“Got your ears on?”, “Ten Four”, “There’s a Smokie on your tail”. Ehhh! Whaaaat! You may need to brush up on your Call Sign alphabet and CB radio sayings if you’ve let them lapse. Lazer’s new communication device, the VeloVox, enables hands-free peloton conversations for up to 30 riders. So, assuming every single cyclist rushes out to buy the £160 device, there will be no more calling up the line of riders “Pete’s got a puncture, slow up”, as the lead rider will now know not to ride off into the sunset. Hopefully…
Although it’s not illegal to ride with conventional headphones or earbuds, it is not recommended in most situations either, as you should “be aware of traffic coming up behind you, including other cyclists” according to the Highway Code (our article titled ‘Wearing earphones while cycling — is it allowed?’ covers this area). Lazer’s Open-Ear system allows for a rider to still hear ambient and surrounding sounds, such as an approaching car.
To clarify, the VeloVox doesn’t include an actual helmet, as the kit fits onto existing ones. Lazer claims it’s compatible with most helmets and eyewear, the open ear design attaching to the leading strap of your helmet.
Lazer has jointly developed the VeloVox with Cardo Systems, a wireless communication specialist best known for its motorcycle crash protection kits. The VeloVox “delivers crystal-clear sound quality, with advanced wind and noise cancellation, for voices or music”, claims Lazer.
There are two units in the system, with the left side used for group communications and the right side controlling audio and music. You can receive phone calls too, of course. The ‘walkie-talkie’ part can link up to 30 riders together, keeping the group informed about up coming hazards or even strategy. Siri and Google Assistant can also be summoned with a double tap on the left button should you need their help.
The VeloVox can also be controlled with the buttons used on Shimano Di2 shifters, and Shimano STEPS e-bike systems, allowing you to keep your hands safely on the bars. The Cardo Connect App allows settings to be adjusted, including the Open Shimano ones for the Di2 shifters.
With up to an 11-hour battery life, and with an IP54 waterproof rating, it will cope with long days in the saddle and whatever the weather throws at you. A standard USB-C port takes care of the charging. At 19 grams per side they shouldn’t affect how your helmet feels either.
Pricing is £160 for the UK, €160 in the EU and $185 in the United States.
We have a set in the office already, so a review will be appearing soon on road.cc… Roger and out!
6 thoughts on “Lazer launches VeloVox open-ear communications device for cyclists: a walkie-talkie for group rides, a music player for training sessions… and you can take that important call too!”
I was curious and dug through
I was curious and dug through their site. This device uses the mobile phone network to communicate between riders, it’s not a point-to-point radio, so it won’t work if your phone doesn’t have service or runs out of battery.
160 quid for what is
160 quid for what is essentially a Bluetooth headset? And it has no bone conductivity either? Now this is rich.
This looks like it’s going to
This looks like it’s going to be sitting in your peripheral vision, which to me is more of a problem for awareness than earbuds would be.
Quote:
Due to a family member currently being in Kingston hospital I’ve been riding through Richmond Park every day for the last week (the hospital is just outside Kingston gate) to visit them. I’ve been astonished by the number of sport riders who think they are somehow cool to have their phone blaring music from their back pocket (I mean come on, how much can you even hear with a 30 km/h+ wind in your ears?). Anything which facilitates such absolute bellends to inflict their tunes on others who are out trying to enjoy the peace and serenity of a nice ride in the park/countryside/mountains is very much to be discouraged, in my view. It’s every bit as antisocial as not using headphones to listen to music on the train.
Absolutely and totally agree
Absolutely and totally agree entirely, what total bell end behaviour, as if cyclists need any additional reasons to be hated by the general population!
I also agree that the wind noise will render this device ineffective and an “in ear” system aka TdF type would be more appropriate?
I noticed similar egregious behaviour in Spain with canister style speakers, which unfortunately fit perfectly in bottle cages! This seemed to be very popular with obese middle-aged emtb-ers, who also appeared to enjoy shouting at each other over the horrendous background music from said canister speaker. Apparently headphones are “illegal” when riding a bike, so potentially this device will be the same in Spain, perhaps anyone with more in depth knowledge of the Spanish legal system may be able to confirm?
Turning to the device itself, as mentioned, wind noise when riding will significantly impact it’s functionality and an “in ear” system would be more appropriate, hence the use of in ear communication systems by profession cycling teams, even if they are predominantly used by team managers to shout “get to the front” and “push harder – win!!!”
Just checking the calendar..
Just checking the calendar…definitely not April 1st.