding my 'bent in Spokane County
would be cool ;^)

Wonder if there is a 'bent ham group ? I know there is a "bicycle-hams" group but maybe a more
focused group for 'bent riders ?

Thinking about putting GPS on my 'bent too 🙂

happy pedal-hamming !

"ikayak" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Yes!!! Hams!!! We use 2 meter and it works for all our recreational fun needs, kayaking, biking,
snowshoeing and backpacking. See you on the river, road, snow and trail.... KD7BED 😄

Absolutely! Here's how:

arrl.orghamradio.htmlOpen ↗