Walkie-talkies are a device that offers a wide range of communication to fellow companions. This instrument is used to keep their communication while moving to a certain distance as mobile phones don’t work in places like mountains or jungles that don’t have cellular signals.
These two-way radios are useful not only for public safety, traveling, large industries, and other business purposes. This is also ideal and convenient for outdoor group activities like cycling to send and receive voice messages.
If you want to use a walkie-talkie on your group ride, here are several models introducing new features and have improved their quality performance.
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5 best Walkie Talkies for Cycling
#1 Midland X-Talker T71VP3
This type of model suits every group of cyclists whenever they have a long-ride activity. This feature serves its purpose for communication while on the move. It is a must-gadget for every outdoor activity. You can even purchase it even if you don’t have the license since it is a license-free walkie-talkie.
It’s a lightweight model and also comes with hands-free attached features; therefore, you can always bring and use it when you’re on the go while communicating without even touching the device. These 2-way radios can cover an extra mile while maintaining confidential codes and conversations between the users.
You can also save battery while on the road by adjusting the transmission range in addition to its accessories such as battery meter indicator, micro USB charging port, and drop-in charger for easy charging.
Silent operation is possible. The device can be switched to silent mode according to your activity, and if you don’t want to disturb others or either, you can opt to use earphones by plugging them into the headphone jack. The auto squelches feature will suppress the static noise when it’s difficult to skim signals.
It features a weather scan, and it is waterproof in design to withstand unpredictable weather but not extreme weather conditions. It is perfectly designed for cyclists that love to have long rides.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 38 miles
- Power output: 1.5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS)
- Battery: rechargeable batteries or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 6.1 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 0.39 lb
- Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
- License needed: no (exclusive for FRS use only)
Pros of the Midland X-Talker T71VP3
- 15-hour long battery life
- Long-range up to 38 miles in an ideal terrain and weather condition
- Compact and lightweight for indoor and simple outdoor activities
- Exceptional sound quality
- Rainproof (no IP rating)
Main Plus: Weather alert system and privacy codes
It has a built-in weather alert radio that gives a signal when bad weather conditions are coming your way which will give you and your group enough time to take proper precautions and to secure yourself a safe place. This two-way radio has 36 channel features and 121 privacy codes, providing additional privacy for delicate conversations.
Cons of the Midland X-Talker T71VP3
- Not suitable for extreme activities and heavy weather conditions
- Less cost-efficient compared to other models which offer extra features
- No GMRS channels
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#2 Retevis RT22
These 16 channels RT22 portable two-way radio provides instant communication with a compact style in just 13mm size at only 109g, with this lightweight model you can travel comfortably without additional baggage in you.
This unit is also suitable for everyone who loves outdoor sports activity especially biking. This is a good choice, especially when traveling in an area where mobile phone signals are poor. It is a rechargeable walkie-talkie with a lithium-ion battery and features an automatic battery-saving mode when idle. It comes with a multi-gang charger for multiple securities such as short circuit, over-voltage, or under voltage.
This device is a Family Radio Service or FRS. It is license-free since it does not meet the US required frequency for Two-way radio. The range depends on the location of the user. In an urban area, the building may hinder the frequency, whereas in an area with less or no blockage, the unit function, and its full potential.
The device works well in moving sports like cycling, but it has its limitations. It is not waterproof; no charging dock and auto squelch are only limited to the same unit, but the multifunction of this model is admired to all ages and to everyone who loves outdoor activities since it is pocket size and easy to operate.
Specifications
- Brand: Retevis
- Range: 2 miles
- Power output: 0.5-2 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS)
- Battery: rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Size: 4 x 2.1 x 0.78 inches
- Weight: 0.25 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: no (exclusive for FRS use only)
Pros of the Retevis RT22
- Retevis RT22 is portable to carry and handy
- Battery-saver and low-power consumption
- Emergency alarm system
- Has auto squelch to decrease the background noise
- Has shock-proof and dustproof feature
Main Plus: hands-free operation
It features Voice Activated Transmit for hands-free conversation which is very useful for long-ride cycling activity. It also comes with an alarm system, belt clip, and a USB plug port.
Cons of the Retevis RT22
- Not waterproof
- Auto squelch operates only with the same Retevis model
- Not provided with charging cradle
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#3 Motorola Talkabout MR350R
This 22 channel hybrid Family Radio Service (FRS)/ General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is well-known for its wide coverage radius that reaches up to 35 miles with 22 privacy codes to prevent privacy intrusion and maintain the confidential conversation.
With iVOX for hands-free use and rechargeable AA batteries that lasted for about 9 hours or NiMH battery. With dual charging dock and USB cord for other means of charging that gives the user plenty of charging options.
The unit features a call button for easy conversation, channel scan to search for frequency, call alert, and keypad lock. The additional accessories of this unit include a belt clip for easy handling, a power adaptor, and a headset with LED flashlights which can be used to get attention during nighttime.
I would greatly recommend this Motorola Talkabout MR350R for biking; it has 7 NOAA channels that notify the user when bad weather is near approaching an alarm to stay away from any outdoor activity. Auto squelches prevent unnecessary noise when the signal is not available. The unit is light and easy to carry, which fits outdoor activities.
Consider using this unit as it has MON (monitor mode) to assist in scanning channels to let you know if someone is using the channels and security codes.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: 0.5-1.5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.6 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 0.32 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP51)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola Talkabout MR350R
- The Motorola MR350R has a built-in LED flashlight.
- Large Buttons allow using the device with gloves.
- Up to 23 hours of battery life.
- The walkie-talkie withstands the weather to an extent rating of (IP51).
- With 11 Weather channel integration and efficient emergency signal features.
Main Plus: emergency alert features
This two-way radio has an alert button, if you are in a desperate situation or trouble, just simply push the alert button and send a distress call to other parties within the range. The radio will switch to a hands-free mode for a few seconds when the distress button is pushed to relay an emergency call.
Cons of the Motorola Talkabout MR350R
- Motorola has stopped the production of the MR350R 2-way radio.
- The belt clips of this radio set are rather fragile and can break easily.
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#4 Motorola T503
The Motorola T503 is a two-way radio with a fully waterproof design and ideal for cycling and outdoor enthusiast. The T503 provides up to a 35-mile communication range which depends on the terrain and weather conditions. It has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, with an overall total of 2,662 combinations, so you won’t have a hard time searching for available channels and keep you to stay connected with the other users.
This model has an iVOX/VOX supplementary equipment feature that allows the user to operate the device hand-free with an audio accessory headset. This T503 model will stay updated with its real-time weather condition forewarning through 11 weather channels with alert system type including 7 NOAA.
Motorola T503 is a great choice for people who expect extreme usage or around water, as it will give confidence that the device will endure heavy weather conditions.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: no information
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS), 162.000-162.550 MHz (Emergency Alarm)
- Battery: NiMH Rechargeable Batteries or 3 AA Alkaline Batteries
- Size: 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.54 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP67)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T503
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- High quality with a fair price
- Battery duality
- Lots of channels available
- Significant communication range
Main plus: the emergency alert button
Motorola T503 has an emergency alert piece of device. The radio transmits and alerts the siren following the transmission of incidental verbal sounds. It also comes with a keypad lock for safety untuning the desired settings of the radio and has 20 backlit call tones with a talk confirmation tone.
Cons of the Motorola T503
- Physical aspects that influence the signal
- Bulky
- Only one color available
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#5 Cobra ACT220B
The portable size and design of this radio are perfectly built-in so it doesn’t give you additional load when you are cycling. The circular shape of ACT220B has the best built-in clip that can rotate 360 degrees.
The speaker, microphone, and internal antenna are properly installed inside without risking the clarity of reception and quality of the audio when transmission.
The Cobra ACT220B runs with an internal, built-in Lithium-polymer battery that will last up to 10 hours on normal use. It is a rechargeable radio with a standard built-in Micro-USB charging port.
ACT220B also has battery saver mode, channel voice prompts, keypad tones, and a low battery indicator. It is also an IPX4 waterproof guard for durability performance.
Specifications
- Brand: Cobra
- Range: 12 miles
- Power output: no information
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: rechargeable battery
- Size: 2.39 x 2.36 x 1.22 inches
- Weight: 0.58 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IPX4)
- License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Cobra ACT220B
- Has Solid Range up to 12 miles
- Can endure submerged and heavy rains
- It is a compact portable, square-shaped, two-way radio device that you can operate hands-free. It is used with a belt clip.
- Has Battery life of an uninterrupted 10 hours.
- AT220 is rechargeable. You can charge anywhere with a micro-USB port
- Has VOX function and headset connector for hands-free operation
- Works with other GMRS/FRS walkie-talkie radios
Main Plus: portable and easy to use
It’s a suitable and easy way to keep in touch with your group. Portable and light were enough to clip anywhere you want. The advantage of ACT220B is to keep you from tracking companions while on the move or inactions, between cycling, mountain climbing on road trips, or any outdoor adventure trips.
Cons of the Cobra ACT220B
- Nothing to display information
- No charging brick
How to choose the Best Walkie Talkie for Cycling
There are many various selections of 2-way-radio offered in the market today, and it’s difficult to differentiate to look for a product that perfectly suits your needs.
Some of these 2 way-radios are not compatible and suitable for every activity and environment, so you have to choose wisely what is right for your needs. Before purchasing, you have to consider some of these key factors; the range of coverage, frequency, supplementary equipment, and toughness of the radio model. Read this guide to help you choose the best walkie-talkie for you.
Here is a list of two-way radio features:
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Size and Weight
Select units by weight or size if it’s intended for cycling. You may want to use a lightweight class radio that is not bulky to bring. If you are a cyclist, look for a comfortable shape and consider choosing a model with an antenna similar to its length of the unit; this will provide full thrust in a small set.
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VOX
The voice-activated transmit or “VOX” feature will start broadcasting automatically once you communicate in the direction of the transistor. Therefore this will let you operate it hands-free. This is very useful to every mountain biker. Not all two-way radios have VOX features, so make sure to look closely and check the product specs if that special feature is what you are looking for.
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Keypad Lock
This allows you to lock the entire device to avoid accidentally changing your usual radio setup when on an outdoor activity.
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Hands-free Communicaiton
Headphones, Jacks for microphones, and microphone/headphone allows for you to operate hands-free. It is perfectly ideal for cycling, and you don’t need to stop to answer or reply to the call.
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Weather forecast Radio
Push the NOAA band stations to update for local forecast and weather conditions. This handy feature is for everyone, essential to backpackers and to those who love outdoor adventures.
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Radio Battery Duration
Most low-end walkie-talkies are operated on AA or AAA batteries and designed for disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Others come with their rechargeable battery packs.
It is important to know the estimated time of usage on the radios you want to buy, so you can figure out if you need to carry some spare batteries. The battery life is usually estimated to be 90 percent standby time, 5 percent reception time, and 5 percent transmission time.
Overall, if the radio has a higher power output, the battery will drain faster. Look for walkie-talkie models that switch the unit automatically into a low-power, battery-saver mode once a certain usage of time elapsed after or between broadcasts. Or you may consider bringing an extra battery or a solar charger for the replacement of rechargeable batteries.
Why should I use a Walkie-Talkie for Cycling?
Cycling using a walkie-talkie is a convenient way to converse with your fellow cyclist. When you are riding your bike, it’s not easy to communicate. You must stay focused and in control of the bicycle while sending and receiving messages.
Maintaining balance and control while riding your bike can also limit your capability to use hand signals, and you don’t have to communicate with people on your line all the time. Whether you will have a long ride in a group of cyclist riders or to communicate with the companion that was left behind, a walkie-talkie or 2 radios is the best solution.
When buying a two-way radio for cycling use, many unique models and qualities suit you. The latest models have to improve their frequency and radio range, which are handy that weigh less and bulky. If you are going for a long ride, we highly recommend getting the best walkie-talkie for your needs.
Conclusion – The 5 best Walkie-Talkies for Cycling
The advantage of using walkie-talkies is that you no longer need a cellular network to operate them. Simply push the button, talk, and then release. The other receiver hears the message and will reply via voice to the sender. The radiofrequency transmit the voice message to the other walkie-talkie user beyond that channel who is listening within the range.
Keeping in touch with other people is essential, especially if you are going through your cycling activity. The best role of these walkie-talkies is to make it easier for you to interconnect with your party, even in the areas where your cellular phones are having difficulty picking up signals and times that are unclear.
These tiny two-way radio gadgets are lightweight, handy, and easy to use wherever you want to go. Aside from communication, these walkie-talkies have additional features, together with SOS signals and weather alerts to assist with warnings.
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Does anyone make a FRS/GMRS radio I can use to listen to FM or AM radio stations
I know of an FRS/GMRS walkie-talkie that can also receive FM or AM. I think if you want to listen to AM / FM radio, you need to buy an additional radio.