Group rides are great for adding a social side to cycling, but often, conversation is limited to cafe stops or the rider immediately next to you in the paceline.
The recently launched Sena BiKom 20 revolutionises communication potential, enabling each rider – whether in a pair or an entire peloton – to stay connected via the power of a small, lightweight, 20g device that can easily be clipped onto a helmet strap.
Sena BiKom 20 key features
- Mesh intercom 3.0: range of 0.5 miles, virtually unlimited partners, six customisable channels
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity: syncs to smartphone for calls, GPS navigation and access to apps such as music streaming
- Audible Bicycle Computer: sync with Shimano’s Di2 system and get audible updates on gear shifts and battery status
- Advanced noise control: wind- and ambient noise-proof technology guarantees crystal-clear audio. A foldable microphone makes it easy to mute yourself, too
- Ultra-light and streamlined: 20g weight and performance-focused svelte design
- Quick installation: mount to a helmet strap in less than a minute
The mini open-ear headset uses Sena’s Mesh Intercom 3.0 system to enable seamless communication with any rider within a 0.5-mile radius.
This enables you to keep in touch if dropped on a climb or if you slip off the back of a no-drop ride with a mechanical issue.
Six customisable channels mean you can keep it closed to your private group, while size isn’t an issue, with channel bandwidth for virtually unlimited riders.
Bluetooth 5.2 powers the system, and opens up further connectivity to smartphones for calls, GPS navigation and access to apps such as music streaming services.
It also opens up syncing to Shimano’s Di2 system, creating an Audible Bicycle Computer (ABC) that provides hands-free updates on gear shifts and battery status – leaving you free to focus on the road or trail, not your head unit.
All this would count for nothing if the audio wasn’t up to scratch, but the Sena BiKom 20 includes advanced noise control that is wind- and ambient noise-proof, ensuring crystal-clear communication at all times.
The device’s foldable microphone makes muting yourself a cinch, too, meaning the rest of the group don’t have to hear your laboured breathing on a hard climb.
Two-wheeled testing ground
The BiKom 20 is Sena’s first foray into the cycling market, but it has had a presence in motorcycling for 15 years. It launched its SMH10 – a wireless rider-to-rider communication system that can clip onto a motorcycle helmet – back in 2010, completely shaking up the industry.
Sena has been a pioneer in the space ever since, and the company now has its own line of smart motorcycle helmets, communication devices and smart action cameras.
All of these use its proprietary Mesh Intercom system. Given that its products can perform in the testing, fast and noisy environments encountered on a motorcycle, they can handle anything a cyclist will throw at them.
Revolutionise any ride
With effortless, intuitive and integrated communication, the benefits of the Sena BiKom 20 are clear on a social group ride, where the walkie-talkie-like device makes it easy to chat and warn fellow riders of sharp turns, upcoming climbs or any dangers ahead.
But the system’s uses aren’t limited to road cycling, and will enhance any riding experience.
Off-road, the setup enables you to explore remote trails, discover new lines and pre-warn your riding buddies of any technical terrain without the need to shout.
The BiKom 20 is also the perfect companion for ebke commuting and navigating busy city streets – providing hands-free GPS directions when paired to a phone, while keeping your ears open to listen out for traffic.
